AHQ INSIDER Edisto Island (SC) 2023 Week 12 Fishing Report

by Jay
22 March, 2023

March 26

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to 60 degrees. Both rivers are clearing.

Despite the cooler air temperatures on shore more species are showing up at the nearshore reefs, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that in 30-60 feet sheepshead, black drum, black sea bass, weakfish, and bluefish are all plentiful. In about three weeks Spanish mackerel should arrive. Of course, there aren’t many days when you can get out – customary for March and April – but the fishing is good when you can.

It remains a grind inshore to catch trout, and the fish are still very scattered and trolling the creeks is still the best way to catch them. They remain about ten plus feet deep on the bottom and you can also cast for them. The best action is still coming on mud minnows, but soft plastics can also work okay.

The redfish bite is better, particularly in the creeks, where the best pattern is fishing deep holes and structure on the lower part of the tide with cut shrimp and mullet.

A few flounder have showed back up, and when temperatures hit about 66 they will arrive in droves.

While large numbers of sheepshead are offshore, there are also plenty inshore. Perhaps they are pre-spawn females who will eventually head out, and probably some of them spawn inshore. Regardless, the action is good with fiddler crabs on docks.

The whiting are thick in 10-30 feet of water around sand and rubble piles where they will take shrimp, but some smaller fish are also starting to move towards the breakers. Sharks are also showing up.

Bottom fishing for black sea bass starts in 50-70 feet of water, and there are also some other species at the same depth. However, by far the best fishing for snapper, grouper, triggerfish and more is on live bottoms in 90-100 plus feet.

The offshore fishing for wahoo is not hot but some bigger fish are showing up, and in the wahoo shootout a 90-pounder is currently leading. More tuna are also showing up especially towards the Georgetown Hole.

March 9

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 63 degrees. In particular the South Edisto River is still pretty tannic and dirty.

It’s still a struggle to catch trout, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the fish are still very scattered and trolling the creeks is still the best way to catch them. They remain about ten plus feet deep on the bottom and you can also cast for them. The best action is still coming on mud minnows, but soft plastics can also work okay.

The redfish bite is better, particularly in the creeks. The flats are hard to fish right now because the water is so tannic that you can’t see much. In the creeks the best pattern is fishing deep holes and structure on the lower part of the tide with cut shrimp and mullet.

A few flounder have showed back up, and when temperatures hit about 66 they will arrive in droves.

The whiting are thick in 20-30 feet of water around sand and rubble piles where they will take shrimp, but some smaller fish are also starting to move towards the breakers. Sharks are also showing up.

Even though there are very few days when small craft can head offshore,

at the nearshore reefs summer trout, bluefish, bull red drum and sheepshead are all around. Soon Spanish mackerel will arrive.

The offshore fishing for wahoo is still pretty good if you get into the fish, and when that happens catching 3-5 fish per trip is normal. However, most of the fish top out around 40 pounds.

Tuna are out there but very deep, but should become catchable once it warms a bit more.

February 24

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 58 degrees. The water is still very dark and tannic around Edisto.

Catching 10-15 trout in a day, with 5-7 keepers, continues to be a good result, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that with fish very scattered trolling the creeks is still the best way to catch them. They are still about ten plus feet deep on the bottom and you can also cast for them. The best action is still coming on mud minnows, but soft plastics can also work okay.

The redfish sizes are getting a little more mixed, and in addition to 16-18 inch reds on the flats and in the creeks they are getting some bigger ones. It’s mostly an artificial lure bite, and tide doesn’t really seem to matter as long as the water is clear enough that the fish can see the bait. Cut mullet and cut shrimp can also work.

It’s a time of year when there are only a few days a month when you can get offshore, but

in the next 2-3 weeks there should be some significant changes at the nearshore reefs. The summer trout should get thick as well as bluefish and then Spanish. For now the sheepshead are the best thing going out there, and the hardest part of catching them is still getting fiddler crabs. If you can’t get fiddlers clams and oysters make a decent substitute. There are also chopper blues in the 10-20 pound range as well as the occasional flounder and early weakfish.

There are also incredible numbers of little tunny schooling from 60 feet out to the ledge, and while extremely low food-grade (but good cut bait) they are a fly-fishermen’s dream.

The offshore fishing for wahoo is still pretty good if you get into the fish, and when that happens catching 3-5 fish per trip is normal. However, most of the fish top out around 40 pounds.

Tuna are out there but very deep, but should become catchable once it warms.

February 16

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 56 degrees. With all the rain the water is very dark and tannic around Edisto.

There’s very little change over the past two weeks around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that some people have been catching trout trolling in the creeks. The fish have mostly broken out of their big winter schools and are extremely scattered. They are still about ten plus feet deep on the bottom and you can also cast for them. The best action is still coming on mud minnows, but soft plastics can also work okay.

They continue to catch a bunch of 16-17 inch redfish, and on the flats and in the creeks they will take Gulp!, Zman baits and mud minnows. Overall the incoming tide is fishing best when warmer water comes in from the ocean.

The whiting are thick in 20-30 feet of water around sand and rubble piles where they will take shrimp.

The keeper sheepshead are almost all at the nearshore reefs, and the hardest part of catching them is getting fiddler crabs. If you can’t get fiddlers clams and oysters make a decent substitute. The sheepshead bite is about the best thing going right now.

There are also incredible numbers of little tunny schooling in 40-60 feet and even out to the ledge, and while extremely low food-grade (but good cut bait) they are a fly-fishermen’s dream. Chopper bluefish in the 10-20 pound range are also out there, especially over the wrecks.

Also, don’t overlook riding and looking for bull red drum schooling in 30-50 feet of water. When you see gannets diving on bait there are bound to be red drum there.

Bottom fishing for black sea bass starts in 60 feet of water, and there are also some other species at the same depth. However, by far the best fishing for snapper, grouper, triggerfish and more is on live bottoms in 90-100 plus feet. Bottom fishing is probably the other best thing going right now, although you basically get one good day per week.

The offshore fishing for wahoo has been surprisingly good, and they are catching 4-5 fish per trip. However, most of the fish top out around 40 pounds.

February 2

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 54-56 degrees. With all the rain the South Edisto is fairly tannic while the North Edisto is cleaner.

The fish are a little more aggressive with the recent warm weather, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout bite has improved a little in the creeks. The fish are still about ten plus feet deep on the bottom, and casting is still better than trolling, but you can catch some fish trolling. The best action is still coming on mud minnows, but soft plastics can also work okay.

The bad news, though, is that fish have mostly broken out of their big winter schools and are extremely scattered. Once you catch a single fish in a creek bend you might as well move on!

The whiting are thick in 20-30 feet of water around sand and rubble piles where they will take shrimp.

There are also incredible numbers of little tunny schooling in 40-60 feet and even out to the ledge, and while extreme low food-grade (but good cut bait) they are a fly-fishermen’s dream. Chopper bluefish in the 10-20 pound range are also out there, especially over the wrecks.

Also, don’t overlook riding and looking for bull red drum schooling in 30-50 feet of water. When you see gannets diving on bait there are bound to be red drum there.

The offshore fishing for wahoo has been surprisingly good, and they are catching 4-5 fish per trip. However, most of the fish top out around 40 pounds.

January 20

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 53 degrees in the creeks and 55-56 on the front beaches. Both rivers are clear.

The fishing is very stable at Edisto right now, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that they continue to catch lots of smaller trout in the creeks. The fish are still about ten plus feet deep on the bottom and you have to present a bait to them extremely slowly. Trolling is out because basically no matter how slow you troll it’s too fast, and you need to make repeated casts to an area to get bites. The best action is coming on mud minnows, but soft plastics can also work okay. Fish are usually in schools and so once you catch one you should look for more.

The whiting are thick in 20-30 feet of water around sand and rubble piles where they will take shrimp.

90 plus percent of the keeper sheepshead are at the nearshore reefs, and the hardest part of catching them is getting fiddler crabs. If you can’t get fiddlers clams and oysters make a decent substitute.

The nearshore reefs also have black sea bass, black drum, and big red drum over 27 inches.

Also, don’t overlook riding and looking for bull red drum schooling in 30-50 feet of water. When you see gannets diving on bait there are bound to be red drum there.

January 5

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 55 or 56 degrees in the creeks and the rivers are clear.

A lot has happened with the Edisto fishing in two weeks, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the redfish became extremely lethargic in the cold conditions but they are re-energizing now. On the flats they will take Gulp!, Zman baits and mud minnows.

The fishing has stayed more consistent in the creeks, and there are tons of fish on the smaller end of the slot which will take the same baits. Overall the incoming tide is fishing best as warmer water comes in from the ocean.

The main rivers are still devoid of trout while the creeks still have plenty, but the patterns have changed. Now the fish are ten plus feet deep on the bottom and you have to present a bait to them extremely slowly. Trolling is out because basically no matter how slow you troll it’s too fast, and you need to make repeated casts to an area to get bites. The best action is coming on mud minnows, but soft plastics can also work okay. Fish are usually in schools and so once you catch one you should look for more, and about two-thirds of the fish are under 14 inches. Many of the bigger trout have headed out to the ocean.

The whiting are thick in 20-30 feet of water around sand and rubble piles where they will take shrimp.

90 plus percent of the keeper sheepshead are at the nearshore reefs, and the hardest part of catching them is getting fiddler crabs. Haddrell’s Point in Charleston sells out fast! The nearshore reefs also have black sea bass, black drum, and big red drum over 27 inches.

Also, don’t overlook riding and looking for bull red drum schooling in 30-50 feet of water. When you see gannets diving on bait there are bound to be red drum there.

Bottom fishing for black sea bass starts in 60 feet of water, and there are also some other species at the same depth. However, by far the best fishing for snapper, grouper, triggerfish and more is on live bottoms in 90-100 feet. However, with one more cold spell they will head out to the ledge.

