March 27
Morning surface water temperatures on the beach just off Edisto Island are approximately 62-63 degrees, while in the creeks they are about 60-61 degrees. Water clarity is as good as it has been in a while as the rain has slowed a little.
It’s a period of great transition for fishing around Edisto Island, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that as temperatures rise the amount of bait is constantly changing. Already there are a lot more mullet, mostly big ones for now, and before long significant numbers of shrimp will be moving into the creeks.
Like everything the trout are eating a little better in the warmer conditions, but they have not moved locations yet. While there are always some trout on the main river points, most of them are still inside the creeks. Throwing grubs in the bends is the most effective way to catch them, and while they will also eat mud minnows it’s hard to cover much water that way.
While it will be a few weeks before fish move out to their spawning grounds, the fish that are already on main river points are big, aggressive trout that are feeding on mullet. In the late evening, especially on warm days with low tide in the late afternoon, they will smash topwater lures. You will also catch redfish this way.
The flats fishing for redfish is also improving as fish eat better in the warmer water, and the creek bite is also picking up anchoring natural baits in the holes, especially ones with structure. There are also tons of small-to-medium black drum if you fish shrimp.
But the sheepshead bite is changing the fastest and getting the hottest, and Captain Ron reports that – even though fish spawn through April – more and more fish are making their way back inshore and trying to restore body weight. Fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is the best pattern.
There are also plenty of sheeps and black drum still at the nearshore reefs, in addition to a lot of bluefish and an incredible number of small black sea bass. Summer trout are also arriving in pretty good numbers, and when water temperatures hit about 65 degrees then bonito, false albacore, and Spanish mackerel will show up. Most likely that will be in about 2-3 weeks.
Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass is still good in 60-70 feet, while more and more species such as vermillion snapper, triggerfish, and red porgies are showing up in 90-100. However, the best action is still in 140-150 feet for bigger fish because they are the most particular about temperatures.
Finally, when you can get out the offshore fishing for wahoo is still strong and more tuna are arriving. The best dolphin fishing should start around April 15.
March 13
Morning surface water temperatures on the beach just off Edisto Island are approximately 60 degrees, and there is an incredible amount of freshwater coming into the system. Between that and very high tides inshore waters are usually dirty and at best tannic.
Like the state overall the Edisto River is extremely high, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the amount of freshwater coming down the rivers can only really be equated to what happens around tropical storms. Except for 100-year-type floods, water levels are about as high as you will see them.
In addition to uniquely high water levels, a typical seasonal dynamic is affecting inshore fishing. While the ocean stays within about a degree from day to day and over the course of the day, even on very warm (or cold) days, there can great variance in the creeks. After cold nights temperatures can dip into the mid-50s, while on warm days sun soaking over black pluff mud can raise temperatures as high as the upper 60s. In those conditions fish can feed really well in the shallows.
Overall the trout fishing is fair right now, and without migratory fish around it’s almost like a closed system where what is there is there. In about a month new fish will arrive to spawn in the main rivers, but right now the fish are limited to resident trout in the creeks. Throwing grubs is the most effective way to catch them, and while they will also eat mud minnows it’s hard to cover much water that way. A good day is 10-15 trout.
The flats fishing for redfish is worse this week because there aren’t that many fish and because of dirty water conditions, but the creek bite is still pretty good anchoring natural baits in the holes, especially ones with structure. Catching 5-10 reds is a success, and you are almost certain to pick up small-to-medium black drum if you fish shrimp.
The sheepshead bite is starting to take off, and Captain Ron reports that – even though fish spawn through April – fish are making their way back inshore and feeding up on shallower structure. Fishing fiddler crabs in 10-15 feet of water is the best pattern.
There are also plenty of sheeps still at nearshore reefs, in addition to a lot of bluefish, small black sea bass and black drum. Summer trout are also starting to arrive, and when water temperatures hit about 65 degrees then bonito, false albacore, and Spanish mackerel will show up.
Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass is still good in 60-70 feet, while more and more species such as vermillion snapper, triggerfish, and red porgies are showing up in 90-100. However, the best action is still in 140-150 feet for bigger fish because they are the most particular about temperatures.
Finally, every year is different and this continues to be good one fishing offshore for wahoo. There are also a few tuna on top that can also be caught by guys high speed trolling and pulling plugs.
February 29
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island range from about 55-59 degrees depending on overnight temperatures, while the ocean is more stable at about 57-58 degrees. With no rain in over a week both rivers are clearing.
Gradually rising temperatures continue to improve the bite around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that both the trout and redfish are feeding better this week. For both species low tides has been the strongest right now. Trolling or casting grubs and covering lots of water, particularly where the creeks bend, is the best pattern for trout.
The flats fishing for redfish is unchanged because there just aren’t that many schools of fish. However, the creek bite is improving anchoring natural baits in the holes, especially ones with structure. With lots of small to medium black drumaround, you will almost certainly get bites from them as well if you fish shrimp.
The sheepshead bite is about to get really good, and Captain Ron reports that – even though fish spawn through April – pretty soon post-spawn fish will start to make their way back inshore and feed up on shallower structure. Some also spawn inshore, and whether inshore or nearshore if you can find structure in at least 25 feet of water (most of the reefs start in about 30 feet) then you can also catch spawning fish through April.
Otherwise the nearshore reefs are still holding a lot of whiting, bluefish, small black sea bass, and keeper black drum. False albacore are also here.
Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass is best in 60-70 feet, while for other species it gets good around 100 feet out to the ledge.
The offshore bite for wahoo is still strong, and there have been plenty of five to eight fish days! Some days the fish are 20-30 pounds, and other days 30-60, but any time you catch a half-dozen wahoo you’ve accomplished something. The main caveat is that there are usually only about five days a month you can get out in March.
February 16
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 54 degrees and the water in both rivers is clear but tannic with a lot of fresh water inflow. On high tide the North Edisto gets a clean green color when ocean water floods in.
With water temperatures a few degrees warmer the inshore fishing has improved a little around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout fishing in particular has picked up in the creeks this week. Trolling or casting grubs and covering lots of water, particularly where the creeks bend, is the best pattern, and a good day right now would be a dozen fish. You will also pick up some redfish the same way in the creeks, but there are only a few good schools on the river flats. Your best bet for redfish is probably still anchoring natural baits in the holes, especially ones with structure, on low tide. With lots of small to medium black drum around, you will almost certainly get bites from them as well if you fish shrimp.
The sheepshead bite is worth pursuing, and Captain Ron reports that if you can find structure in at least 25 feet of water inshore or nearshore (most of the reefs start in about 30 feet) then there can be a really good bite for spawning sheeps through April. When water temperatures get above 55, particularly around a new or full moon in March, significant numbers of fish will move back shallower inshore and it can be a great time to target the biggest fish of the year. They are very hungry around the spawn.
Otherwise the nearshore reefs are still holding a lot of whiting, small black sea bass, and keeper black drum. The biggest change is that in addition to deep red drum there are also starting to be more reds shallow under the birds again as temperatures rise and menhaden begin to show up.
Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass starts in 60 plus feet, while for other species you have to go out to 90 plus feet.
The offshore bite for wahoo isn’t quite as good as a couple of weeks ago but it’s still very strong, and another boat caught seven last week. Water temperatures are down a bit to 68 or 69 at the ledge but there are still lots of 25-40 pound fish being caught and Ron has heard of fish up to 70. Tuna are also out there but they are deeper and you can jig for them with a depth finder. They are also catching lots of amberjack in the same areas near the bottom.
February 2
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are back up to about 52 degrees and the water has cleared.
