When Blue Marlin Are Off Edisto Beach
Blue marlin fishing out of Edisto Beach runs May to July, and the Edisto Invitational, held in mid-July, falls inside that window. Tournament crews plan their summer around it. For range and behavior beyond this port, see the blue marlin species guide.
- Season: May to July
- Tournament: the Edisto Invitational, mid-July, near the end of the season
Where Boats Run: The Gulf Stream and the Ledge Edge
Boats fish about 600 to 800 ft of water, out at the Gulf Stream and the ledge edge. That depth band sits on the drop of Edisto Banks, covered in the next section. For the regional Gulf Stream picture, see the Southeast blue marlin guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide).
Reading NDBC 41004 Before the Run
NDBC Station 41004 EDISTO sits 41 NM southeast of Charleston, SC, at 32.502N, 79.099W, in 35 m of water. It reads conditions well offshore, closer to where you fish than to the beach. At about 115 ft, though, its depth is still far inshore of the 600 to 800 ft drop.
Before you commit to the run, check these numbers:
- Wind speed and direction
- Wave height
- Wave period
Then check the NWS Charleston marine forecast as a second look. The buoy reports one point, and neither source replaces your own read of the water when you get there.
Grounds and Structure Near Edisto Beach
Edisto Banks is the ledge: 150 ft on top, 800 ft on the drop, a steep drop-off running north-south for about 20 miles. The rest of the named structure sits inshore of it. The Edisto Beach port page shows these grounds on the map. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Ground | Depth | Marker or position |
|---|---|---|
| Edisto Banks (the ledge) | 150 ft on top to 800 ft on the drop | Runs north-south for about 20 miles |
| Edisto 60′ Reef (PA-30) | 60 ft | Reef buoy 32 21.411N, 080 05.155W |
| CCA-Edisto 40′ Reef (PA-31) | Not listed | Reef buoy 32 25.280N, 080 11.780W |
| Edisto Offshore Reef (PA-36) | 50 to 72 ft | Unmarked, 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet |
| A-Can | Not listed | Off the South Edisto River mouth |
| Nearshore reefs | About 30 ft and deeper | Not listed |
Edisto Banks
This is the lead ground. The drop from 150 ft on top to 800 ft holds the 600 to 800 ft band that boats target, and the 20 miles of north-south edge give them plenty of room to work.
Edisto 60′ Reef (PA-30)
PA-30 sits in 60 ft. The reef buoy is at 32 21.411N, 080 05.155W.
CCA-Edisto 40′ Reef (PA-31)
The reef buoy for PA-31 is at 32 25.280N, 080 11.780W.
Edisto Offshore Reef (PA-36)
PA-36 lies in 50 to 72 ft, 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet. It is unmarked, so you need the numbers to find it. The state’s SCDNR Edisto Offshore Reef notice covers the site.
A-Can off the South Edisto River Mouth
The A-Can is a local landmark name off the South Edisto River mouth.
Nearshore Reefs
The nearshore reefs start at about 30 ft and run deeper.
How It’s Fished and Who Fishes It
Blues off Edisto are fished by trolling. For more on the billfish side of the sport, see the billfish guides.
Two groups fish from this port:
- Tournament crews
- Anglers running their own boats
The Edisto Invitational and Governor’s Cup Scoring
The Edisto Invitational is held in mid-July and counts toward SC Governor’s Cup scoring. Scoring is release-based, so points go to released fish.
FAQ: Blue Marlin Fishing Out of Edisto Beach
When is blue marlin season at Edisto Beach?
May to July. The Edisto Invitational falls in mid-July, inside that window.
What depth do boats fish?
About 600 to 800 ft, at the Gulf Stream and the ledge edge. That band sits on the drop of Edisto Banks.
What is Edisto Banks?
Edisto Banks is the ledge. It runs from 150 ft on top to 800 ft on the drop, a steep drop-off running north-south for about 20 miles.
Which buoy should I check?
NDBC 41004 EDISTO, 41 NM southeast of Charleston at 32.502N, 79.099W, in 35 m of water. It reports one point, so read it alongside the official forecast.
How are blues fished here?
By trolling. Governor’s Cup scoring is release-based, so tournament crews are fishing for releases.
Can I keep a blue marlin?
A legal-size blue may be brought to the dock. Check the state and federal rules before you fish.