Offshore the temperatures at the ledge in 150-180 feet is about 70 degrees, and most everyone is high speed trolling at 12-18 miles per hour to cover water and trigger reaction bites. On the last good day a lot of wahoo and tuna were caught.

December 22

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to about 54 degrees in the creeks. The North Edisto and the South Edisto are both still clear.

It feels like the calm before the [Winter] storm [Elliott], but for now Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the patterns are basically unchanged. However, with five days of sub-freezing lows predicted – including one night of temperatures in the teens and a couple of days in the low-20s – Ron is watching in case there is a trout kill. That usually happens when there are 3-5 days below 46 degrees, and even though we are starting out well above that range it is a possibility. Regardless of whether there is a trout kill the fishing is sure to slow way down for pretty much everything in the coming days.

For now it’s still a hot trout bite, and all you need to do to catch fish is throw grubs. It’s good to have both a dark and a light option (like New Penny and Pearl in Gulp!), and electric chicken and Christmas tree grubs have also been working on a 1/8 or ¼ ounce jighead. The first three hours of the incoming tide have been the best time to fish.

Fish will often be around structure and creek bends, and so casting at these spots is a good pattern. However, trout can also be found in the very middle of the creeks and so trolling is another good way to catch them as long as you keep your bait within a foot or two of the bottom. If you find a group of fish trolling you can stop and cast at them.

The redfish are very grouped up on the flats, and the best time to catch them has been the bottom of the outgoing to the first couple of hours of the incoming. Generally they are pretty willing to eat, but because the fish are spooky covering the flats with a trolling motor or poling is the best way to locate them. You want to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on a flutter hook past the school and then bring it back towards them to avoid scaring them.

But the best place to catch the reds is in the creeks, and they will be mixed in the same areas as the trout around structure. The only difference is that they will not be out in the very middles. They will take the same grubs as the trout and often have the same color sensitivities.

The whiting are in 10-30 feet of water where they will take shrimp.

At the nearshore reefs weakfish are around in good numbers, but there are so many bluefish present that using spoons instead of grubs is preferred. There are still decent numbers of sheepshead (and smaller black drum) in the creeks, but the best of both species are out at the nearshore reefs from the shallowest ones out to 60 feet. Soon all the good ones will be out there. There are so many small black sea bass that you have to sore-mouth them with a jigging spoon before dropping down fiddlers for sheeps or else they will devour everything you lower. Fresh shrimp are the best bait for black drum.

The king mackerel are in 90 feet, and the best bottom fishing for snapper, grouper, triggerfish, porgies and more is in 90-100 feet. However, you can catch keeper black sea bass at 60 feet.

In the Gulf Stream there are still wahoo and blackfin tuna around at the ledge, and most everyone is high speed trolling for them at 12-18 miles per hour.

December 15

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 56 or 57 degrees in the creeks. The North Edisto and the South Edisto are now both clear.

Things will change with the cold weather coming in, but for now the bite around Edisto is about as stable as the temperatures have been over the last few weeks. It’s still an excellent bite for trout, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the fish are still in the creeks (where they will be for some time).

With almost all of the shrimp gone all you need to do to catch fish is throw grubs, and it’s good to have both a dark and a light option (like New Penny and Pearl in Gulp!). Electric chicken and Christmas tree grubs have also been working on a 1/8 or ¼ ounce jighead. The first three hours of the incoming tide have been the best time to fish.

A good one caught on the flats with Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

Flounder are mostly gone but the whiting are still around. However, they have gone deeper into 10-30 feet of water.

At the nearshore reefs weakfish are around in good numbers, but there are so many bluefish present that using spoons instead of grubs is preferred. There are still surprisingly good numbers of sheepshead (and smaller black drum) in the creeks, but the best of both species are out at the nearshore reefs from the shallowest ones out to 60 feet. There are so many small black sea bass that you have to sore-mouth them with a jigging spoon before dropping down fiddlers for sheeps or else they will devour everything you lower. Fresh shrimp are the best bait for black drum.

The king mackerel have moved out to 90 feet, and the best bottom fishing for snapper, grouper, triggerfish, porgies and more is in 90-100 feet. However, you can catch keeper black sea bass at 60 feet.

In the Gulf Stream there are still wahoo and blackfin tuna around with water temperatures about 73-75 degrees at the ledge, and most everyone is high speed trolling for them at 12-18 miles per hour.

December 2

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to about 56 or 57 degrees in the creeks. The North Edisto is clear but outside of high tide the South is coffee-colored.

By the now the vast majority of the trout have left the main rivers and gone into the creeks, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that it’s a pretty phenomenal bite. Yesterday his son caught 60 fish in two hours.

Caught on the flats with Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

Flounder are mostly gone but the whiting are still around. However, they have gone deeper into 10-30 feet of water.

At the nearshore reefs weakfish are around in good numbers, but there are so many bluefish around that using spoons instead of grubs is preferred. There are still some sheepshead (and smaller black drum) in the creeks, but the best of both species are out at the nearshore reefs from the shallowest ones out to 60 feet. There are so many small black sea bass that you have to sore-mouth them with a jigging spoon before dropping down fiddlers for sheeps or else they will devour everything you lower. Fresh shrimp are the best bait for black drum.

November 18

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to about 62 degrees. The water is clearing daily after all the recent rains.

Until temperatures bottom out for the year, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) always reports that each drop in water temperatures leads to a corresponding improvement in the fishing. He hasn’t been on the water in the last couple of days, that’s consistent with the reports he has been receiving.

Trout are still scattered between the creeks and the main rivers. Once the temperatures drop again and all the trout follow the shrimp out to the main rivers the fishing will be incredible in the rivers.

On the main rivers you can catch fish on clean, moving tides in front of any drain where a small or large creek empties out into the channel. The best depth range is 4-8 feet of water, and curly tail grubs, paddle tail grubs, and DOA shrimp will all catch fish. Of course they will eat live shrimp as well, but you don’t need them.

The action for redfish is still very good. On the main rivers fishing live shrimp and cut mullet is dynamite, and in the creeks cut mullet and mud minnows are working very well. Basically if you put something in front of them they will eat it, and the only concern is bait stealers. However, those are on the way out.

More information to follow next week.

November 10

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 70 degrees. Both river systems are clear.

Wind has made for some more difficult conditions this week, but with water temperatures very stable there’s little change with the fishing patterns. The trout fishing is still really good around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports fish are still scattered between the creeks and the main rivers. Once the temperatures drop again and all the trout follow the shrimp out to the main rivers the fishing will be incredible in the rivers.

There is also still a good topwater bite for the first two hours every morning around main river points.

It’s still a good time for flounder, but the next cold front should push them out. The best fishing is close to the ocean in sandy areas where creeks are fed directly or almost directly from the sea. Mud minnows and finger mullet will both work about the same. Right now the giggers are having the best success.

In the surf there are mostly smaller whiting, but if you can go just beyond the sand bars to about 8-10 feet of water better ones are around in numbers. Bigger ones can also be found at the mouth of inlets.

It’s still a good time for inshore sheepshead fishing, and at low tide fish can be caught around pilings in 6-8 feet of water. Fiddler crabs are the best bait. However, they are also starting to head out to nearshore structure where the black drumhave already showed up. The last of the Spanish mackerel are now leaving.

In 60-90 feet of water the king mackerel are loaded up, and you can catch them slow trolling with menhaden or mullet. You can also troll spoons on planer boards. They will be around until water temperatures drop a couple of degrees.

Small black sea bass can be found at the nearshore reefs, but the better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is still in about 70 to 100 feet.

In the Gulf Stream lots of tuna and wahoo are around.

November 3

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 70 degrees in the ocean and 67 in the creeks. Both river systems are clear.

The trout fishing is still really good around Edisto, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that with warming temperatures a lot of shrimp have gone back into the small creeks and so the trout are scattered between the creeks and the main rivers. Once the temperatures drop again and all the trout follow the shrimp out to the main rivers the fishing will be incredible in the rivers.

There is also still a good topwater bite for the first two hours every morning around main river points.

The action for redfish has gotten really, really good in the past week, and the fish know that winter is coming and are fattening up. On the main rivers fishing live shrimp and cut mullet is dynamite, and in the creeks cut mullet and mud minnows are working very well. Basically if you put something in front of them they will eat it, and the only concern is bait stealers.

In the Gulf Stream lots of tuna and wahoo are around.

October 21

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 70 degrees in the ocean and 67 in the creeks. Both river systems are clear.

The trout have really turned on in the past week around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that as shrimp leave the small creeks the fishing is getting even better on the main river channel. You can catch fish on clean, moving tides in front of any drain where a small or large creek empties out into the channel. The best depth range is 4-8 feet of water, and curly tail grubs, paddle tail grubs, and DOA shrimp will all catch fish. Of course they will eat live shrimp as well, but you don’t need them.

There is also still a good topwater bite for the first two hours every morning around main river points.

Trout anyone? With Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

In the South Edisto there are a ton of small rat redfish on the flats as well as some better ones, and they are pretty easy to catch around oysters bars. In the north there are far less fish. They will take both live shirmp and artificials.

However, in the creek bends the bite has gotten really good, and the fish are devouring both paddle tail and curly tail grubs on a ¼ ounce jighead. They will also eat an abundance of natural baits although plenty of bait stealers are still around.

It’s still the peak time for sheepshead fishing, and at low tide fish can be caught around pilings in 6-8 feet of water. Fiddler crabs are the best bait. Black drum are right there with them and also prolific.

Sheepshead are also all over the flats tailing but these fish are very difficult to catch.

In the next month or so some of the fish will start to move out to the reefs, but for now the biggest fish are generally inshore.

It’s still a really good time for flounder, and the strong fishing should last 3-4 more weeks before they leave. The best fishing is close to the ocean in sandy areas where creeks are fed directly or almost directly from the sea. Mud minnows and finger mullet will both work about the same.

There are a few Spanish mackerel here and there but most of them are leaving the nearshore reefs, while the bull reds have arrived at the Edisto Rocks and other nearshore structure. Some of them can also be found at the mouths of inlets. They can be caught on the bottom with mullet and menhaden, but you can also find them schooling. If you ride around looking for the birds and dolphins you should find them.

