When greater amberjack are around Folly Beach
Greater amberjack fishing out of Folly Beach centers on reefs and structure, and the plan depends on season status and how far your boat runs. The Folly Beach port guide has ramp, inlet and port detail. For biology and the wider seasonal picture, see the greater amberjack species guide. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide.
October
Write Off The Rip rates October odds as good. That rating comes from the operator.
Season status
Season status decides whether the deeper run to Comanche Reef happens. Comanche is fished when the season allows, so check status before you plan the trip.
Three things set the plan:
- October carries a good rating from a local operator.
- Comanche Reef is the season-dependent run.
- Season status is the call to make before you fuel the boat.
How far boats run for amberjack off Folly Beach
The range runs from a pier reef visible from the beach to the Gulf Stream edge. Each distance below is given from its own reference point.
Nearshore runs
The pier reef sits off the Folly Beach pier. The Charleston Harbor Jetties and the Morris Island Lighthouse area are inshore landmarks, and Morris Island is a short boat ride north. Capers is about 12 miles east of the Jetties. The Charleston 60′ Reef is about 15 miles offshore.
Comanche Reef
Comanche Reef sits at 105 ft, farther offshore than the 60′ Reef. Boats make this run when the season allows.
Gulf Stream edge
The Gulf Stream edge begins around 70 miles offshore, the far end of the range. Before any run, check wind, wave height and period on the official marine forecast.
| Run | Distance as stated |
|---|---|
| Pier reef | Off the Folly Beach pier |
| Morris Island Lighthouse area | A short boat ride north of Folly Beach |
| Capers Artificial Reef | About 12 miles east of the Charleston Harbor Jetties |
| Charleston 60′ Reef | About 15 miles offshore |
| Comanche Reef | Farther offshore than the 60′ Reef |
| Gulf Stream edge | Begins around 70 miles offshore |
Grounds and structure near Folly Beach, from 15 ft to 105 ft
The grounds step down from 15 ft off the pier to 105 ft at Comanche Reef, with the Gulf Stream edge beyond.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Location as stated |
|---|---|---|
| Folly Beach Fishing Pier artificial reef | 15 | Off the Folly Beach pier |
| Charleston Harbor Jetties | At the Charleston Harbor inlet | |
| Morris Island Lighthouse area | A short boat ride north of Folly Beach | |
| Capers Artificial Reef | 40 | About 12 miles east of the Charleston Harbor Jetties |
| Charleston 60′ Reef | 60 | About 15 miles offshore |
| Comanche Reef | 105 | Farther offshore than the Charleston 60′ Reef |
| Gulf Stream edge | Begins around 70 miles offshore |
Chart contours and all Breakpoint chart layers are not for navigation. Use official charts to run.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier artificial reef (15 ft)
The pier reef sits in 15 ft, off the Folly Beach pier.
Charleston Harbor Jetties
The Jetties sit at the Charleston Harbor inlet and serve as the reference point for the Capers distance.
Morris Island Lighthouse area
The Morris Island Lighthouse area is a short boat ride north of Folly Beach.
Capers Artificial Reef (40 ft)
Capers holds 40 ft of water, about 12 miles east of the Charleston Harbor Jetties.
Charleston 60′ Reef (60 ft)
The Charleston 60′ Reef sits in 60 ft, about 15 miles offshore.
Comanche Reef (105 ft)
Comanche Reef lies in 105 ft, farther offshore than the 60′ Reef. It is fished when the season allows.
Gulf Stream edge (about 70 miles)
The Gulf Stream edge begins around 70 miles offshore.
For the general picture of fishing reef structure, see the reef fish guides.
How amberjack are fished and who fishes them from Folly Beach
How the port fishes them
The fishery here is built on structure. An owner-operator works the grounds in sequence, from the 15 ft pier reef out through Capers and the 60′ Reef. Comanche Reef is the run that depends on the season.
Write Off The Rip Charters
Write Off The Rip Charters is an offshore operator that lists greater amberjack and rates October odds as good.
Stovepipe Fishing
Stovepipe Fishing runs from Bohicket Marina for Kiawah and Seabrook and is not a Folly Beach operator. Its boat is a 2005 45-foot Cabo sportfisher.
| Operator | Base | Folly Beach operator |
|---|---|---|
| Write Off The Rip Charters | Offshore trips out of Folly Beach | Yes |
| Stovepipe Fishing | Bohicket Marina, Kiawah and Seabrook | No |
FAQ: greater amberjack fishing out of Folly Beach
Is October good for amberjack off Folly Beach?
Write Off The Rip rates October odds as good. Confirm season status before you go.
How deep is Comanche Reef?
105 ft, farther offshore than the Charleston 60′ Reef. It is fished when the season allows.
How far is Capers Reef?
About 12 miles east of the Charleston Harbor Jetties, in 40 ft.
Is Stovepipe Fishing a Folly Beach charter?
No. It runs a 2005 45-foot Cabo from Bohicket Marina for Kiawah and Seabrook.
Where are the amberjack rules?
On the South Carolina state regulations page. Check it before fishing.
