February 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both tuna and wahoo are being caught offshore.

January 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The bluewater zone catch is mainly wahoo right now. 

January 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The bluewater zone catch is mainly wahoo right now.

December 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are still a lot of whiting in the surf.

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

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

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

December 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are still a lot of whiting in the surf.

On the nearshore structure there are a ton of big weakfish in 30-40 feet of water, and the best way to catch them is with a jigging spoon or bucktail. There are also bull red drum, sheepshead and black drum out there, and you can also find bull red drum feeding underneath the birds in 40-60 feet of water. Since water temperatures are still warm you can even find some big drum at the mouth of inlets in only 5-8 feet of water. 

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

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

December 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There have been good numbers of tuna and wahoo caught. 

November 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both menhaden and mullet will work for the bulls.

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

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

There have been good numbers of tuna and wahoo caught. 

November 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both menhaden and mullet will work for the bulls.

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

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

There have been good numbers of tuna and wahoo caught. 

November 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 21

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

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

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

Fish in the creeks are biting very well for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Finger mullet are the best creek bait because of all the bait stealers. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 7

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

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

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

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

Fish in the creeks are biting very well for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Finger mullet are the best creek bait because of all the bait stealers. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 30

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

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

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

Fish in the creeks are biting very well for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Finger mullet are the best creek bait because of all the bait stealers. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 17

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

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

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

Fish in the creeks are biting very well for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Finger mullet are the best creek bait because of all the bait stealers. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part of an impressive catch