There are also black drum in the 5-15 pound range at the nearshore reefs, and even though they are there all the time you can actually get a bait down to them with many of the bait stealers now gone. In 40 feet there are also bluefish around and weakfish are starting to show up.

In 60-90 feet of water the king mackerel are loaded up, and you can catch them slow trolling with menhaden or mullet. You can also troll spoons on planer boards.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is still in about 70 to 100 feet.

In the Gulf Stream lots of tuna are around as well as some wahoo. However, it may need to get a bit colder before the wahoo fishing really picks up as right now the fish are on the smaller side averaging 25-30 pounds.

October 13

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are back up to 70 degrees inshore and both river systems are clear. There is still plenty of bait around with millions of shrimp in the creeks, finger mullet prolific, and the 6-8 inch mullet running down the beaches.

With temperatures actually rising a couple of degrees this week there is little to no seasonal progression, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the best thing going is still the sheepshead fishing. At low tide fish can be caught around pilings in 6-8 feet of water. Black drum are right there with them and also prolific. Fiddler crabs are the best bait. In the next month or so some of the fish will start to move out to the reefs, but for now the biggest fish are generally inshore.

The trout fishing is still pretty steady if unremarkable. Fishing main river white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water with live shrimp under a popping cork is still the best pattern, and as long as the water is clear the fish will usually eat. A high tide early in the morning is ideal.

There remain an absolute ton of small rat redfish around on the flats, and before long these fish should be in the slot. For now finding slot-sized fish is difficult, but the best pattern is to fish around oyster bars at lower tides with mullet.

The creek fish remain more reliable, and the best pattern is fishing in deep bends and holes with structure including downed trees, rock and rip rap at low tide. However, you need to check a lot of creek bends in order to find fish and some days it may only be that one out of five or ten holds them. Wait a few minutes and then move on. Cut mullet is the best bait.

Caught just to the south with Captain Tuck Scott

It’s still a really good time for flounder, and at this stage of the season there are more big fish around. The best fishing is close to the ocean in sandy areas where creeks are fed directly or almost directly from the sea. Mud minnows and finger mullet will both work about the same.

The Spanish mackerel are leaving the nearshore reefs, but at the reefs and rocks in 30-50 feet of water bull reds have arrived. They can be caught on the bottom with mullet and menhaden, but you can also find them schooling. If you ride around looking for the birds and dolphins you should find them.

In 60-90 feet of water the king mackerel are loaded up, and you can catch them slow trolling with menhaden or mullet. You can also troll spoons on planer boards.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in about 70 to 100 feet.

October 6

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to 68 degrees inshore and both river systems are clear. There is still plenty of bait around with millions of shrimp in the creeks, finger mullet prolific, and the 6-8 inch mullet running down the beaches.

For now the best game in town is the sheepshead fishing, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that at low tide fish can be caught around pilings in 6-8 feet of water. Black drum are right there with them and also prolific. Fiddler crabs are the best bait. In the next month or so some of the fish will start to move out to the reefs, but for now the biggest fish are generally inshore.

The trout the fishing is still pretty steady if unremarkable. Fishing main river white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water with live shrimp under a popping cork is still the best pattern, and as long as the water is clear the fish will usually eat. A high tide early in the morning is ideal.

It’s a really good time for flounder, and at this stage of the season there are more big fish around. The best fishing is close to the ocean in sandy areas where creeks are fed directly or almost directly from the sea. Mud minnows and finger mullet will both work about the same.

The tarpon have mostly disappeared.

In 60-90 feet of water the king mackerel are loaded up, and you can catch them slow trolling with menhaden or mullet. You can also troll spoons on planer boards.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in about 70 to 100 feet.

A good inshore catch just north of Edisto with Captain Rob Bennett

September 30

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to 77 degrees inshore and both river systems are clear. There are millions of shrimp in the creeks and the 6-8 inch mullet have started running down the beaches.

It’s unclear what the fishing will look like on the back side of Ian, but for now Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the fishing has changed very little in the past ten days. Starting with the trout the fishing is still steady right now. Fishing main river white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water with live shrimp under a popping cork is still the best pattern, and as long as the water is clear the fish will usually eat. A high tide early in the morning is ideal.

The sheepshead fishing has now gotten really good as promised, and at low tide fish can be caught around pilings in 6-10 feet of water. For now fiddler crabs are the best bait.

There are an absolute ton of small rat redfish around on the flats, and in a couple of months these fish should be in the slot. For now finding slot-sized fish is difficult, but the best pattern is to fish around oyster bars at lower tides with mullet. There are also a lot of small black drum mixed in with the reds on the flats.

It’s getting to be a really good time for flounder, and at this stage of the season there are more big fish around. The best fishing is close to the ocean in sandy areas where creeks are fed directly or almost directly from the sea. Mud minnows and finger mullet will both work about the same.

Even though a tarpon would rather chase a slower moving menhaden, there are so many mullet around right now that the fish are keyed on the huge bait schools. It’s as simple as following the bait schools and putting baits out on top or on the bottom, but you will run into a ton of sharks as well. The tarpon should be here about another two or three weeks.

It’s still a tad early for bull red drum inshore, but at the nearshore reefs they are stacking up. When water temperatures get into the 70s and even 60s they will come closer in. There are also tons of black drum at the reefs, some little tunny, and abundant Spanish mackerel. They can be caught casting (or trolling) small silver spoons, but it’s not unusual when you catch a Spanish for it to be immediately chopped in half by a king. Spanish are one of their favorite meals. Most of the kings can be found from 60 feet out to the ledge.

Spadefish are also abundant at the Edisto 60 and 4KI, but the water is so warm they are generally staying about 10-15 feet down.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in about 70 to 100 feet.

In the Gulf Stream the action for wahoo and tuna is very good, particularly around the new and full moons.

September 15

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 82 degrees inshore and the North Edisto is still clear while the South Edisto is very tannic. There are millions of shrimp in the creeks and the 6-8 inch mullet have started running down the beaches.

Even though water temperatures have not really dropped the fall biting is starting to materialize around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that trout fishing is steady right now. Fishing main river white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water with live shrimp under a popping cork is still the best pattern, and as long as the water is clear the fish will usually eat. A high tide early in the morning is ideal.

The sheepshead fishing has now gotten really good as promised, and at low tide fish can be caught around pilings in 6-10 feet of water. For now fiddler crabs are the best bait.

Spadefish are also abundant at the Edisto 60 and 4KI, but the water is so warm they are generally staying about 10-15 feet down.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in about 70 to 100 feet.

In the Gulf Stream the action for wahoo and tuna is very good, particularly around the new and full moons.

August 31

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 82 degrees inshore and the North Edisto is still clear while the South Edisto is a little dirty after 6 inches of local rain! There is plenty of bait in the creeks and the 6-8 inch mullet have started running down the beaches.

With more calm days they are getting to explore some of the nearshore fisheries around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that at 4KI and the Edisto 60 there are a bunch of spadefish around. Sometimes there are jelly balls that work great, but most of the time you can catch the fish on the freshest cut shrimp.

There is also an impressive population of Spanish mackerel and king mackerel which can be found from a few miles off the beaches out to the 60. The king mackerel are eating the Spanish, and you can cast small silver spoons at the diving birds when they are active to catch Spanish. Live bait will also catch Spanish and you can also troll spoons.

As a result of the mullet run the tarpon are really prolific right now, and the key to catching them is now to follow the bait schools. Look at the mouths of inlets and around sandbars where you can anchor live baits on the bottom, and if you are in a boat also look just beyond the breakers for baitfish and then free-line or float live mullet or menhaden to them.

Inshore the trout fishing remains really solid, and at least 50% of the fish are now keepers. Fishing main river white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water is the best pattern. The fish are feeding best for two hours either side of high tide, and live shrimp under a popping cork is the best bait.

Another absurdly large Edisto Island trout

In the rivers it’s still tricky to find slot-sized redfish, but there are a ton of 10- to 12-inch fish right now. That would be a good sign for the future but for some reason every year recently they seem to get plenty of small ones but then when they grow up a bit these fish disappear. There are also a lot of small black drum mixed in with the reds on the flats.

Cut mullet is the best bait.

The flounder fishing continues to be well above normal, but they are still mostly catching a ton of 14-15 inch fish that would have been keepers in the past. Catching a now-legal 16-inch fish is the challenge. Most of the fish are close to the ocean on sand flats and at the mouths of creeks. You can catch them on mud minnows, but still most of the keepers that are being harvested right now are being gigged.

The sheepshead fishing is still pretty good, but in the next two weeks it should get really good. They can be found at low tide around pilings in about 10 feet of water and will take fiddler crabs. However, it’s not easy because most of the better fish continue to feed on the underside of docks where they are mostly unreachable.

With the water warm the better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now from about 100 feet of water out to 160 feet at the ledge.

In the Gulf Stream the action for wahoo and tuna is good.

August 19

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 83-84 degrees inshore and the North Edisto is clear while the South Edisto is cloudy. There is plenty of bait in the creeks.

With some better weather they have been able to spend a lot of time nearshore recently, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that on calm days the Spanish mackerel fishing has generally been really good. Casting small silver spoons at the diving birds is the best pattern, but when the birds aren’t active you generally need to do something else! Live bait will also catch Spanish and increases your chances of picking up other species – but it’s mainly Spanish out there right now. You can also troll spoons for Spanish mackerel but that’s not a technique Ron enjoys.

Inshore the trout fishing has picked up, and even though it’s mostly smaller fish the numbers have really improved. Fishing main river white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water is the best pattern. High, moving tides with clean water are most productive, and live shrimp under a popping cork is the best bait.

Full disclosure - this Edisto gator was caught in a pond!

