AHQ INSIDER Edisto Island (SC) 2023 Week 40 Fishing Report

by Jay
06 October, 2023

October 6

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to about 72 degrees. Both rivers are clear again and there is still plenty of bait around.

Things are picking up a little with the trout around Edisto, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that it’s still the slowest fall he’s ever had. They should be catching 100 fish a day, but instead they are having to work to scratch out a dozen or so. That could certainly change at any moment, and water temperatures are still about 5 degrees ahead of where they were last year this week, but the fishing is not good.

Fishing creek mouths along the main rivers is still the best pattern, and live shrimp or DOA shrimp under a popping cork remain the best bet. Next week we should get into some high tides in the morning which are usually ideal.

The redfish action is still good, and they are catching tons of puppy drum on the river flats. In fact, they are again so thick that getting better fish is tricky. With the very high tides of the last week the best way to target bigger redfish has been head up into the grass and look for tails on the flood, and even on lower high tides you can still do that.

You can also still find fish in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. Low tide is the best time to target creek fish, and finger mullet and big mud minnows are the best bets for avoiding bait stealers.

The best thing going inshore is still the sheepshead fishing, and they are catching big ones around structure. Fish fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.

With the mullet run going on the tarpon fishing is still fair, even though many fish have migrated south. The fish that are here are still keying on pods of mullet wherever they can be found, but sand bars at the mouths of inlets are still the best place to fish. In the morning when it’s calm all you really have to do to hook up is free-line baits on the sandbars at the mouth of the inlets.

The flounder fishing is still above average, and they are catching four or five every trip with usually one a keeper. Usually the best place to look for them is still closer to the ocean around Edisto because there is more sand, but if you can find sand further back fish will also be there. While a variety of baits will work mud minnows or finger mullet on a split shot rig are doing the best right now.

It’s a good year for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet.

At the close-in nearshorereefs in about 30 feet there are lots of bull drum around, and there are also Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish schooling together under the birds.

While you can catch them trolling size 0 Clarks spoons on a #1 planer board, casting is getting better.

There is now excellent bottom fishing in 90-100 feet for keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper. We are entering into the best bottom fishing period of the year.

Offshore trolling is picking up for wahoo and tuna, and it should peak between now and the middle of October.

September 29

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 77 degrees. The North Edisto is still clear and the flow of fresh water into the South Edisto has slowed so that it is saltier again. There is still plenty of bait around.

We were hoping to have better news to report for Edisto Island, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout fishing is still extremely tough. Windy conditions and full moon tides certainly aren’t helping, but this started after Idalia and so things can’t just be blamed on the full moon. We will keep you posted as soon as things turn around, but for now live shrimp, finger mullet, DOA shrimp nor any other bait is catching much in the creeks, rivers, inlets or ocean.

Luckily the redfish have picked up again, and they are catching tons of puppy drum on the river flats. In fact, they are again so thick that getting better fish is tricky. Especially with these very high tides the best way to target bigger redfish is to head up into the grass and look for tails on the flood.

You can still find fish in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. Low tide is the best time to target creek fish, and finger mullet and big mud minnows are the best bets for avoiding bait stealers.

The best thing going inshore is still the sheepshead fishing, and they are absolutely slaying the big ones around structure. Fish fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.

With the mullet run going on the tarpon fishing is still very good, even though with lower temperatures some percentage of the fish have already started to migrate south. Fish are still keying on pods of mullet wherever they can be found, but sand bars at the mouths of inlets are still the best place to fish. In the morning when it’s calm all you really have to do to hook up is free-line baits on the sandbars at the mouth of the inlets.

It’s a good year for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet.

At the close-in nearshorereefs in about 30 feet there are more bull drum around, and there are also Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish schooling together under the birds.

While you can catch them trolling size 0 Clarks spoons on a #1 planer board, casting is getting better.

Offshore trolling is picking up for wahoo and tuna, and it should peak between now and the middle of October.

September 22

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 79 degrees. The North Edisto is clear, but the South Edisto is so tannic the water is almost black and visibility is very low. There is still plenty of bait around.

It’s hard to explain what’s going on around Edisto Island, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that it’s the toughest trout fishing he’s seen at this stage of September. Starting after the storm and then progressively getting worse the bite has just died, and in five hours of fishing Wednesday he caught zero trout. He tried up the rivers, down the rivers, the inlets, and even the ocean. He fished with live shrimp and DOA.

While it could turn on again at any moment, and probably will, for now it’s an extremely tough bite.