It’s still a pretty tough period for inshore fishing around Edisto, and unfortunately Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that it will be there for a little while. The trout are feeding a little better than in the brutal cold last week, but still not well. The best bet for catching them is trolling or casting grubs in the creeks. The action for redfish is not much better, but the best place to look for them is also back in the creeks in deep holes on low tide. Trout are more likely to be on the edges of holes and bends while reds will be down in them.
Still the sheepshead bite is worth pursuing, and Captain Ron reports that if you can find structure in at least 25 feet of water inshore or nearshore (most of the reefs start in about 30 feet) then there can be a really good bite for spawning sheeps for the next month or two. When water temperatures get above 55 then they will come back inshore, and the action can be comparable to October and November. It’s a great time to target big ones and they are also hungry after the spawn.
Otherwise the nearshore reefs are holding a lot of whiting, small black sea bass, and keeper black drum. There can also be big schools of reds down deep when there is bait around. Don’t expect them to come to the surface with the birds anymore but bucktails jigged off the bottom can lead to fast action when a school comes through.
Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass starts in 60 plus feet, while for other species you have to go out to 90 plus feet.
January 25
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island have been about 48 degrees in the creeks. With the rivers still high the water is a little tannic but much clearer than a week or two ago, and when the ocean comes in the water is a nice clean green.
It’s a pretty tough period for inshore fishing around Edisto, and unfortunately Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that it will be there for a little while. There’s not much bait around as the mud minnows have gone deep and the mullet that hang around in the winter have gone way into the backs. With water temperatures hitting the mid-40s a few days ago (and the overnight lows coming at the worst time, on low tide) there appear to have been some minor trout kills, although they won’t know too much about that until the fishing improves. Basically most of the inshore species are semi-dormant when it gets this cold and they are living off fat reserves. Even when temperatures start to warm species like redfish will be feeding on very small bait and they will be skittish.
Still the sheepshead bite is worth pursuing, and Captain Ron reports that if you can find structure in at least 25 feet of water inshore or nearshore (most of the reefs start in about 30 feet) then there can be a really good bite for spawning sheeps for the next month or two. When water temperatures get above 55 then they will come back inshore, and the action can be comparable to October and November. It’s a great time to target big ones and they are also hungry after the spawn.
Otherwise the nearshore reefs are holding a lot of whiting, small black sea bass, and keeper black drum. There can also be big schools of reds down deep when there is bait around. Don’t expect them to come to the surface with the birds anymore but bucktails jigged off the bottom can lead to fast action when a school comes through.
Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass starts in 60 plus feet, while for other species you have to go out to 90 plus feet.
January 4
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are in the low 50s off the beach, and colder in the creeks.
We are still in a period where you really need to think about when and where to fish for species like trout, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that cold mornings are bad in the creeks. A warm spell, or later in the day, especially on a low tide where the water can warm up quicker, is better.
Overall the trout are either biting or they are not, related to conditions, and they don’t need to feed every day. You can’t make them if they don’t want to. You might have one day where you catch 60, then the next day catch 2 or 3 even if the fish haven’t moved. It doesn’t help that they are often feeding on young-of-the year 1-3 inch eels when they show up.
Overall trolling is still the easiest way to catch fish, but you can also cast grubs like a bass fisherman. The best trout fishing is not in the bottoms of drop-offs but on either side (the transitions into deeper holes), while the redfish are in the deepest parts – especially when there is some structure.
On the flats it’s not like it used to be for redfish, and there are literally only a handful of schools around Edisto. If you can find them on the flats they will eat, but the best pattern is still fishing three hours either side of low tide back in the creeks. The fish are usually in 3-8 feet of water in deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. They will take a variety of baits including cut mullet, shrimp and mud minnows.
Perhaps the best thing to fish for in the creeks is black drum, and with a simple two-hook bottom rig and shrimp you can find lots of half-pound to 2-pound fish in the same deep bends where the redfish are located.
Whiting can be found in 15-20 feet of water, while the best ones can be caught in 30 feet around shallow reefs. Unlike other species they will also hang over sand twenty or so yards off the reefs.