The creek fish remain more reliable, and the best pattern is fishing in deep bends and holes with structure including downed trees, rock and rip rap at low tide. However, you need to check a lot of creek bends in order to find fish and some days it may only be that one out of ten holds them. Wait a few minutes and then move on.

Cut mullet is the best bait.

The tarpon are still plentiful and rolling everywhere, and the key to catching them is to follow the menhaden. If you can find the big bait schools then the tarpon should not be far behind. Look at the mouths of inlets and around sandbars where you can anchor live baits on the bottom, and if you are in a boat also look just beyond the breakers for baitfish and then free-line or float live menhaden to them.

The sheepshead fishing is still above-average and some goods one are being caught. They can be found at low tide around pilings in about 10 feet of water and will take fiddler crabs. However, it’s not easy because most of the better fish continue to feed on the underside of docks where they are mostly unreachable.

The whiting report is still a broken record, in a good way, and there are mostly small ones in the surf but if you can go just beyond the sand bars to about 8-10 feet of water better ones are around in numbers. Bigger ones can also be found at the mouth of inlets.

With the water warm the better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, red snapper triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now from about 100 feet of water out to 160 feet at the ledge.

From 90 feet out to the ledge there is good king mackerel fishing, and at the ledge there are also once again good numbers of wahoo and tuna.

August 4

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 85 degrees inshore and both rivers have cleared up again.

It’s not clear why but the trout bite continues to drop off, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that looking back at his logs from previous years at this time they were destroying them. Contrast that with today where they are only catching 10-15 per day, and not many are keepers.

Even more confusing, while fish can still be caught around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water with live shrimp fished under a popping cork, there is really no rhyme or reason to when they are catching them. Clean, moving water is a must but it’s totally unpredictable at what time or stage of the tide they will bite.

In the rivers it’s tricky to find slot-sized redfish, but there are a lot of 10 and 11-inch fish right now. That would be a good sign for the future but for some reason every year recently they seem to get plenty of small ones but then when they grow up a bit these fish disappear.

The creek fish remain more reliable, and the best pattern is fishing in deep bends and holes with structure including downed trees, rock and rip rap at low tide. However, you need to check a lot of creek bends in order to find fish and it may only be that one out of ten holds them. Wait ten or fifteen minutes and then move on.

Cut mullet is the best bait.

Black drum are mixed in with the redfish in the rivers and creeks and will take fresh cut shrimp.

The sheepshead fishing has actually picked up to well above-average, and they are catching more good fish than is typical for August. The numbers may be a little lower but that’s okay when you are catching keepers.

They can be found around pilings in about 10 feet of water and will take fiddler crabs.

Photo intentionally blurred to conceal the identity of these bait-stealers — Photo intentionally blurred to conceal the identity of these (alleged) bait-stealers

There are also a ton of sharks in the surf.

When you can get out, at the close-in nearshore reefs there are still very abundant Spanish mackerel that can be caught on small silver spoons as well as live bait. With live bait you can also intercept some big red drum when they pass through. 1n 40-45 feet there are spadefish that will be here all summer, but jellyballs are still pretty scarce. If you can’t find them the freshest cut shrimp is the next-best alternative.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, red snapper triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in 80-100 feet of water.

After the recent Governor’s Cup we now know that Gulf Stream fishing is tough!

July 22

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 85 degrees inshore. Between wind and rain both rivers are pretty dirty.

It’s been more difficult conditions for fishing at Edisto this week, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout bite has just been average so far.

The fish can still be found around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork are the preferred bait, but in the morning there is also a good topwater bite from about 5:45 to 7:30.

The best daytime bite coincides with high tide, and even though it has been in the heat of the day this week fish will still eat.

The river redfish action is still slow, but on low tide you can sometimes find fish around oyster shells and when you do they are pretty easy to get to feed. But finding them is the challenge.

The creek fish remain more reliable, and the best pattern is fishing in deep bends and holes with structure including downed trees, rock and rip rap at low tide. Cut mullet is the best bait. There are a ton of small bluefish in the creeks right now.

The tarpon are still hungry and not going anywhere, and the key to catching them is to follow the menhaden. If you can find the big bait schools then the tarpon should not be far behind. Look at the mouths of inlets and around sandbars where you can anchor live baits on the bottom, and if you are in a boat also look just beyond the breakers for baitfish and then free-line or float live menhaden to them.

The sheepshead fishing still rates as “mediocre”, and even though most of the fish that are caught are small some bigger ones are mixed in. Most of the better ones are feeding around floating docks but those are extremely hard to catch. Black drum can be in the same areas but are more often around trees, although again they are mostly small.

There are also a ton of sharks in the surf.

When you can get out, at the close-in nearshore reefs there are still abundant Spanish mackerel that can be caught on small silver spoons as well as live bait. With live bait you can also intercept some big red drum when they pass through. 1n 40-45 feet there are spadefish that will be here all summer, but jellyballs are still pretty scarce. If you can’t find them the freshest cut shrimp is the next-best alternative.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, red snapper triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in 80-100 feet of water.

After this weekend’s Governor’s Cup we hope to have a full Gulf Stream report.

A nice wahoo caught this month out of Edisto

July 14

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 84 degrees inshore. Both rivers are still pretty clear.

While much of the South Carolina coast, or at least the lower half, is experiencing tailing redfish this week, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that for reasons which are unclear the Edisto area just doesn’t have enough fish in the rivers to tail. On low tide you can sometimes find fish in the rivers around oyster shells, and when you do they are pretty easy to get to feed. But finding them is the challenge.

The trout can still be found around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork are the preferred bait, but in the morning there is also a good topwater bite from about 5:45 to 7:30.

The flounder fishing continues to be well above normal, but they are catching a ton of 14-15 inch fish that would have been keepers in the past. Catching a now-legal 16-inch fish is the challenge. Most of the fish are close to the ocean on sand flats and at the mouths of creeks. You can catch them on mud minnows, but still most of the keepers that are being harvested right now are being gigged.

The sheepshead fishing now rates as “mediocre”, and even though most of the fish that are caught are small some bigger ones are mixed in. Most of the better ones are feeding around floating docks but those are extremely hard to catch. Black drum can be in the same areas but are more often around trees, although again they are mostly small.

An inshore smorgasbord caught with Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

The whiting report is still a (positive) broken record, and there are mostly small ones in the surf but if you can go just beyond the sand bars to about 8-10 feet of water better ones are around in good numbers. Bigger ones can also be found at the mouth of inlets.

There are also a ton of sharks in the surf.

At the close-in nearshore reefs there are still abundant Spanish mackerel that can be caught on small silver spoons as well as live bait, and with live bait you can also intercept some big red drum when they pass through. 1n 40-45 feet there are spadefish that will be here all summer, but jellyballs are still pretty scarce. If you can’t find them the freshest cut shrimp is the next-best alternative.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, red snapper triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in 80-100 feet of water.

In the Gulf Stream there are decent numbers of wahoo and blackfin tuna on the ledge, and there are also tons of king mackerel although most are in the 8-15 pound range. There could also be kings in 90-100 feet but in that range most people are bottom fishing. Next week the Governor’s Cup comes to Edisto and it will be interesting to see what billfish are around.

July 1

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 84 degrees inshore. Both rivers are clear.

The trout fishing has slowed down a little this week, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the only time the fishing is really good is on an early morning incoming tide. The rest of the time you are just pecking away at the fish.

Most of the trout are still in the main rivers spawning around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork are the preferred bait, but in the morning there is also a good topwater bite from about 5:45 to 7:30.

The redfish have slowed a little more this week, but on low tide you can sometimes find fish around oyster shells. They will eat a variety of baits.

The bite is marginally better in the creeks around the deep bends, and particularly those with structure. Low tide is the best time to target them, and cut mullet is the best bait.

The sheepshead fishing remains slow, and most of the fish that are caught are small. The better ones are generally feeding around floating docks but are extremely hard to catch.

At the close-in nearshore reefs there are still abundant Spanish mackerel that can be caught on small silver spoons as well as live bait, but you generally have to go to the reefs in 40-45 plus feet of water to find the spadefish and cobia. Spadefish are still around but with jelly balls tough to find you really need to use the absolute freshest shrimp possible to catch them.

At all the reefs there are occasional schools of red drum that pass through looking to see if bait is around.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in 80-100 feet of water.

In the Gulf Stream the fishing has been better this week, and out of Charleston 99 billfish were caught in the tournament last weekend! There are lots of sailfish in 300-600 feet of water, and on the ledge there are decent numbers of wahoo and blackfin tuna.

A blackfin tuna caught out of Edisto this week

June 24

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are around 82 degrees inshore. Both rivers are clear.

While a majority of the trout they are catching are either side of the minimum size limit, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that this week they are also getting a good number of nice 17-18 inch fish. Shrimp are extremely abundant now and so live shrimp fished under a popping cork are by far the preferred bait. Most of the fish are still in the main rivers spawning around white shell banks, points and current rips. 5-8 feet of water is the target depth.

In the morning there is a good topwater bite from about 5:45 to 7:30.

The flats pattern for redfish has been pretty slow, but on low tide you can sometimes find fish around oyster shells. They will eat a variety of baits.

The bite is still better in the creeks around the deep bends but right now only rates as “fair”. Low tide is the best time to target them, and cut mullet is the best bait.

The sheepshead fishing remains slow, and most of the fish that are found inshore are small. The same is true for black drum.

At all the reefs there are occasional schools of red drum that pass through looking to see if bait is around.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in 80-100 feet of water.

In the Gulf Stream a few dolphin are still being caught and they are mostly small, and on each trip they are picking up 1 or 2 wahoo. The blackfin tuna bite is decent. While the marlin have dropped off the sailfish are showing up, and they could be anywhere from 60-2000 feet. 200-300 feet is generally the most productive depth range, but the key is that you have to be fishing around bait pods to find them.

June 17

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 83 degrees inshore. Both rivers are clear.