The action for redfish in the rivers has also slowed a lot, and on the same trip they only caught four or five reds. In contrast two weeks ago they were catching as many puppy drum as they wanted, and having to try to weed through them out to get bigger ones.

You can still find some fish in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. Low tide is the best time to target creek fish, and finger mullet and big mud minnows are the best bets for avoiding bait stealers.

Probably the best thing going inshore is the sheepshead fishing, and they are absolutely slaying the big ones around structure. Fish fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.

Caught on the Eye Strike Jail Bait reef jig

With the mullet run going on the tarpon fishing is on fire, and Ron reports that the area is thick with tarpon from 12 inches to 100 pounds. They are still keying on pods of mullet wherever they can be found, but sand bars at the mouths of inlets are still the best place to fish. In the morning when it’s calm all you really have to do to hook up is free-line baits on the sandbars at the mouth of the inlets, but catching them is another story! The tarpon fishing should peak for several more weeks.

It’s a good year for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet. With all the freshwater inflow there should also be more trout and reds in the inlets and surf.

At the close-in nearshorereefs in about 30 feet there are more bull drum around, and there are also Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish schooling together under the birds.

While you can catch them trolling size 0 Clarks spoons on a #1 planer board, casting is getting better.

Offshore trolling is picking up for wahoo and tuna, and it should peak between now and the middle of October.

While it might be a tough time for some inshore species right now, don’t expect it to stay that way long as we are entering the peak period when water temperatures are between about 78 and 65 degrees. They don’t stay there long but the fishing is usually golden.

September 8

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are all the way down to 80 degrees and there is a ton of freshwater that has come into the creeks.

After a week without a lot of change around Edisto Island, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that’s definitely not the case this week. Temperatures dropped a bunch but probably more significantly Idalia dumped an absolute ton of freshwater into the system. The concentration of salinity in the South Edisto is the lowest that it has been since Hurricane Matthews six years ago! Ron expects it to be about a week and a half before conditions normalize.

The result is that a lot of the shrimp have been run out of the creeks, and the main fish species that has really moved is the trout. Many have pushed into the ocean, and so one of the best places to catch them is now at the mouths of the inlets. They are running the ocean and feeding at the mouth of every inlet.

They can also still be caught on main river points, especially around white shell banks, oyster bars and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. The best time to fish is when there is clean, moving water – usually around high tide.

And while trout will certainly eat live shrimp, there are so many whiting, croaker, pinfish, and other smaller species around that finger mullet continue to be the bait of choice for trout. Fish them on a split shot rig with about 18 inches of leader.

A final note on the trout is that they are big right now. Upwards of half are keepers, and on one trip Ron had eight over 20 inches – his best day ever. They also caught a 24-inch fish, a once every few years trophy for this area.

The other significant development is that the mullet run is underway, and as a result the tarpon (and shark) fishing is on fire. The mullet are on the move out of the backs of the creeks and rivers towards the inlets and ocean, and grouping by their own size from 4-12 inches. In the morning when it’s calm all you really have to do to hook up is free-line baits on the sandbars at the mouth of the inlets, but catching them is another story! The tarpon fishing should peak for several more weeks.

The redfish bite is still really good, and the fish that were 11 or 12 inches are now getting really close to the slot. Both shrimp and finger mullet will work, although with shrimp you have to weed through smaller pecker fish. There are so many around that tide really doesn’t seem to matter for little fish. The best way to catch the bigger fish is to fish the higher moon tides – upcoming – and then look for them up in the grass, but they are also mixed in on the flats.

The bite is still pretty good in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees, but the main river bite is still better. Low tide is the best time to target creek fish, and finger mullet and big mud minnows are the best bets for avoiding bait stealers.

The flounder fishing is still above average, and they are catching four or five every trip with usually one a keeper. This week Ron’s nephew caught a monster 8-pounder on a jumbo 6-7 inch shrimp fished around a major dock piling, and so there are certainly some really good ones around.

Usually the best place to look for them is still closer to the ocean around Edisto because there is more sand, but if you can find sand further back fish will also be there. While a variety of baits will work mud minnows or finger mullet on a split shot rig are doing the best right now. Or jumbo shrimp…

The sheepshead fishing is just starting to improve, and within the next two weeks the best inshore fishing of the whole year for big fish will be taking place. Fish fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.

It’s a good year for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet.

At the close-in nearshorereefs in about 30 feet there are more bull drum around, and there are also Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish schooling together under the birds.