Unless you can find inshore structure with at least 18-20 feet of water there are few if any sheepshead around, but at the nearshorereefs sheeps, bluefish, and big red drum are also around. While the bull reds are unlikely to be on the surface as much as a month ago, you can still ride around until you see the gannets and then cast bucktails with curl-tail grub trailers under the birds for them. At the closer-in reefs there are tons of small black sea bass, but in more than 50 feet of water you can find good-sized black sea bass.
The best bottom fishing unless you are willing to go another 25 miles to hit 140 feet is in 90-100 feet of water, and offshore trolling is pretty much only for wahoo.
December 21
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island have dropped into the low 50s in the big water, while back in the creeks after some of these cold nights surface temperatures are in the upper 40s. The South Edisto is not muddy but the water is brown and tannic with a tremendous amount of freshwater coming down the rivers, and it should stay that way for some time.
There are a number of considerations with the trout fishing right now, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that very early in the morning you are unlikely to have much luck way back in the creeks when temperatures are very cold. Mid-creek or closer to the bigger water is better first thing, while during the day fish that are in the backs will eat better. At the same time all the freshwater inflow may pull more fish out towards the ocean.
Trolling is still the easiest way to catch fish, but you can also cast grubs like a bass fisherman. The best trout fishing is not in the bottoms of drop-offs but on either side (the transitions into deeper holes), while the redfish are in the deepest parts – especially when there is some structure.
As far as redfish, there are a decent number of 17-inch slot fish around right now as well as some over the slot. If you can find them on the flats they will eat, but the best pattern is still fishing three hours either side of low tide back in the creeks. The fish are usually in 3-8 feet of water in deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. They will take a variety of baits including mullet and mud minnows, and with less pecker fish around you can also get away with shrimp – although silver perch are still here.
Flounder are offshore in 60-90 feet of water, while most of the sheepshead have moved into 20-40 feet of water. They will spawn inshore and offshore as long as there is deep enough water.
The better whiting have moved out to 20-30 feet of water, and they can also be caught at the reefs.
At the nearshorereefs the summer trout are leaving while there are still some bluefish around, and there are also black drum alongside the sheepshead. Schools of bull red drum are also out there. At the closer-in reefs there are tons of small black sea bass, but in more than 50 feet of water you can find good-sized black sea bass.
The best bottom fishing unless you are willing to go another 25 miles to hit 140 feet is in 95-105 feet of water, and offshore trolling you can find wahoo while the tuna have mostly gone deep.
December 14
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island have dropped to 52-53 degrees in the creeks. Water is clearing with the cooler temperatures.
Even with some very cold mornings, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that trout fishing has been on fire in the creeks when the water is clear first thing. Trolling is the easiest way to catch fish, but Ron is just casting grubs like a bass fisherman. The best trout fishing is not in the bottoms of drop-offs but on either side (the transitions into deeper holes), while the redfish are in the deepest parts – especially when there is some structure.
Speaking of redfish, the action is good sight-fishing on the flats in the clear conditions when you can find the fish – but there aren’t a lot of fish there and the ones that are have been finicky. The best pattern is fishing three hours either side of low tide back in the creeks. The fish are usually in 3-8 feet of water in deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. They will take a variety of baits including mullet and mud minnows, and with less pecker fish around you can also get away with shrimp – although silver perch are still here.
There are still a few sheepshead inshore that can be caught on fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide, but most have left.
The whiting have moved out to 10-20 feet of water, and the best fishing is around current rips in the ocean in 12-15 feet that have sandy bottoms. They can also be caught at the reefs.
At the nearshorereefs bluefish and black drum are both around, with summer trout leaving. This is also the time to look out for aggregations of bull reds running the beaches when bait is present. The gannets will usually give their locations away.
The best bottom fishing is in 90-100 feet and offshore trolling is pretty much for wahoo and tuna.
November 30
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island have dropped to 55-56 degrees in the creeks, while the ocean temperature is still about 60 degrees. Water is clearing with the cooler temperatures.