Still the most exciting fishery around Edisto is the tarpon, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the key to catching them is to follow the menhaden. If you can find the big bait schools then the tarpon should not be far behind. Look at the mouths of inlets and around sandbars where you can anchor live baits on the bottom, and if you are in a boat also look just beyond the breakers for baitfish and then free-line or float live menhaden to them.

The trout fishing is still very good around Edisto, and when the wind is cooperative for fishing the catches have been very strong. Shrimp are extremely abundant now and so live shrimp fished under a popping cork is strongly out-fishing everything else. Most of the fish are still in the main rivers spawning around white shell banks, points and current rips. 5-8 feet of water is the target depth.

In the morning there is a good topwater bite from about 5:45 to 7:30.

The flats pattern for redfish has been pretty slow, but on low tide you can sometimes find fish around oyster shells. They will eat a variety of baits.

The bite is still better in the creeks around the deep bends but right now only rates as “fair”. Low tide is the best time to target them, and cut mullet is the best bait.

The flounder fishing continues to be well above normal, although catching a 16-inch fish is the challenge. Most of the fish are close to the ocean on sand flats and at the mouths of creeks. You can catch them on mud minnows, but still most of the keepers that are being harvested right now are being gigged.

The sheepshead fishing remains slow, and most of the fish that are found inshore are small. The same is true for black drum.

At the nearshore reefs there are abundant Spanish mackerel that can be caught on small silver spoons as well as live bait, and there are occasional schools of red drum that pass through. Spadefish are still around but with jelly balls tough to find you really need to use the absolute freshest shrimp possible to catch them. The cobia have mostly moved to 90 feet as the water has gotten very hot very fast.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in 80-100 feet of water.

In the Gulf Stream we are well past the peak of the dolphin fishing, but there are still some that can be caught as well as occasional wahoo. Some sailfish are around and surprisingly good numbers of blackfin tuna are being caught.

June 10

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 80-81 degrees inshore. Both rivers are clear.

The most exciting development in the past week around Edisto is that the tarpon have showed up, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the key to catching them is to follow the menhaden. If you can find the big bait schools then the tarpon should not be far behind. Look at the mouths of inlets and around sandbars where you can anchor live baits on the bottom, and if you are in a boat also look just beyond the breakers for baitfish and then free-line or float live menhaden to them.

The trout fishing is still the best thing going around Edisto, and when the wind is cooperative for fishing the catches have been very strong. Shrimp are extremely abundant now and so live shrimp fished under a popping cork is strongly out-fishing everything else. Most of the fish are still in the main rivers spawning around white shell banks, points and current rips. 5-8 feet of water is the target depth.

In the morning there is a good topwater bite from about 5:45 to 7:30.

The flats pattern for redfish has been pretty slow, but on low tide you can sometimes find fish around oyster shells. They will eat a variety of baits.

The bite is still better in the creeks around the deep bends but right now only rates as “fair”. Low tide is the best time to target them, and cut mullet is the best bait.

Unfortunately the sheepshead fishing has really slowed, and now most of the fish that are found inshore are small. The same is true for black drum.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now in 80-100 feet of water.

In the Gulf Stream we are past the peak of the dolphin fishing, but there are still some that can be caught as well as occasional wahoo. Some sailfish are around and surprisingly good numbers of blackfin tuna are being caught.

May 25

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 79 degrees inshore. Both rivers are clear.

It’s been a good week of fishing around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that in particular the trout fishing has been very good this week. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork remain the preferred bait but mud minnows, mullet and imitation shrimp will also work.

Most of the fish are still in the main rivers spawning around white shell banks, points and current rips. 5-8 feet of water is the target depth.

In the morning there is a good topwater bite from about 5:45 to 7:30.

The flats pattern for redfish has been a little better this week, and on low tide you can sometimes find fish around oyster shells. They will eat a variety of baits.

The bite is still better in the creeks around the deep bends. Low tide is the best time to target them, and cut mullet is the best bait.

The flounder are around in very good numbers, and particularly early in the season most of the fish are close to the ocean. They are on sand flats and at the mouths of creeks. You can catch them on mud minnows, but most of the fish over 16 inches that are being harvested right now are being gigged.

While you can still find plenty of small black drum in the creeks around trees, the better fish are on the verge of disappearing with the summer heat. However, it’s still a really good time for large sheepshead. They can be found around structure in 6-10 feet of water. Fishing fiddler crabs on low tide is the best way to get them.

There are mostly small whiting in the surf, but if you can go just beyond the sand bars to about 8-10 feet of water better ones are around in good numbers. Bigger ones can also be found at the mouth of inlets.

At the nearshore reefs the cobia and spadefish are still around in very good numbers in 40-60 feet of water, and while there are a few jelly balls shrimp are working just fine for spades. The weakfish have mostly left but they have been replaced by Spanish mackerel. For now there are some bluefish around but soon they will migrate north as well.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is in 70-90 feet of water.

It’s been a phenomenal bluewater bite for dolphin, and this year there seem to be an unusually large number of big fish in the 30 plus pound range as well as excellent numbers. As it gets warmer they are moving closer in and spreading out, and there are a lot of fish in 160-180 feet. You need to go until you find a weed line or a temperature break to find concentrations of fish.

The only catch has been that with so many boats after them the fish can start to get a little picky, and they get very used to seeing trolled ballyhoo. One of the best ways to catch pressured fish is to take a live well full of small bait such as small menhaden, finger mullet or even mud minnows.

There are also a few tuna that have moved in while wahoo fishing is a bit spotty. So far the marlin have been slow while there are a decent number of sailfish around.

A nice blackfin tuna brought it to the docks at Edisto

May 20

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 76 degrees inshore. Both rivers are clear and the wind has laid down some this week.

With better fishing conditions this week, and the official start of shrimp season, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that it’s been a good week of fishing around Edisto.

The trout fishing has been very good this week, and the only significant change is that with some shrimp showing up in the creeks they are now the preferred bait. Mud minnows, mullet and imitation shrimp will also work but the fish are showing clear preference for live shrimp fished under a popping cork.

Most of the fish are still in the main rivers spawning around white shell banks, points and current rips. 5-8 feet of water is the target depth.

In the morning there is a good topwater bite from about 5:45 to 7:30.

With very high tides the redfish have been a little hard to target this week, and about the only way to fish for them has been to look for tailing fish. However, since the North Edisto does not have a lot of short grass this is a tough pattern.

The bite is still better in the creeks where all you really need to catch them is frozen shrimp. They are hanging around the deep bends, and low tide is the best time to target them. With higher than normal tides the window has been a little shorter.

At the nearshore reefs the cobia and spadefish are around in very good numbers in 40-60 feet of water, and while there are a few jellyballs shrimp are working just fine for spades. The weakfish have mostly left but they have been replaced by Spanish mackerel. For now there are some bluefish around but soon they will migrate north as well.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is in 70-90 feet of water.

There are also a few yellowfin tuna that have moved in while wahoo fishing is a bit spotty. So far the marlin have been slow while there are a decent number of sailfish around.

A bountiful catch out of Edisto on the Saltlick this week

May 12

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island have dropped to about 71 degrees inshore. The North Edisto is still clear while the South is a bit tannic.

There’s no significant change in the fishing patterns from last week to this week, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the wind has made everything more difficult. And highly limited nearshore and offshore fishing.

Still, trout continue to be caught in good numbers and, while you can still catch a few fish in the creeks, most of the bigger groups of fish are in the main rivers. They are spawning and you can find them around white shell banks, points and current rips. 5-8 feet of water is the target depth.

In the morning there is a good topwater bite for the first two hours, while all day you can catch them on live bait (mud minnows and shrimp if you can get them) or DOA shrimp and grubs under a cork.

On the flats the redfish action is about the same, better than a month ago, but they are still not feeding very well. But most of all it is hard to find schools of fish.

The bite is much better in the creeks where all you really need to catch them is frozen shrimp. They are hanging around the deep bends, and low tide is the best time to target them.

The flounder are now around, and particularly early in the season most of the fish are close to the ocean. They are on sand flats and at the mouths of creeks. You can catch them on mud minnows, but most of the fish over 16 inches that are being harvested right now are being gigged.

There are piles of small black drum in the creeks around trees, but not very many of them are keepers. However, it’s a really good time for large sheepshead. They can be found around structure in 6-10 feet of water. Fishing fiddler crabs on low tide is the best way to get them.

On days you can get out there is a lot of good action at the nearshore reefs, headlined by cobia and spadefish. There are not many jelly balls around but the spadefish will eat shrimp, while cobia will take live bait including pinfish or bucktails with long, curly-tail trailers. Spanish mackerel and blues are also thick, and there are lots of bull reds around the reefs.

There are still some weakfish but that is tailing off.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is in 70-90 feet of water when you can get out.

It’s been next to impossible to get offshore, but the dolphin are pretty thick. There have also been blackfin tuna and some spotty wahoo action. The dolphin should still be beyond the ledge in 600-1200 feet, while the best wahoo and tuna action has been at the ledge in 150-200 feet.

May 6

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 73 degrees inshore. The North Edisto is still clear while the South is a bit tannic.

The trout fishing is getting better and better around Edisto each day, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that, while you can still catch a few fish in the creeks, most of the bigger groups of fish are in the main rivers. They are starting to spawn and you can find them around white shell banks, points and current rips. 5-8 feet of water is the target depth.

In the morning there is a good topwater bite for the first two hours, while all day you can catch them on live bait (mud minnows and shrimp if you can get them) or DOA shrimp and grubs under a cork.

On the flats the redfish action has picked up just a little, but they are still not feeding very well. But most of all it is hard to find schools of fish.

The bite is much better in the creeks where all you really need to catch them is frozen shrimp. They are hanging around the deep bends, and low tide is the best time to target them.

The flounder action has really picked up, and particularly early in the season most of the fish are close to the ocean. They are on sand flats and at the mouths of creeks. You can catch them on mud minnows, but most of the fish over 16 inches that are being harvested right now are being gigged.