While you can catch them trolling size 0 Clarks spoons on a #1 planer board, casting is getting better.

There is now excellent bottom fishing in 90-100 feet for keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper.

Offshore trolling is picking up for wahoo and tuna, and it should peak between the last week of September and the middle of October.

August 24

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still around 88 degrees and clarity is decent.

There’s very little change this week with the fishing around Edisto Island, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that trout are still the headline species. Fishing should be about to hit another peak, with the August 30 full moon the last big spawn of the year, although there will be a smaller spawn on the September new moon.

While trout will certainly eat live shrimp, there are so many whiting, croaker, pinfish, and other smaller species around that finger mullet continue to be the bait of choice for trout. Fish them on a split shot rig with about 18 inches of leader.

Most of the fish are in the same places where they have been out on main river points, especially around white shell banks, oyster bars and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. The best time to fish is when there is clean, moving water – usually around high tide.

While the redfish bite is still really good, it’s mostly small fish right now. Both shrimp and finger mullet will work, although with shrimp you have to weed through smaller pecker fish. There are so many around that tide really doesn’t seem to matter for little fish. The best way to catch the bigger fish is to fish the higher moon tides – upcoming – and then look for them up in the grass.

Fishing on the bottom with live baitfish they are still catching lots of flounder, with about one out of five a keeper. The best place to look for them is still closer to the ocean around Edisto because there is more sand, but if you can find sand further back fish will also be there. While a variety of baits will work mud minnows or finger mullet on a split shot rig are doing the best right now.

The sheepshead fishing remains tough for now, and about all you can catch are little ones. The bigger fish are still around and you can see them, but they seem to be feeding on the underside of floats per their summer normal. The best of the slow action is with fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide. But soon the sheepshead fishing will dramatically improve.

For now most of the better black drum are out at the nearshore reefs.

It’s a good year for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet.

It’s the peak time for tarpon, and the key to catching them is still to look for the bait. If you can find menhaden schools around current rips then tarpon will be there. Now through the end of next month will be the best fishing of the year.

At the close-in nearshorereefs in about 30 feet it’s pretty much Spanish and king mackerel, and the Spanish mackerel are getting bigger. Spanish mackerel are most easily caught trolling size 0 Clarks spoons on a #1 planer board. You can also cast at breaking Spanish but those fish are more finicky than the ones sitting down about 10 feet.

There is some good bottom fishing in 90-100 feet, but in general the best action for keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper is now at the ledge in about 150-80 feet.

Offshore trolling has gotten slow for meatfish because it’s so hot that they are not coming up as much, but there is a pretty good bite for billfish with specialized techniques. The exception is with the king mackerel which are still feeding well in 90-100 feet.

August 18

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still around 88 degrees and the South Edisto is pretty brackish with all the recent rains, while the North Edisto is much saltier.

Despite the variable water conditions there is still really good trout fishing in both rivers, with Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reporting that they remain on similar summer patterns. The spawn on the August 30 full moon will be the last big spawn of the year, although there will be a smaller spawn on the September new moon.

The bite is still pretty good in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees, but main river bite is still better. Low tide is the best time to target creek fish, and finger mullet and big mud minnows are the best bets for avoiding bait stealers.

For now most of the better black drum are out at the nearshore reefs.

It’s a good year for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet.

It’s the peak time for tarpon, and the key to catching them is still to look for the bait. If you can find menhaden schools around current rips then tarpon will be there. The next month will be the best fishing of the year.

August 4

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are stable at 88 degrees and there are tons of shrimp and finger mullet in the creeks.

Despite the heat the inshore redfish bite continues to be smoking hot, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports it’s still as good as he has ever seen it. They are literally catch 100 spottails a day, with many of these are young-of-the-year small fish, but also plenty of better ones mixed in. Perhaps this will translate to exciting fishing for years to come.

As for catching them both shrimp and finger mullet will work, although with shrimp you have to weed through smaller pecker fish. There are so many around that tide really doesn’t seem to matter.

The bite is still pretty good in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees, but for once the main river bite is better. Low tide is the best time to target creek fish, and finger mullet and big mud minnows are the best bets for avoiding bait stealers.

The trout bite is also really good, and Ron advises that – while they will certainly eat live shrimp – whiting, croaker, pinfish, and other smaller species are so prolific that finger mullet continue to be the bait of choice for trout. Fish them on a split shot rig with about 18 inches of leader.