Inshore surface temperatures have dropped about 7 degrees in three days, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that with ocean temperatures several degrees warmer he expects temperatures in the creeks to moderate to the upper 50s in the next few days. But because of the cooler temperatures the trout have mostly left the bigger water and moved into the creeks, and the best way to catch them is trolling grubs. On warmer days they will often bite better on the lower end of the tide cycle, and when you locate fish it’s worth slowing down and trolling through the area again or casting. If you only want to cast concentrate on deep bends and structure, but be aware that plenty of fish can be in the middle of the creeks.
The redfish action is good sight-fishing on the flats in the clear conditions when you can find the fish, but the best pattern is fishing three hours either side of low tide back in the creeks. The fish are usually around deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. They will take a variety of baits including mullet and mud minnows, and with less pecker fish around you can also get away with shrimp – although silver perch are still here.
There are still a fair number of sheepshead inshore that can be caught on fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide, but the next cold front should see most of them move offshore.
The whiting have moved out to 10-20 feet of water, and the best fishing is around current rips in the ocean in 12-15 feet that have sandy bottoms.
At the nearshorereefs there lots of bluefish while the ladyfish and summer trout are leaving. This is also the time to look out for aggregations of bull reds running the beaches. The gannets will usually give their locations away.
The best bottom fishing is in 90-100 feet, and yesterday Ron had a good day for grouper, snapper, and sea bass. If you concentrate on jigging then you can catch cobia.
Offshore trolling is pretty much for wahoo and tuna, although most of the king mackerel have moved out to 100-150 feet. Right now if you locate the tuna schools 80-100 feet deep you can also jig for them.
November 17
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 61-62 degrees in the creeks. Water is clearing with the cooler temperatures.
We are in the period of the year where inshore fishing success is more closely related to conditions that at any other time of the year, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that fair weather, clear water and slower tides mean success for all of our inshore species. But if you monkey with one of those the fishing gets tough. For example, fair weather at a moderate ¼ moon phase means great fishing, but on strong tides near the new and full moon you basically have to stick to an hour before or after low or high tide when the water slows down. If the water gets dirty for other reasons it also reduces the bite, and the same is true if there is a sudden change in temperature. Recently Ron has had multiple days where – after conditions changed – their catch rate dropped by 2/3 overnight.
Accordingly the trout fishing continues to be day-to-day, and fish are still mixed evenly between the rivers and creeks. But Ron still thinks that we are about one cold snap away from the main river bite shutting down and most everything being in the creeks. That usually happens when water temperatures approach 55 degrees.
Then, as after the last cold snap, fish will stack up and the bite will get even better around current seams and especially those created by oyster beds. For now, fish can be caught in both areas (with live shrimp or DOA shrimp under a popping cork). In the main rivers continue to look around shell points and creek mouths.
The redfish action is still pretty good, and Ron notes that in the creeks it’s easy to catch fish when you find them. They are usually around deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. Low tide is the best time to target creek fish, and they will take a variety of baits including mullet and mud minnows. With less pecker fish around you can also get away with shrimp – although silver perch are still here.
Flats fishing can also be good when you locate fish, and in the clear water they are easier to spot.
The inshore sheepshead fishing is still very good, and they are catching big ones around structure. Fish fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide. That shouldn’t change until water temperatures drop about 5 more degrees.
A very few flounder are still around but most of them have left.
It’s still great fishing for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet. There are also still bull reds right off the beaches.
At the nearshorereefs in about 30 feet there are also bull drum, weakfish, bluefish, ladyfish and black drum. The Spanish mackerel have mostly left.
In 40-90 feet the king mackerel fishing is still very good, and early you can troll spoons and big-lipped plugs for them. After the sun gets up then slow-trolling with live menhaden is the best bet. Soon they will go to about 70 feet or more.
The best bottom fishing is in 60-100 feet, where you can find keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper. It won’t be until offshore temperatures drop below 65 where you are fishing that they will go deeper.
