Catch of the Day: Seabrook Fishermen Share their Favorite Spots
The thrill of not knowing what will be at the end of your line is what makes fishing along the beautiful South Carolina coastline so exciting. Seabrook’s serene barrier island is home to a Certified Audubon International Sustainable Community, boasting more than 3.5 miles of pristine coastline and 1,140 acres of tranquil marsh habitat. Our thriving semi-tropical ecosystem supports an extensive number of species throughout the year and can turn any hobbyist into an avid fisherman! If you are after the ultimate fishing experience near Charleston, SC, read on for a complete fishing guide from our local Seabrookers.
Everything You Need to Know About Fishing on Seabrook
There are many exciting opportunities for both amateurs and professionals alike to enjoy a relaxing day fishing, from Cap’n Sams inlet to Pelican beach. Although you can fish any season the most successful times are generally between April and November when the water is a little warmer. If you are searching for the perfect fishing nooks, keep an eye out for shallow troughs, beach points, inlets, and drop-offs.
Try fishing structure that extends close to the surface, such as docks, underwater rock structures, wrecks, piers, and more. Menhaden are a commonly found species of baitfish which like to feed on the surface and underside of these structures.
Seabrook Island’s pristine shallow waters teem with wildlife, providing a unique opportunity for inshore fishing. These shallow locations experience spring tides that fill up the marsh grasses and are ideal for fly fishing and sight fishing enthusiasts! While these shallow areas are a great spot to catch a bite, they can be difficult to access by boat. We recommend hiring a professional guide that has knowledge of the local habitats and behaviors of the target species.
When in doubt, follow the baitfish and the birds! On a good day, you can see fish like mullet and minnows hopping out of the water which can indicate larger fish or dolphins are nearby. We ask that in the event you do see dolphins, please avoid the area, as fishing nearby is very harmful to their unique feeding patterns.
Many of our local Seabrookers enjoy fishing off the tidal creek dock near the Creekwatch and Duneloft communities. If you prefer a little bit more of a challenge, try throwing a fishing net from the creek bank or on one of our beautiful South Carolina beaches. To make the most of your fishing trip, make sure you go prepared with our Seabrook Island fishing checklist:
- Check the weather and tide charts before heading out. High and low tides are usually not as productive for fishing.
- Purchase the proper fishing license from the DNR.
- Educate yourself and learn about any local and/or state fishing regulations.
- Familiarize yourself with the area if you plan on going on your own excursion.
- Grab some snacks and other supplies such as snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof bag, bug repellant, a first-aid kit, fold-up chairs, towels, and water.
- Get out your fishing equipment to match the type of fish you hope to catch, including fishing rods and reels, fishing lines, nets, and tape measure.
- Bring along an ice chest and knife set or multitool if you plan on turning your catch into dinner!
- Set up your tackle box with extra line and hooks, bobbers, sinkers, lure, needle nose pliers, and line cutters.
- Wear proper fishing attire. Hats offer protection from the sun and rain, waders keep the water out if you plan on getting in, and pants and long sleeves protect against biting insects!
- Pack an extra set of clothes and socks in case you end up taking an unexpected swim!
Surf Fishing Like a Seabrooker
Surf fishing, also known as shore fishing, is another popular pastime for Seabrook Island fishermen. This sport involves catching fish while you are standing on the shoreline or wading in the surf. At Seabrook Island, shore fishermen commonly catch a variety of fish, including redfish, trout, sharks, croakers, spots, and tarpon. Seabrooker fishermen might even grab the unexpecting stingray or small shark!
A medium to heavy rod between 7 and 10 feet with spinning or baitcasting reels is ideal for shore fishing. The recommended hook size is dependent on your targeted catch, however, we recommend using circle hooks between 2/0 and 4/0 inches, as they are designed to hook in the mouth to avoid gut hooking the fish. Lead weights can help you cast the bait from the shore, while a rod holder and sand stake can keep your line in place while you sit back and relax!
For more helpful tips and tricks onshore fishing, click here.
Please keep in mind both residents and visitors are required to have a saltwater fishing license. You should familiarize yourself with catch and size limitations to avoid heavy fines from the local fish and game patrol. Should you catch a tagged fish part of the SC marine game fish tagging program, you are encouraged to report the sighting using the information on the tag.
For more information on the rules or on how to report a fish, contact the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
The Local Flavor: Common Catches Near Charleston
If you prefer dock fishing, surf fishing, or casting a line off the pier, you might catch species like the spot tail bass, sheepshead, red drum, or flounder. King and Spanish mackerel, spotted sea trout, and whiting are among the species commonly found inshore. If you are a nearshore fisherman heading out on a boat, you might expect to find black drum, flounder, sea trout, and sheepshead congregating at the local nearshore reefs. Offshore anglers looking for a challenge with bigger fish will be hunting for black seabass, mackerel, albacore, cobia, snapper, grouper, spadefish, and many more! Depending on the time of year, there are a number of dinner table species, however, redfish are typically abundant year-round. Here are a few recent catches from our local Seabrookers:
Want to share your own catch of the day? Tag us in your next post on Instagram @seabrook_sc or on Facebook @seabrookislandsc!
Book Your Next Adventure With Marina & Fishing Charters
Whether you already own a boat or are looking for a rental, Bohicket Marina is the perfect place to get your fix. To learn more about tours and private lessons, contact 843-768-1280. Daily tours and other options must be placed 24 hours in advance.
Looking for an experienced charter to take you to all the best fishing spots near Seabrook Island, SC? With years of experience doing personalized charters, sightseeing, eco-tours, and much more in the Charleston area, Captain Rob with Citadel Marine Services knows all of the best places in Seabrook to get the freshest catch!
Photo: @citadelmarineservices
With so many socially-distant amenities and experiences to enjoy, our local Seabrookers never have a shortage of things to do. If you are looking to visit our beautiful barrier island, check out our current available Seabrook Island rentals.