Fishing on the bottom with live baitfish they are still catching lots of flounder, and while keepers are still relatively hard to come by the fish are bigger than usual. The best place to look for them is still closer to the ocean around Edisto because there is more sand, but if you can find sand further back fish will also be there. While a variety of baits will work mud minnows or finger mullet on a split shot rig are doing the best right now.

The sheepshead fishing remains very tough, and about all you can catch are little ones. The bigger fish are still around and you can see them, but they seem to be feeding on the underside of floats per their summer normal. The best of the slow action is with fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.

There are mostly small whiting in the surf, but over the sand bars lining the rivers you can catch the big ones in 6-10 feet of water as well as bluefish and ladyfish.

The tarpon are still everywhere, and this year – in addition to the big boys – Ron is seeing more 5-20 pound tarpon than ever before. The key to catching the big ones is still to look for the bait. If you can find menhaden schools around current rips then tarpon will be there. It’s a good bite overall, especially coming off the full moon.

At the close-in nearshorereefs in about 30 feet it’s pretty much Spanish and king mackerel. Spanish mackerel are most easily caught trolling size 0 Clarks spoons on a #1 planer board. You can also cast at breaking Spanish but those fish are more finicky than the ones sitting down about 10 feet.

The kings will be wherever the Spanish or the big schools of bait are, but if you want to troll for them then the best place to start is to look over hard bottoms in about 75 feet of water where there are Spanish mackerel, bait or diving birds.

There are lots of spadefish on reefs beginning in about 45 feet out to 90, but you have to have a way to draw them up.

As a general rule the best bottom fishing is further out towards the ledge, especially for big triggerfish, bigger vermillion snapper, grouper and more. However, good action starts in about 90 feet.

Everything is around for offshore trolling, including sailfish, blue marlin, wahoo and lots of tuna. There was even a big 38-pound dolphin landed in the Governor’s Cup, but most are in the 5-10 pound range.

July 28

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 88 degrees and there are tons of shrimp and finger mullet in the creeks.

It’s strange times at Edisto Island, and the water is as hot as Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) has ever seen it. At the same time, the inshore redfish bite is as good as he as ever seen it, and they are literally catch 100 spottails a day! Most of these are young-of-the-year small fish, although there are better ones mixed in, and Ron is interested to see what next year’s class looks like. He has seen other incredible year classes of small reds that never seemed to grow up and stay in the area, but this is the biggest in memory.

As for catching them both shrimp and finger mullet will work, although with shrimp you have to weed through smaller peckerfish. There are so many around that tide really doesn’t seem to matter.

Fishing on the bottom with live baitfish they are catching even more flounder, and while keepers are still relatively hard to come by the fish are bigger than usual. The best place to look for the fish is still closer to the ocean around Edisto because there is more sand, but if you can find sand further back fish will also be there. While a variety of baits will work mud minnows or finger mullet on a split shot rig are doing the best right now.

There are mostly small whiting in the surf, but over the sand bars lining the rivers you can catch the big ones in 6-10 feet of water as well as bluefish and ladyfish.

There are lots of spadefish on reefs beginning in about 45 feet out to 90, but you have to have a way to draw them up.

July 17

And one more, from Saturday...

A good Saturday with Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

July 15

As promised!

July 14

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 82 degrees and clarity is good. There is tons of bait in the creeks.

The peak of the trout spawn is taking place right now around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that he is catching mostly females at the moment. Most of the fish are in the same places where they have been out on main river points, especially around white shell banks, oyster bars and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. The best time to fish is when there is clean, moving water – usually around high tide.

While shrimp will certainly catch trout, there are so many pinfish and croaker around right now that it’s actually better to fish with finger mullet. Since they want to swim up fishing them on a light Carolina rig is the best way to keep them in the strike zone.

The main river flats pattern for redfish is fair, and even though there are a ton of small 10-12 inch fish around there are also some better ones on the flats. The best time to fish for them is mid-tides before they go into the grass. When possible fishing early is also important. You can get away with live shrimp on the flats, but they will also eat finger mullet.

The bite is still good in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. Low tide is the best time to target them, and finger mullet and big mud minnows are the best bets for avoiding pecker fish.

The flounder fishing is still well above average, and while keepers are still relatively hard to come by the fish are bigger than usual. The best place to look for the fish is still closer to the ocean around Edisto because there is more sand, but if you can find sand further back fish will also be there. While a variety of baits will work mud minnows on a split shot rig are doing the best right now.

There are mostly small whiting in the surf, but over the sand bars lining the rivers you can catch the big ones in 6-10 feet of water.