There are mostly small whiting in the surf, but if you go just beyond the sand bars to about 8-10 feet of water better ones are around in good numbers. Bigger ones can also be found at the mouth of inlets.

There are still some weakfish but that is tailing off.

The better bottom fishing for everything including keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is in 70-90 feet of water.

There have only been about four good offshore days so far since the run began, but the dolphin bite has been pretty phenomenal those days. There are also blackfin tuna and some spotty wahoo action. The dolphin are beyond the ledge in 600-1200 feet, while the best wahoo and tuna action is at the ledge in 150-200 feet.

April 21

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 68 degrees inshore and the water is still clear.

There’s some significant improvement with the inshore fishing around Edisto this week, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout have transitioned out to the main rivers to spawn and they can be caught around the white shell points. The fish are busting with eggs. While early in the morning topwater lures are hard to beat, after that DOA shrimp will work well if you can’t get live shrimp.

On the flats the redfish action is still slow in large part due to seasonal factors, but in the creeks if you can find the fish they will eat most any cut bait including crab, mullet and shrimp. They are hanging around the deep bends and low tide is the best time to target them.

Caught by a young angler with Captain Ron Davis this week

The sheepshead and black drum fishing is still good, and both species are mixed together around pilings in 6-10 feet. There are also a lot of small black drum which can be found around trees. Fiddler crabs will work for both species while black drum will typically eat a broader array of crustaceans.

There are only small whiting in the surf, but if you go just beyond the sand bars to about 8-10 feet of water better ones are around in good numbers. Bigger ones can also be found at the mouth of inlets.

Bad weather has limited trips to the nearshore reefs, but when you can get out there the big weakfish have really showed up this year. There are also lots of bluefish and Spanish mackerel around, as well as a few bull redfish. Everything is biting 1-2 ounce jigging spoons right now.

When you can get out the bottom fishing has been on fire recently, with keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, illegal red snapper and more all in 70-90 feet of water.

On the rare days when you can get offshore the wahoo action is really good!

April 8

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 65 degrees inshore and the water is still clear.

The inshore fishing around Edisto is pretty crummy, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout fishing is still really tough as fish are in a transition period where they are trying to make the move from the creeks to the main rivers. You can’t catch many fish anywhere right now, and about the best bet is to troll grubs for scattered fish in the creeks. The only good news is that very soon it will pick up.

On the flats the redfish action is extremely slow because it’s that time of year, but in the creeks if you can find the fish they will eat most any cut bait including crab, mullet and shrimp. They are hanging around the deep bends and low tide is the best time to target them.

The best thing going inshore is still the sheepshead and black drum fishing, but it’s not as good as some years. Both species are mixed together around pilings in 6-10 feet and there are also a lot of small black drum which can be found around trees. Fiddler crabs will work for both species while black drum will typically eat a broader array of crustaceans.

When you can get out the bottom fishing has been on fire recently, with keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, illegal red snapper and more all in 70-90 feet of water.

On the rare days when you can get offshore the wahoo action is really good!

A great day for wahoo recently out of Edisto Island

March 31

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 62-63 degrees inshore and the water is still clear. With one of the driest springs in recent memory they are hopeful for rain.

This week there’s little doubt that – when you can get there – the best fishing around Edisto is out at the nearshore reefs, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports the big weakfish have really showed up this year. 6-pounders like the fish pictured below are a not-infrequent sight. There are also lots of bluefish and Spanish mackerel around, as well as a few bull redfish. Everything is biting 1-2 ounce jigging spoons right now.

Inshore the trout fishing has gotten really tough as fish are in a transition period where they are trying to make the move from the creeks to the main rivers. You can’t catch many fish anywhere right now, and about the best bet is to troll artificials for scattered fish in the creeks.

The best thing going inshore is still the sheepshead and black drum fishing, but it’s not as good as some years. There are a lot of small black drum right now which can be found in the creeks and are most likely to be around trees, but there are also some black drum mixed in with the sheepshead around pilings. The target depth is still 6-10 feet. Fiddler crabs will work for both species while black drum will typically eat a broader array of crustaceans.

When you can get out the bottom fishing has been on fire recently, with keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, illegal red snapper and more all in 70-90 feet of water.

Offshore report to follow next week.

March 2

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 58 degrees and the water is still clear.

There’s little doubt that the best thing going around Edisto is the sheepshead and black drum fishing, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that right now big ones can be caught both inshore and offshore. In 6-10 feet of water they are catching them around docks, and you can see them picking at the pilings in the clear conditions. Meanwhile the nearshore reefs are also loaded up with both species.

Fiddler crabs are the best bait for both species, while black drum will also eat fresh cut shrimp. Fiddler crabs are available at Haddrell’s Point in Charleston but on sunny days you can also catch your own now.

It’s a little early for the inshore bite to have come on, and usually it isn’t until the first full moon in March which is still a couple of weeks away.

The inshore trout fishing remains at best fair. The next month or so will be a transition period when fish are very scattered, and it won’t be until fish move from their current spots in the creeks to the main rivers that the fishing will pick up. For now covering lots of water in the creeks with grubs remains the best approach, as fish will be in some creek bends and not others.

Trolling is a very popular way to locate trout, and if you catch one or two then you should slow down and fish the area thoroughly. You can also go along the bank and cast.

A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish, and of course, once you locate fish you can also cast live bait to them.

Tide doesn’t matter as long as the water is clear.

March is traditionally a tough time for redfish and this year appears to be no exception. On Ron’s last charter they never saw any fish on the flats, and when you do spot them they are hard to get to eat. Reds should be hanging within ten feet of the banks while trout can be out in the middle deeper, and they never had a bite casting at some really good water until baits got out towards the middle where the trout were.

The flats pretty much have extremely small bait like tiny crabs and small glass minnows and huge bait that is too big to eat like horse mullet, and so the fish are not especially primed to feed on normal offerings.

In the creeks the fishing is better but still not easy, and generally the best approach is to fish mud minnows two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, and rocks in deep bends and holes. They will also eat cut bait.

Until temperatures warm there is no high tide pattern anywhere.

There are only small whiting in the surf, but if you go just beyond the sand bars to about 8-10 feet of water better ones are around in good numbers.

The fishing is just starting to pick up at the nearshore reefs in 30-60 feet of water, and bluefish and weakfish are now showing up even though they are not thick yet. They will take jigs and jigging spoons, as will big redfish on the bottom. You can also use cut menhaden and catch bull red drum. As noted sheepshead and black drum are also out there as well as small black sea bass.

It has been so windy that getting offshore has been tough.

When you can get out the bottom fishing has also been good recently, with keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper and illegal red snapper all in 60-90 feet of water. The best fishing is in 90 feet.

There’s not much in the bluewater zone except the occasional monster wahoo, and a 120-pound fish was caught recently!

February 18

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 52 degrees and the water is still clear.

If anything the redfish have gotten more lethargic and unwilling to eat this week on the flats, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that we are in the time of year when spotting them is easier than getting them to bite. We are also getting to the time where they are especially spooky, which makes for a tough combination.

You can sight-fish for reds on either the lower incoming or the lower outgoing tide, but it has gotten even more important to be stealthy and go after them quietly with a trolling motor or by poling. The best way to catch them is to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on light flutter hooks past the school and then bring it back towards them to avoid scaring the fish.

In the creeks the pattern is still unchanged, and when you can find the fish they are more willing to eat. You should fish two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, and rocks in deep bends and holes. Mud minnows are the best bait.

The best trout fishing remains in the creeks, but that bite continues to be slow in the cold water. Now a good day is catching 10 or so trout. They will be in some creek bends and not others, without a clear pattern, so the best approach is to cover water with grubs.

Trolling is a very popular way to locate trout, and if you catch one or two then you should slow down and fish the area thoroughly. You can also go along the bank and cast.

A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish, and of course, once you locate fish you can also cast live bait to them.

Tide doesn’t matter as long as the water is clear.

While Ron has not seen any black drum mixed in with the reds on the flats, small ones are in the same deep holes in the creeks, especially around trees. Fishing with fresh cut shrimp you will catch both species.

There may be one or two keeper sheepshead inshore that can be caught at low tide around structure with 10-15 feet of water on fiddler crabs, oysters and clams. However, almost all of the better fish have gone offshore.

There are not many whiting in the surf, but if you go just beyond the sand bars to about 10 feet of water they are around in good numbers.

There’s good news off the beaches, and at the nearshore reefs in 30-60 feet of water the fishing is strong for sheepshead and black drum with a variety of crustacean baits. There are also plenty of bull drum for the catching in 40-60 feet of water.

The bottom fishing has also been good recently, with black sea bass in 50-60 feet of water while in 80-90 feet there are triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper and illegal red snapper.

The wahoo fishing is good in the bluewater zone.

February 10

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 51 degrees and the water is still clear.

The best trout fishing remains in the creeks, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the bite continues to slow down in the cold water. Now a good day is catching 10 or so trout. They will be in some creek bends and not others, without a clear pattern, so the best approach is to cover water with grubs.

Trolling is a very popular way to locate trout, and if you catch one or two then you should slow down and fish the area thoroughly. You can also go along the bank and cast.

A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish, and of course, once you locate fish you can also cast live bait to them.

Tide doesn’t matter as long as the water is clear.

The redfish are still pretty finicky on the flats. You can sight-fish for them on either the lower incoming or the lower outgoing tide, but it has gotten even more important to be stealthy and go after them quietly with a trolling motor or by poling. The best way to catch them is to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on light flutter hooks past the school and then bring it back towards them to avoid scaring them.

In the creeks the pattern is still unchanged, and when you can find the fish they are willing to eat. You should fish two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, and rocks in deep bends and holes. Mud minnows are the best bait.

There are not many whiting in the surf, but if you go just beyond the sand bars to about 10 feet of water they are around in good numbers.

There’s good news off the beaches, and at the nearshore reefs in 30-60 feet of water the fishing is strong for sheepshead and black drum with a variety of crustacean baits. There are also plenty of bull drum for the catching in 40-60 feet of water.

