When blackfin tuna are around Folly Beach
Blackfin tuna fishing out of Folly Beach is occasional. The fish are offshore, in Gulf Stream water that begins around 70 miles out, and they are not on the nearshore reefs.
Fishing off Folly Beach is mostly marsh and nearshore reef work, so a tuna run is a separate decision. This page helps own-boat anglers decide where to look and whether a run fits their day. It does not promise fish.
How far boats run for tuna from Folly Beach
Tuna water off Folly Beach is offshore, in the Gulf Stream, where the edge begins around 70 miles out. The named reefs sit much closer, at about 12 and about 15 miles. That gap is the run you are deciding on.
Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you go.
For how this fits the wider Southeast offshore picture, including tuna fishing off Charleston, see our blackfin regional guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide).
Grounds and structure off Folly Beach
The structure between the beach and the edge gives you waypoints on the run, but it is not tuna water. The table lists them from the beach outward.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Folly Beach Fishing Pier artificial reef | 15 | |
| 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 |
Folly Beach Fishing Pier reef
The pier artificial reef sits in 15 ft. It is the closest, shallowest named structure and a familiar starting reference.
Charleston Harbor Jetties
The jetties sit at the Charleston Harbor inlet and serve as the reference point for the Capers position.
Morris Island Lighthouse area
The Morris Island Lighthouse area is a short boat ride north of Folly Beach, and most local anglers already know it as a landmark.
Capers Artificial Reef
Capers sits in 40 ft, about 12 miles east of the Charleston Harbor Jetties.
Charleston 60′ Reef
The Charleston 60′ Reef sits in 60 ft, about 15 miles offshore.
Comanche Reef
Comanche Reef sits in 105 ft, farther offshore than the Charleston 60′ Reef. It is the deepest named reef on this list.
Gulf Stream edge
The Gulf Stream edge begins around 70 miles offshore, and this is where the tuna are. From the 60′ Reef at about 15 miles, you still have roughly 55 miles to run.
How blackfin are fished from Folly Beach
Blackfin from Folly Beach are fished by trolling combined with chumming, and the two methods are worked together on the same water.
Our blackfin species guide covers trolling and chumming technique and how the fish behave.
FAQ: blackfin tuna fishing out of Folly Beach
Can you catch blackfin tuna off Folly Beach?
Yes, occasionally. Blackfin are in offshore and Gulf Stream water, not on the nearshore reefs. The Gulf Stream edge begins around 70 miles offshore.
How far offshore is tuna water from Folly Beach?
The Gulf Stream edge begins around 70 miles offshore. Capers Artificial Reef sits about 12 miles east of the Charleston Harbor Jetties, and the Charleston 60′ Reef sits about 15 miles offshore. Both are well short of the edge.
Which reefs do you pass on the run from Folly Beach?
From shore outward:
- Folly Beach Fishing Pier reef, 15 ft
- Capers Artificial Reef, 40 ft
- Charleston 60′ Reef, 60 ft
- Comanche Reef, 105 ft, farther out than the 60′ Reef
These are waypoints, not tuna water.
Is blackfin tuna fishing out of Folly Beach done by trolling or chumming?
Both. Trolling combined with chumming is the local approach for blackfin. Technique detail is in the species guide.
Where can I read about other tuna species and tuna fishing in general?
Start with our tuna fishing guides. They cover the broader tuna picture beyond this port.