The tarpon are still everywhere, but it’s all about the bait. If you can find menhaden schools around current rips then tarpon will be there. It’s a good bite overall.

At the close-in nearshore reefs in about 30 feet it’s pretty much Spanish and king mackerel, and the kings can also be found out to 100 feet. They are everywhere right now, and if you can find schools of Spanish or big schools of bait they will be around. They are usually over hard bottoms. Spanish mackerel are most easily caught trolling size 0 Clarks spoons on a #1 planer board. You can also cast at breaking Spanish but those fish are more finicky than the ones sitting down about 10 feet.

There are some spadefish in 40 feet and lots of spadefish in 60 feet, and there are also lots of small cobia over hard bottoms in 60-100 feet. The deeper end of the range is better.

As a general rule the best bottom fishing is further out towards the ledge, especially for big porgies, triggerfish and bigger vermillion snapper, but the exception is grouper which could be better at 90-100 feet.

With the Governor’s Cup coming up there is a lot of excitement about offshore trolling, and Ron predicts a medium number of sailfish, a few blue marlin and good wahoo and tuna action. The winning dolphin will probably be under 20 pounds.

But the big story today and tomorrow is that it’s red snapper season, and the best action should be in 75-90 feet. Ron is on the water both days and promises some fresh photos!

June 29

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 78 degrees and with the South Edisto at flood stage the salinity is very low after coming up 7 feet in 3 days! Neither river is muddy but with full moon tides coming they will soon be dirty.

The trout bite is the best inshore thing going around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that most fish are out on main river points. Look around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp under a cork are the best bait right now, and you want to fish when there is clean, moving water – usually around high tide.

The flats pattern for redfish is decent, but it’s extremely difficult to catch bigger fish right now. There are a ton of small 10-12 inch fish around, and even when you do find bigger ones they often won’t take even live shrimp.

The bite is still better in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. Low tide is the best time to target them, and cut mullet is the best bait.

The flounder fishing is the best it has been in years around Edisto, and one friend of Ron’s caught five keepers recently. On artificials! The best place to look for the fish is always closer to the ocean around Edisto because there is more sand, but if you can find sand further back fish will also be there. While a variety of baits will work mud minnows on a split shot rig are doing the best right now.

The sheepshead fishing has gotten really tough, and about all you can catch are little ones. The bigger fish are still around and you can see them, but they seem to be feeding on the underside of floats per their summer normal. The best of the slow action is with fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.

There are mostly small whiting in the surf, but over the sand bars lining the rivers you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet of water. There are also tons of small 12-13 inch trout in the same areas, and about two weeks ago the tarpon really showed up. Look for them in the current rips after you find the menhaden schools.

The nearshore reefs are pretty exciting right now, and probably the most exciting species is the cobia. There are tons of small ones around and catching 10 or 12 is easy. Perhaps one in five is over 36 inches. One way to catch them is to put out a chum bucket and then toss out live menhaden, and you can also jig bright 2-3 ounce bucktails off the bottom. Anchoring baits like whole squid or menhaden on the bottom can also be effective.

Spadefish are also prolific, and with jellyballs almost nonexistent very fresh dime-sized pieces of shrimp are the best option. They will also eat clams and sometimes squid. They can be very picky but slack tide is almost always best.

Spanish mackerel are also thick, and the easiest way to catch them is trolling size 0 Clarks spoons on a #1 planer board. You can also cast at breaking Spanish but those fish are more finicky than the ones sitting down about 10 feet.

Amberjack are also thick and big bluefish are around.

The bottom fishing at the ledge should be incredible in July and August, and for grouper you want to fish live menhaden.

Offshore trolling is a bit of a mixed bag, and the dolphins are mostly gone. You can catch wahoo and tuna out of Edisto, while the best billfish are to the north.

June 22

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still at 74 degrees.

Besides worse weather there’s not change this week with the fishing around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that, while there are still some trout in the creeks that will be catchable through the summer, the majority of the fish have moved out to main river points and the percentages in each area have hit about where they will be all season. In the rivers look around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp under a cork are the best bait right now, and you want to fish when there is clean, moving water.

Still the most exciting way to catch trout – and redfish – is with topwater lures. As long as morning surface water temperatures remain in the 70s it should continue to be the best topwater fishing of the year, and on a typical morning you can expect to get 15-40 blowups. As a general rule early low tides are better for reds while early high tides are better for trout, but if you have clear water then the trout will bite regardless of tide. Redfish will be found along the banks, while on higher water trout will be around the normal white shell points. At low you need to look around deeper current rips for trout.