The bottom fishing has also been good recently, with black sea bass in 50-60 feet of water while in 80-90 feet there are triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper and illegal red snapper.

The wahoo fishing is good in the bluewater zone.

February 1

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are stable at about 50 degrees and the water is still clear.

The best trout fishing remains in the creeks, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reminds anglers that certain days the fish will be feeding – and on other days they will not. These cold-blooded animals don’t have to feed every day right now. They will also be in some creek bends and not others, without a clear pattern, so the best approach is to cover water with grubs.

Trolling is a very popular way to locate trout, and if you catch one or two then you should slow down and fish the area thoroughly. You can also go along the bank and cast.

A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish, and of course, once you locate fish you can also cast live bait to them.

Tide doesn’t matter as long as the water is clear.

A nice trout caught with Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

The redfish are still pretty finicky on the flats. You can sight-fish for them on either the lower incoming or the lower outgoing tide, but it has gotten even more important to be stealthy and go after them quietly with a trolling motor or poling. The best way to catch them is to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on light flutter hooks past the school and then bring it back towards them to avoid scaring them.

While Ron has not seen any black drum mixed in with the reds on the flats, they are in the same deep holes in the creeks, especially around trees. Fishing with fresh cut shrimp you will catch both species.

There are still a very few keeper sheepshead inshore that can be caught at low tide around structure with 10-15 feet of water on fiddler crabs, oysters and clams. However, most of the better fish have gone offshore.

There are not many whiting in the surf, but if you go just beyond the sand bars to about 10 feet of water they are around in good numbers.

It’s been too windy to get offshore much recently, but on the nearshore structure there should still be a few weakfish, and in 30-60 feet of water sheepshead and black drum can be picked up if you use shrimp or fiddler crabs. If you fish jigs and spoons and you will not catch them, but there are plenty of bull drum for the catching in 40-60 feet of water.

When you can get out the best bottom fishing for black sea bass is in 50-60 feet of water, while in 80-90 feet there are triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper and illegal red snapper.

Both tuna and wahoo are being caught offshore.

January 20

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 52 degrees and the water is clear.

The creek action for trout is still good, although Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that they aren’t catching a ton of big fish. While the fish will eat mud minnows on the bottom, you can’t cover much water to locate fish this way and so if you aren’t fishing grubs you really aren’t fishing! Trout are often in the creek bends but not always, and there is not necessarily a lot of rhyme or reason to where they are stacked up.

Trolling is a very popular way to locate trout, and if you catch one or two then you should slow down and fish the area thoroughly. However, Ron prefers to put the trolling motor down and cast like a bass fisherman.

A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish.

The redfish are still very grouped up on the flats, and the best time to catch them has been the bottom of the outgoing to the first couple of hours of the incoming. In the clear conditions it is sight-fishing and if you find the fish you will catch them. Because the fish are spooky covering the flats with a trolling motor or poling is the best way to locate them, and you want to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on a flutter hook past the school and then bring it back towards them to avoid scaring them. Mud minnows or cut mullet will also work.

In the creeks the pattern is the same as it often is, and you should fish two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, and rocks in deep bends and holes. Fish are very grouped up and so when you find them they are usually pretty easy to catch. Mud minnows, cut mullet and Gulp! will all work.

Right now a lot of sub-legal fish about 16 months old are being caught.

While many of them are small, in the creeks there are tons of black drum in holes and around downed trees. They will take cut shrimp.

Almost all of the better sheepshead have already left inshore waters for the nearshore reefs, but on low tide around structure with about 8-10 feet of water you can still pick up some little ones on fiddler crabs, oysters and clams.

There are still a lot of whiting in the surf, with 6-10 feet the best depth to look for them.

On the nearshore structure there are a ton of big weakfish in 30-40 feet of water, and the best way to catch them is with a jigging spoon or bucktail. There are also bull red drum, abundant sheepshead and black drum out there.

The bottom fishing is very good in 60-90 feet of water, but you can find keeper black sea bass starting as shallow as 50 feet.

The bluewater zone catch is mainly wahoo right now.

January 6

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 56 degrees and the water is clear.

The creek action for trout is good right now, although Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that they aren’t catching a ton of big fish. While the fish will eat mud minnows on the bottom, you can’t cover much water to locate fish this way and so if you aren’t fishing grubs you really aren’t fishing! Trout are often in the creek bends but not always, and there is not necessarily a lot of rhyme or reason to where they are stacked up.

A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish.

The redfish are very grouped up on the flats, and the best time to catch them has been the bottom of the outgoing to the first couple of hours of the incoming. In the clear conditions it is sight-fishing and if you find the fish you will catch them. Because the fish are spooky covering the flats with a trolling motor or poling is the best way to locate them, and you want to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on a flutter hook past the school and then bring it back towards them to avoid scaring them. Mud minnows or cut mullet will also work.

While many of them are small, in the creeks there are tons of black drum in holes and around downed trees. They will take cut shrimp.

Most of the sheepshead have already left, but on low tide around structure with about 8-10 feet of water you can still pick up some on fiddler crabs, oysters and clams. However, most of the fish are already at the reefs.

There are still a lot of whiting in the surf, with 6-10 feet the best depth to look for them.

The bottom fishing is very good in 60-90 feet of water, but you can find keeper black sea bass starting as shallow as 50 feet.

The bluewater zone catch is mainly wahoo right now.

December 22

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are in the mid-50s and the water is clear.

We are still in the period where a water temperature drop can be a positive thing, and usually until water temperatures bottom out for the winter each drop in the mercury can make at least some inshore species feed better. It seems to remind fish that bait is on the verge of being totally gone, and they need to eat up now!

The main river bite for trout is in the rearview mirror, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the action in the creeks is still wide open – especially if you can find a calm day. While the fish will eat mud minnows on the bottom, you can’t cover much water to locate fish this way and so if you aren’t fishing grubs you really aren’t fishing! Trout are often in the creek bends but not always, and there is not necessarily a lot of rhyme or reason to where they are stacked up.

A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish.

While many of them are small, in the creeks there are tons of black drum in holes and around downed trees. They will take cut shrimp.

Most of the sheepshead have already left, but on low tide around structure with about 8 feet of water you can still pick up some on fiddler crabs, oysters and clams. However, most of the fish are already at the reefs.

There are still a lot of whiting in the surf.

On the nearshore structure there are a ton of big weakfish in 30-40 feet of water, and the best way to catch them is with a jigging spoon or bucktail. There are also bull red drum, sheepshead and black drum out there, and you can also find bull red drum feeding underneath the birds in 40-60 feet of water.

The bottom fishing is very good in 60-90 feet of water.

The wahoo fishing is really strong right now, and they are also picking up some tuna.

December 16

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are around 56-57 degrees and the water is clear.

While the main river bite for trout has pretty much dried up, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the action in the creeks is wide open – especially if you can find a calm day. While the fish will eat mud minnows on the bottom, you can’t cover much water to locate fish this way and so if you aren’t fishing grubs you really aren’t fishing! Trout are often in the creek bends but not always, and there is not necessarily a lot of rhyme or reason to where they are stacked up.

A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish.

While many of them are small, in the creeks there are tons of black drum in holes and around downed trees. They will take cut shrimp.

Most flounder are also in the process of leaving or have left.

There are still a lot of whiting in the surf.

The bottom fishing is very good in 60-90 feet of water.

The wahoo fishing is really strong right now, and they are also picking up some tuna.

December 2

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 55 degrees in the morning and both rivers remain clear.

As is the case every year the fishing continues to improve as temperatures drop but before they bottom out, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that big trout can be caught in both the creeks and near the ocean as the trout fishing is peaking in both areas. In the main rivers close to the sea DOA (or live) shrimp fished under a popping cork in the tide rips will work as long as there is clear water. Back in the creeks the DOA shrimp are not working as well, but the fish will eat a grub on a ¼ ounce jighead cast in the deep bends. Trolling is also an excellent way to locate the fish, and of course you should slow down and fish hard when you find them.

The main river redfish action is still very good on live shrimp or finger mullet around oyster beds, and low tide to mid-tide in either direction is now fishing well.

Fish in the creeks are biting very well for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Finger mullet and shrimp will both work, and if you have shrimp on you should also pick up black drum in the same areas on low water. Good numbers of black drum are around right now.

The sheepshead fishing remains absolutely phenomenal in 5-10 feet of water around structure at low tide, and this is the peak inshore fishing of the whole year. Fiddler crabs are still the best but other baits, including live shrimp, will now work.

The flounder catch is slowing down but some fish are still around. The best way to target flounder is to slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom. The better flounder fishing is now at the mouth of rivers and inlets close to the beach as flounder leave.

Whiting fishing is still good in the surf and around sandbars, where the bigger fish are usually found. Cut shrimp is hard to beat but cut mullet often catch bigger fish.

The bottom fishing remains very strong in 70-90 feet of water.

There have been good numbers of tuna and wahoo caught.

November 19

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 58 degrees in the morning. Both rivers are now clear. Small shrimp are still in the creeks, while the bigger ones are closer to the ocean.

There’s not a lot of change in the fishing with conditions about the same as last week, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that big trout can be caught in both the creeks and near the ocean as the trout fishing is peaking in both areas. In the main rivers close to the sea DOA (or live) shrimp fished under a popping cork in the tide rips will work as long as there is clear water. Back in the creeks the DOA shrimp are not working as well, but the fish will eat a grub on a ¼ ounce jighead cast in the deep bends. Trolling is also an excellent way to locate the fish, and of course you should slow down and fish hard when you find them.

The main river redfish action is still very good on live shrimp or finger mullet around oyster beds, and low tide to mid-tide in either direction is now fishing well.

The flounder catch remains really strong with a healthy mix of sizes. The best way to target flounder is to slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom. The better flounder fishing is now at the mouth of rivers and inlets close to the beach as flounder prepare to leave.