Offshore trolling is picking up for wahoo and tuna on the ledge.
November 9
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 62 degrees in the creeks and 65-66 off the beach. Water is clearing with the cooler temperatures.
Exactly as predicted, coming off the cool snap last week Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout fishing was absolutely fantastic for a few days. However, once water temperatures started to rise again, and the bait spread out, then the trout also spread out and became harder to find. As a result he rates the bite as day-to-day.
For now trout are still mixed evenly between the rivers and creeks, but Ron expects that we are about one cold snap away from the main river bite shutting down and most everything being in the creeks. Then, as after the last cold snap, fish will stack up and the bite will get even better around current seams and especially those created by oyster beds. For now, fish can be caught in both areas (with live shrimp or DOA shrimp under a popping cork). In the main rivers continue to look around shell points and creek mouths.
The redfish action is still pretty good, and Ron notes that in the creeks it’s easy to catch fish when you find them. They are usually around deep bends, especially those with rock or downed trees. Low tide is the best time to target creek fish, and they will take a variety of baits including mullet and mud minnows. With less pecker fish around you can also get away with shrimp.
Flats fishing can also be good when you locate fish, and in the clear water they are easier to spot.
The inshore sheepshead fishing is still very good, and they are catching big ones around structure. Fish fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide. That shouldn’t change until water temperatures drop about 10 more degrees.
A few flounder are still around but most of them have left.
It’s still great fishing for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet. There are also tons of bull reds right off the beaches.
At the nearshorereefs in about 30 feet there are also bull drum, weakfish, bluefish, ladyfish and black drum. The Spanish mackerel have mostly left.
In 50-90 feet the king mackerel fishing is still very good, and early you can troll spoons and big-lipped plugs for them. After the sun gets up then slow-trolling with live menhaden is the best bet.
The best bottom fishing has moved closer in to 60-90 feet, where you can find keeper black sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper, and grouper. It won’t be until offshore temperatures really drop that fish move deeper again.
Offshore trolling is picking up for wahoo and tuna on the ledge.
November 3
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island have been in the high 50s the last couple of nights, but rising into the mid-60s during the day. Water clarity is still high in both rivers.
It has taken a long time for conditions to get right for trout fishing this fall around Edisto, but even though he wasn’t on the water Wednesday or Thursday Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) has every expectation that by this weekend the trout fishing will be on fire. Fish should still be mixed between the creeks and main river, with more moving into the creeks every day.
More generally, with every couple of degrees that water temperatures drop until they bottom out resident species should feed more aggressively – as they know that their bait supply is about to dry up. Look for really good fishing across the board this weekend.
October 26
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 68 degrees, which is unusually early to be this low. Both rivers are still clear and shrimp are still extremely plentiful.
Once again it’s been a slower-than-expected week for trout around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that even with more moderate tides they are only catching about 15 trout per trip, with about half of those over 14 inches. The best action this week been on the first two hours of the incoming tide. Trout can still be found at creek mouths along the main river fishing live shrimp or DOA shrimp under a popping cork, but another group of fish is also starting to move further back into the creeks. At times that can be a better bite, particularly around oysters rips.
The redfish action is still pretty good, and Ron notes that the best fishing is in the creeks instead of on the flats where it’s not unusual to catch 25-50 fish in one low tide spot. Both big and little fish have headed back into the creeks.
Fish are 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 baits.
The inshore sheepshead fishing is still awesome, and they are catching big ones around structure. Fish fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.
The flounder fishing is still decent, including for gigging in the clearer water. While the small fish are the first to arrive they are also the first to go, and so there are more big fish around by percentage than usual right now. Mud minnows or finger mullet will both work.
It’s still great fishing for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet.
From the surf to the Edisto Rocks to the nearshorereefs in about 30 feet there are tons of bull red drum around, and at the reefs you can also find big weakfish, bluefish, ladyfish and more. The last hurrah of the Spanish mackerel is also going on right now.