The flats pattern for redfish is still pretty good, and on low to mid-tides you can find fish around oyster shells. They will eat a variety of baits.

The bite is still better in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. Low tide is the best time to target them, and cut mullet is the best bait.

Flounder fishing has been good, but the keeper ratio remains low. It’s still a good time to catch them at the first points inside the inlets from the ocean. Mud minnows on a Carolina rig are all you need. Unfortunately most of the keepers are being “caught” by giggers.

The sheepshead fishing is still pretty good, but the keeper ratio continues to drop. The bigger fish are still around and you can see them, but somehow their feeding patterns change as it warms. The best action is with fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.

There are mostly small whiting in the surf, but if you can go just beyond the sand bars to about 8-15 feet of water better ones are around in good numbers. Bigger ones can also be found at the mouth of inlets.

We are still having weather conditions where you can basically get offshore about one day per week, but the fishing at the nearshore reefs for cobia and spadefish is peaking in 40-60 feet (although they will also be found deeper). There are also tons of Spanish mackerel around. You can either troll for Spanish with Clarks Spoons on planer board rigs, or on calm days ride around in 30-50 feet of water until you find birds diving on the schools then cast at them.

The bottom fishing is still really good and will stay the same through July, and it won’t be until then when conditions get really hot that the fish have to move much deeper. For now they are comfortable in about 90 feet.

It’s still a great time for offshore trolling with water temperatures out there in the upper 70s. The dolphin fishing continues to fall off but there are still plenty around, while wahoo and tuna fishing is very good at the ledge. Sailfish are also around but should continue to arrive in better numbers.

Photo courtesy of Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

June 16

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 74 degrees. The North Edisto is fairly clear, but on any more extreme tides around the new and full moon the South Edisto gets pretty dirty. The rivers and creeks have filled up with bait-sized shrimp.

While there are still some trout in the creeks that will be catchable through the summer, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the majority of the fish have moved out to main river points and the percentages in each area have hit about where they will be all season. In the rivers look around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp under a cork are the best bait right now, and you want to fish when there is clean, moving water.

Still the most exciting way to catch trout – and redfish – is with topwater lures. The next week or so while morning surface water temperatures are still in the 70s should be the best topwater fishing of the year, and on a typical morning you can expect to get 15-40 blowups. As a general rule early low tides are better for reds while early high tides are better for trout, but if you have clear water then the trout will bite regardless of tide. Redfish will be found along the banks, while on higher water trout will be around the normal white shell points. At low you need to look around deeper current rips for trout.

The flats pattern for redfish is still pretty good, and on low to mid-tides you can find fish around oyster shells. They will eat a variety of baits.

The bite is still better in the creeks around the deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. Low tide is the best time to target them, and cut mullet is the best bait.

June 8

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 72 degrees.

Without basically any change in the inshore conditions we are leading off with the offshore report once again, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that right now the surface trolling bite is really peaking. With water temperatures out there in the upper 70s it’s the best time to have a shot at a bunch of different species. The dolphin fishing is starting to fall off but still good, and you could find the fish from 100 to 2000 feet of water. They aren’t thick but you can still have good days. The wahoo fishing is good but will only improve, and the sailfish will continue to arrive in better numbers. Tuna are around but will drop off soon. But you can catch all of them right now.

The bottom fishing will stay the same through July, and it won’t be until then when conditions get really hot that the fish have to move much deeper. For now they are comfortable in about 90 feet.

At the nearshore reefs cobia and spadefish are peaking in 40-60 feet, although you can find them out to 90. There are also tons of Spanish mackerel around. You can either troll for Spanish with Clarks Spoons on planer board rigs, or on calm days ride around in 30-50 feet of water until you find birds diving on the schools then cast at them.

Back inshore stable water temperatures mean stable patterns, and there are still trout in both the rivers and creeks. About 75% or more of the fish have moved out to main river points while about a quarter or less are still in the creeks. You can still cast or troll grubs for creek fish, but in the rivers look around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp (if you can get them), small finger mullet or DOA shrimp under a cork will all work. Mud minnows are less popular with the trout right now.

But the most exciting way to catch trout – and redfish – is with topwater lures. The next couple of weeks while morning surface water temperatures are still in the 70s should be the best topwater fishing of the year, and on a typical morning you can expect to get 15-40 blowups. As a general rule early low tides are better for reds while early high tides are better for trout, but if you have clear water then the trout will bite regardless of tide. Redfish will be found along the banks, while on higher water trout will be around the normal white shell points. At low you need to look around deeper current rips for trout.

