Black sea bass fishing out of Edisto Beach splits by depth: keepers sit on hard bottom at 60-70 ft from January through March, while the nearshore reefs hold large numbers of undersized fish. For inlets, ramps and conditions, see the Edisto Beach port guide. This page covers when, where and how deep. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the wider Atlantic Southeast guide.
When black sea bass are here
This is a cool-month fishery. From January through March, keepers hold at 60-70 ft on hard bottom, and the nearshore reefs are full of undersized fish over the same stretch. Those shorts on the inside reefs are why boats run deeper. If you want keepers, plan the run to 60 ft and beyond.
Biology and migration are covered in our black sea bass guide. This page covers local timing.
| Window | Depth | What you find |
|---|---|---|
| January through March | 60-70 ft | Keepers on hard bottom |
| January through March | Nearshore reefs, about 30 ft and deeper | Large numbers of undersized fish |
Where boats run and the grounds
Boats run to hard bottom at 60 ft and deeper, moving out as temperatures change. Coordinates and chart layers here are not for navigation. Use official charts.
| Ground | Depth | Marker / coordinates | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearshore reefs (general) | about 30 ft and deeper | Mostly undersized fish | |
| CCA-Edisto 40′ Reef (PA-31) | Reef buoy 32 25.280N, 080 11.780W | ||
| A-Can | Off the South Edisto River mouth | ||
| Edisto 60′ Reef (PA-30) | 60 ft | Reef buoy 32 21.411N, 080 05.155W | Keeper depth |
| Edisto Offshore Reef (PA-36) | 50-72 ft | Unmarked | 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet |
| Edisto Banks (the ledge) | 150 ft on top to 800 ft on the drop | Steep north-south drop-off, about 20 miles long |
Nearshore reefs
The nearshore reefs start at about 30 ft and run deeper. Undersized fish concentrate here, so expect to throw back a lot of shorts.
CCA-Edisto 40′ Reef (PA-31)
The reef buoy sits at 32 25.280N, 080 11.780W. It is the inside marked reef on the way out.
A-Can
A-Can is a named ground off the South Edisto River mouth.
Edisto 60′ Reef (PA-30)
The reef buoy sits at 32 21.411N, 080 05.155W, in 60 ft of water at the front edge of the 60-70 ft keeper depth. Start here when you want keepers.
Edisto Offshore Reef (PA-36)
PA-36 lies in 50-72 ft, 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet, and has no buoy. You will need a waypoint and electronics to find it.
Edisto Banks (the ledge)
The ledge is a steep north-south drop-off about 20 miles long, falling from 150 ft on top to 800 ft on the drop. It marks the outer edge of the area covered here.
How it is fished here
Locals bottom fish hard bottom at about 60-70 ft, anchoring or drifting over structure with the bait on the bottom.
Reef fish technique carries over from port to port. Our reef fish guides cover the broader approach.
Who fishes black sea bass out of Edisto Beach
Two charters list black sea bass out of this port:
- Second Wind Charters (Second Wind Charters listing): Captain Kevin Latham, 26′ Sea Hunt 265 Ultra center console, up to 6 anglers.
- Fontaine Charters (Fontaine Charters trips page): lists black sea bass on its trips.
For conditions, the nearest NOAA buoy is NDBC Station 41004 EDISTO, 41 NM southeast of Charleston, SC, at 32.502N, 79.099W, in 35 m of water. It sits well offshore of the 60 ft reefs, so it reports open-water conditions and will differ from what you find at the buoy-marked reefs.
Check wind, wave height and period at 41004 and in the NWS Charleston marine forecast before the run.
FAQ
When are keeper black sea bass around Edisto Beach?
January through March, at 60-70 ft on hard bottom.
Why are there so many shorts nearshore?
The nearshore reefs, about 30 ft and deeper, hold large numbers of undersized fish. Keepers sit deeper, at 60 ft and beyond.
Where is the Edisto 60′ Reef (PA-30)?
The reef buoy sits at 32 21.411N, 080 05.155W, in 60 ft. Not for navigation.
Is the Edisto Offshore Reef (PA-36) marked?
No. It is unmarked, in 50-72 ft, and 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet, so you need a waypoint and electronics.
Which buoy should I check before running out?
NDBC 41004 EDISTO, 41 NM southeast of Charleston in 35 m of water, along with the official forecast. It reads conditions well offshore of the reefs.
Which charters target black sea bass here?
Second Wind Charters (Captain Kevin Latham, 26′ Sea Hunt, up to 6) and Fontaine Charters.