In 60-90 feet the king mackerel fishing is excellent, and early you can troll spoons and big-lipped plugs for them. After the sun gets up then slow-trolling with live menhaden is the best bet.
There is still 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’s a good time for cedar plugs and small feathers trolled way back.
October 19
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to about 67 or 68 degrees. Both rivers are still clear and finger mullet and shrimp are still abundant.
It’s hard to explain what’s going on at Edisto right now, and this fall Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that they are seeing a night-and-day difference between the fishing on big new and full moon tides and quarter moon tides. Usually there is also good trout fishing on the high incoming tide in the clear water, but right now the only good time for trout has been around low water. And catches overall are way down from a week ago when tides were weaker.
The best action is still at creek mouths along the main river fishing live shrimp or DOA shrimp under a popping cork. The good news is that we are coming out of a new moon and heading into weaker tides, and the full moon isn’t until October 28.
The redfish action is still pretty good, and Ron notes that the best fishing is in the creeks instead of on the flats where it’s not unusual to catch 25-50 fish in one low tide spot. Both big and little fish have headed back into the creeks.
Fish are 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 baits.
The inshore sheepshead fishing is still awesome, and they are catching big ones around structure. Fish fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.
The flounder fishing is still decent, and while we hesitate to say much about this it’s a really good time for gigging with the clearer water. While the small fish are the first to arrive they are also the first to go, and so there are more big fish around by percentage than usual right now. Mud minnows or finger mullet will both work.
It’s still great fishing for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet.
From the surf to the Edisto Rocks to the nearshorereefs in about 30 feet there are tons of bull red drum around, and at the reefs you can also find big weakfish, bluefish, ladyfish and more. The last hurrah of the Spanish mackerel is also going on right now.
In 60-90 feet the king mackerel fishing is excellent, and early you can troll spoons and big-lipped plugs for them. After the sun gets up then slow-trolling with live menhaden is the best bet.
There is still 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’s a good time for cedar plugs and small feathers trolled way back.
October 13
Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to about 70 degrees. Right now both rivers are still clear.
As hoped, the trout fishing has turned right around and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that on his last trip they caught 50 fish with about 25 keepers. The best action is still at creek mouths along the main river fishing live shrimp or DOA shrimp under a popping cork, but the weird thing is that the bite has been best around low tide. The last hour or so of the outgoing, and the first three hours of the incoming, are really good – but if you aren’t set up where you need to be at least by the time the incoming tide starts running down the banks you’ve missed it.
The redfish action is as good as it gets right now, and Ron notes that this is the last of the good early morning topwater action. By now the best fishing is in the creeks instead of on the flats, and it’s not unusual to catch 25-50 fish in one low tide spot. Both big and little fish have headed back into the creeks.
Fish are 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 baits.
The inshore sheepshead fishing is still awesome, and they are catching big ones around structure. Fish fiddler crabs on docks in 5-10 feet of water at low tide.
The tarpon are mostly gone, but there are lots of tripletail around. They can be caught sight-fishing along the grass edges at high tide.
The flounder fishing is still decent, and while we hesitate to say much about this it’s a really good time for gigging with the clearer water. While the small fish are the first to leave they are also the first to go, and so there are more big fish around by percentage than usual right now. Mud minnows or finger mullet will both work.
It’s still great fishing for whiting, and over the sand bars and inlet cuts you can catch the big ones in 8-10 feet.
From the surf to the Edisto Rocks to the nearshorereefs in about 30 feet there are tons of bull red drum around, and at the reefs you can also find big weakfish, bluefish, ladyfish and more. The last hurrah of the Spanish mackerel is also going on right now.
In 60-90 feet the king mackerel fishing is excellent, and early you can troll spoons and big-lipped plugs for them. After the sun gets up then slow-trolling with live menhaden is the best bet.
There is still 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’s a good time for cedar plugs and small feathers trolled way back.
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.