The flats pattern for redfish is still pretty good, and on low to mid-tides you can 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.

June 2

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 71-72 degrees and the water is dirtier after 2-4 inches of rain over the weekend.

It’s still familiar story of lost opportunities to get offshore, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that they have had a few days recently where they could get out there and bottom fish. On one of these days they headed 70-72 miles offshore into 600 feet after tilefish and snowy grouper, and then closer inshore caught a bunch of vermillion snapper and an American red (that had to be released) in 90 feet.

While there are still dolphin around that bite has really slowed down, and a good day out of Edisto is now four or five fish. There are also wahoo, tuna, and billfish around.

A blueline tilefish caught with Captain Ron Davis, Jr. in 600 feet

At the nearshore reefs cobia and spadefish have finally showed up in good numbers in 40-60 feet, although you can find them out to 90. There are also tons of Spanish mackerel around.

Back inshore stable water temperatures mean stable patterns, and there are still trout in both the rivers and creeks. About 75% or more of the fish have moved out to main river points and about a quarter or less are still in the creeks. You can still cast or troll grubs for creek fish, but in the rivers look around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp (if you can get them), small finger mullet or DOA shrimp under a cork will all work. Mud minnows are less popular with the trout right now.

The flats pattern for redfish is still pretty good, and on low to mid-tides you can 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.

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.

May 26

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 72 degrees and clarity is good in both rivers.

With water temperatures only a degree warmer than two weeks ago very little has changed in terms of where the fish are, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the biggest story this month has been just how much the wind has blown and hurt the offshore fishing. For most boats there have only been about three days in May when they could get out after all the dolphins, wahoo, tuna, marlin and more, and even for the largest crafts there have only been 5 or 6 good days. That has meant if that if you want to fish it’s mostly inshore.

Still there are trout in both the rivers and creeks, but about 75% or more of the fish have moved out to main river points and about a quarter or less are still in the creeks. You can still cast or troll grubs for creek fish, but in the rivers look around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp (if you can get them), small finger mullet or DOA shrimp under a cork will all work. Mud minnows are less popular with the trout right now.

The flats pattern for redfish is still pretty good, and on low to mid-tides you can 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.

Fishing at the nearshore reefs is still good when you can get out, and there are lots of Spanish and king mackerel in 40-60 feet. Cobia and spadefish are on all the reefs, but with jellyballs increasingly hard to get spadefish are harder to target.

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. Again, getting out there is the issue.

May 12

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 71 degrees and clarity is good.

The trout have made a move this week at Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that as temperatures have warmed up and the spawn gets closer about 75% of the fish have moved out to main river points. About a quarter are still in the creeks. You can still cast or troll grubs for creek fish, but in the rivers look around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp, mud minnows or DOA shrimp under a cork will all work.

But the most exciting way to catch trout – and redfish – is with topwater lures. The next three or four weeks while morning surface water temperatures are still in the 70s should be the best topwater fishing of the year, and on a typical morning you can expect to get 15-40 blowups. As a general rule early low tides are better for reds while early high tides are better for trout, but if you have clear water then the trout will bite regardless of tide. Redfish will be found along the banks, while on higher water trout will be around the normal white shell points. At low you need to look around deeper current rips for trout.

The flats pattern for redfish has been a little better this week, and on low to mid-tides you can 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.

When you can get offshore the dolphin are at their peak, and you need to get out at least 60 miles although the best fishing is a bit further in 600-1200 feet. Wahoo and tuna are also around as well as some marlin, and the next three weeks of fishing should be about the best of the year.

A pile of dolphin caught with Captain Ron Davis, Jr.

May 5

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 70 degrees and clarity is decent considering the wind and super high, full moon tides.

With stable temperatures the trout are in the same places this week around Edisto Island, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the fish are still about evenly divided between the creeks and the major rivers. As the spawn gets closer more and more of the fish will move out to main river points. You can still cast or troll grubs for creek fish, but in the rivers look around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp, mud minnows or DOA shrimp under a cork will all work.

The topwater bite is still good, with high tides in the morning ideal for trout fishing. Casting Spooks around grass points and over submerged oyster bars is the way to catch them.

The river flats redfish have picked up a little this week, and especially early they are biting well. At low tide they are pretty grouped up but they are feeding better at mid-tides – especially when they fall at daylight.