Whiting fishing is still really good, and in the surf numbers are high while at sandbars numbers and sizes can be impressive. On rough high tides when the water gets muddy at the mouth of inlets the fish will really feed. Cut shrimp is hard to beat but cut mullet often catch bigger fish.

For a couple of weeks the bull red drum fishing has been really good, particularly in the inlets and at the Edisto Rocks. You can also catch them in the surf but you really need some feature to hold them.

Both menhaden and mullet will work for the bulls.

There are still bull reds, black drum, sheepshead and bluefish at the nearshore reefs.

The bottom fishing remains very strong in 70-90 feet of water.

There have been good numbers of tuna and wahoo caught.

November 12

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 60 degrees in the morning. The water in the North Edisto is clear, while big tides have made the South Edisto dirty. Small shrimp are still in the creeks, while the bigger ones are closer to the ocean.

We have reached the time of year where big trout can be caught in both the creeks and near the ocean, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that trout fishing is peaking in both areas. In the main rivers close to the sea DOA (or live) shrimp fished under a popping cork in the tide rips will work as long as there is clear water. Back in the creeks the DOA shrimp are not working as well, but the fish will eat a grub on a ¼ ounce jighead cast in the deep bends. Trolling is also an excellent way to locate the fish, and of course you should slow down and fish hard when you find them.

The main river redfish action is still very good on live shrimp or finger mullet around oyster beds, and low tide to mid-tide in either direction is now fishing well.

For about a week the bull red drum fishing has been really good, particularly in the inlets and at the Edisto Rocks. You can also catch them in the surf but you really need some feature to hold them.

Both menhaden and mullet will work for the bulls.

While Spanish mackerel have left the nearshore reefs, there are still bull reds, black drum, sheepshead and bluefish.

The bottom fishing remains very strong in 70-90 feet of water.

There have been good numbers of tuna and wahoo caught.

November 5

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 68 degrees in the morning and the water is clear for the area. Bait is still prolific but shrimp are moving back in the direction of the ocean.

Fall fishing is in full swing around Edisto Island, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout fishing is peaking for the year. Fish can be caught in the creeks as well as the main rivers on live shrimp, but with the shrimp headed back towards the ocean the rivers are fishing a little better. Shrimp under a popping cork are all you need.

The main river redfish action is still very good on live shrimp or finger mullet, and on the flats the basic story is that if you find some fish they will eat. The mid-outgoing tide is the best time to fish, particularly around oyster beds.

Fish in the creeks are biting very well for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Finger mullet are the best creek bait for redfish but shrimp will also work as the numbers of bait stealers are dropping.

This week the black drum have also showed up in good numbers, and they are being caught in the creeks around trees and docks. Fiddler crabs and shrimp are both working.

The flounder catch is really strong right now, with a healthy mix of sizes. The best way to target flounder is to slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom. The better flounder fishing is now at the mouth of rivers and inlets close to the beach as flounder prepare to leave.

The sheepshead fishing is absolutely phenomenal in 5-10 feet of water around structure at low tide, and this is the peak inshore fishing of the whole year. With so many bait stealers around you basically have to fish fiddler crabs.

Bull red drum can be caught in the surf, around the inlets, and at the Edisto Rocks. Both menhaden and mullet will work for the bulls.

The nearshore reefs still have Spanish mackerel, but they are starting to leave. There are still redfish, whiting and flounder all over the reefs. Some are closer but more king mackerel are out in 60-90 feet of water. You can either slow troll live bait or pull spoons for them.

The bottom fishing is very strong in 70-90 feet of water.

There have been good numbers of tuna caught and a few wahoo.

A good catch this week with Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

October 21

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 74 degrees in the morning and the water is clear for the area. Bait is still prolific but shrimp are starting to move back in the direction of the ocean.

Fall fishing is in full swing around Edisto Island, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout fishing has been really good. Fish can be caught in the creeks as well as the main rivers on live shrimp, but with the shrimp headed back towards the ocean the rivers are fishing a little better. Shrimp under a popping cork are all you need.

The flounder catch is really strong right now, with a healthy mix of sizes. The best way to target flounder is to slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom. As predicted the better flounder fishing is now at the mouth of rivers and inlets close to the beach as flounder prepare to leave.

Bull red drum can be caught in the surf, around the inlets, and at the Edisto Rocks. Both menhaden and mullet will work for the bulls.

The nearshore reefs are still loaded with Spanish mackerel, and there are also redfish, whiting and flounder all over the reefs. Some are closer but more king mackerel are out in 60-90 feet of water. You can either slow troll live bait or pull spoons for them.

The bottom fishing is very strong in 70-90 feet of water.

There have been good numbers of tuna caught and a few wahoo.

October 7

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 80 degrees in the morning and clarity is still high. There is tons of bait around and shrimping is very good.

With water temperatures actually rising a degree from last week to this fish are still in a bit of a holding pattern, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) does report that the trout coming out of the South Edisto arm have gotten bigger. The fish in the North Edisto are still generally on the smaller side, but numbers are still very good in both locations.

Fish are biting well on moving water off the rips, but better quality is coming further up the creeks. Live shrimp are working very well and some fish are also being caught on artificial lures.

A nice trout caught this week with Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

The flounder catch is still very good, and even though it’s a lot of small fish there are some good ones being caught. The best way to target flounder is to slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom. Right now the fish are scattered everywhere but as temperatures cool they will move closer to the ocean.

The sheepshead fishing is just getting good around inshore structure with 6-10 feet of water at low tide, and after the next cool front it should get really good. With so many bait stealers around you basically have to fish fiddler crabs.

This is still the peak time for catching tarpon, and the best numbers of fish are in the ocean right now. The best way to locate them is to look for large menhaden schools and tarpon rolling on them and fish live baits. It won’t be until water temperatures drop below the mid-70s that tarpon leave.

The bull red drum are still pushing in, and they can be found around most any structure from about 18-20 feet out to the nearshore reefs in 30 plus feet. The nearshore reefs are also still loaded with Spanish mackerel, but for right now most of the king mackerel seem to be out in 60-90 feet (or more). The mullet run should be pulling them shallower but at the moment they are not seeing it.

There are still plenty of spadefish at the Edisto 60 and 90, and with jelly balls around they are easier to catch.

The bottom fishing remains very strong in 80-100 feet of water, with diminishing numbers of cobia on the bottom in 90-100 feet as they start to head south.

When the water temperatures drop three to five degrees the tuna fishing will get very good, and if the wahoo bite is going to turn on that will be the time. There are also a ton of kings out towards the ledge while the sailfish are a little hit-or-miss. Ron has not heard any reports on marlin.

September 30

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to 79 degrees in the morning and clarity is still high. There is tons of bait around and shrimping is very good.

Without a significant reduction in water temperatures fish are in a bit of a holding pattern, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout bite is still strong, although most of the main river fish are still small. Fish are biting well on moving water off the rips in the rivers, but the biggest fish are actually coming in the creeks – although the numbers are lower. Live shrimp are working very well and some fish are also being caught on artificial lures.

The biggest change with the nearshore fishing is that the bull red drum are starting to push in, and they can be found around most any structure from about 18-20 feet out to the nearshore reefs in 30 plus feet. The nearshore reefs are also still loaded with Spanish mackerel, but for right now most of the king mackerel seem to have pushed out to 60-90 feet (or more). The mullet run should be pulling them shallower but at the moment they are not seeing it.

There are still plenty of spadefish at the Edisto 60 and 90, and with jelly balls around they are easier to catch.

The bottom fishing remains very strong in 80-100 feet of water, with diminishing numbers of cobia on the bottom in 90-100 feet as they start to head south.

September 17

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to 83 degrees in the morning and clarity is high. There is tons of bait around and shrimping is very good.

Even with water temperatures still in the 80s the hot fall action is starting, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout bite has been strong, although a lot of the fish are still small. Fish are biting well on moving water off the rips in the rivers, but there are also starting to be some good catches in the creeks. Live shrimp are working very well and some fish are also being caught on artificial lures.

The redfish action has also gotten really good on live shrimp, and on the flats the basic story is that if you find some fish they will eat. Yesterday Ron’s boat found some good schools with slot-sized fish as well as some overs and some unders. Mid-tides continue to fish the best, around oyster beds.

A big redfish caught this week with Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

In the last couple of weeks the flounder catch has been very good, and even though it’s a lot of small fish there are some good ones being caught. The best way to target flounder is to slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom. Right now the fish are scattered everywhere but as temperatures cool they will move closer to the ocean.

The sheepshead fishing is just getting good around inshore structure with 6-10 feet of water at low tide, and after the next cool front it should get really good. With so many bait stealers around you basically have to fish fiddler crabs.

Whiting fishing is still really good, and in the surf numbers are high while at sandbars numbers and sizes can be impressive. On rough high tides when the water gets muddy at the mouth of inlets the fish will really feed. Cut shrimp is hard to beat but cut mullet often catch bigger fish.

This is the peak time for catching tarpon, and the best numbers of fish are in the ocean right now. The best way to locate them is to look for large menhaden schools and tarpon rolling on them and fish live baits.

Nearshore reefs in 30 feet are still loaded with Spanish mackerel, but for right now most of the king mackerel seem to have pushed out to 60-90 feet (or more). The mullet run should be pulling them shallower but at the moment they are not seeing it.

There are still plenty of spadefish at the Edisto 60 and 90, and with jelly balls around they are easier to catch. Still, Ron caught them on shrimp the last time out.

The bottom fishing remains very strong in 80-100 feet of water, with diminishing numbers of cobia on the bottom in 90-100 feet as they start to head south.

When the water temperatures drop about five degrees the tuna fishing will get very good, and if the wahoo bite is going to turn on that will be the time. There are also a ton of kings out towards the ledge while the sailfish are a little hit-or-miss. Ron has not heard any report on marlin.

Part of an impressive catch Part of an impressive catch

AHQ INSIDER Edisto Island (SC) 2023 Week 12 Fishing Report – Updated March 22

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