Fishing in the creeks is still good and when you find the fish they will eat. It’s just a matter of moving from hole to hole with cut mullet, shrimp or mud minnows until you locate the fish.

Flounder are really arriving now, and the beginning of the season can be a good time to catch them at the first points inside the inlets from the ocean. Mud minnows on a Carolina rig are all you need. Unforunately right now it’s a lot of short fish.

The sheepshead fishing has slowed a little, and instead of catching 15-20 a good day is now 5-10. The action is with fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.

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

Fishing at the nearshore reefs is still good when you can get out, and in 30-60 feet of water there are lots of Spanish mackerel, bluefish, weakfish, bonita and bull reds around. The cobia and spadefish are now starting to show up in 50-60 feet, as the cobia first arrived in the sounds where the water was warmer but are now making their way offshore.

The offshore fishing for dolphin is getting very good, and Ron is actually on the water today targeting them. Wahoo and tuna are also around as well as some marlin, and the next three weeks of fishing should be about the best of the year.

April 27

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 70 degrees and clarity in both rivers is good.

As temperatures rise the trout fishing is picking up around Edisto Island, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the topwater bite has started. High tides in the morning are ideal for trout fishing, and casting Spooks around grass points and over submerged oyster bars is a good way to catch them.

The fish are now about evenly divided between the creeks and the major rivers, but as the spawn gets closer more and more of the fish will come out to main river points. You can still cast or troll grubs for creek fish, but in the rivers look around white shell banks, points and current rips in 5-8 feet of water. Live shrimp, mud minnows or DOA shrimp under a cork will all work.

The river flats redfish bite remains slow, but in the creeks it’s still pretty good and when you find the fish they will eat. It’s just a matter of moving from hole to hole with cut mullet, shrimp or mud minnows until you locate the fish.

Flounder are really arriving now, and the beginning of the season can be a really good time to catch them at the first points inside the inlets from the ocean. Mud minnows on a Carolina rig are all you need.

While some sheepshead are offshore, there are also plenty inshore. The action with fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide is strong.

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

Fishing at the nearshore reefs is still good, and in 30-60 feet of water there are lots of Spanish mackerel, bluefish, weakfish, bonita and bull reds around. Finding days to get out continues to be the main issue, but they are hungry when you can. Fish will take a variety of natural baits and artificial lures.

The offshore fishing for dolphin is just turning on, but by the first weekend of May it should be wide open. The fishing will peak within the next 3-4 weeks. Wahoo and tuna are also around.

April 11

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 65 degrees and clarity in both rivers is good.

Probably the most exciting thing going on around Edisto is at the nearshore reefs, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that in 30-60 feet of water there are lots of Spanish mackerel, bluefish, weakfish, bonita and bull reds around. Finding days to get offshore continues to be the main issue, but they are hungry when you can. Fish will take a variety of natural baits and artificial lures.

The trout are still extremely scattered, and in fact they are even more scattered now that some of the fish have started to head into the rivers where they will eventually spawn. Casting or trolling grubs in 3-6 feet of water is the best way to target them, and tide does not matter as long as the water is clear.

In the creeks the redfish bite is pretty good, and when you find the fish they will eat. It’s just a matter of moving from hole to hole with cut mullet, shrimp or mud minnows until you locate the fish.

A few more flounder have showed up, and when temperatures hit about 66 they will arrive in droves. The beginning of the season can be a really good time to catch them at the first points inside the inlets from the ocean.

While large numbers of sheepshead are offshore, there are also plenty inshore. The action with fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide is strong.

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

March 31

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 63 degrees and clarity in both rivers is good.

The trout are extremely scattered right now, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that at least for a few more weeks the best numbers will still be back in the creeks. Casting or trolling grubs in 3-6 feet of water is the best way to target them, and tide does not matter as long as the water is clear.

While large numbers of sheepshead are offshore, there are also plenty inshore. Perhaps they are pre-spawn females who will eventually head out, some are doubtless post-spawn and probably some of them spawn inshore. Regardless, the action with fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide is about the best thing going.

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

Water temperatures aren’t quite where they need to be for the nearshore reefs to really turn on, but in 30-60 feet sheepshead, black drum, smaller black sea bass, weakfish, and bluefish are all around. Spanish mackerel have just begun to arrive. Of course, there aren’t many days when you can get out – customary for March and April – but the fishing is pretty good when you can.

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 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.

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.

AHQ INSIDER Edisto Island (SC) 2023 Week 40 Fishing Report – Updated October 6

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