Vermilion snapper fishing out of Edisto Beach means running to offshore hard bottom in about 70-100 ft, from spring into summer. This briefing covers when the fish arrive, where the named grounds sit and their positions, and which buoy to read before you leave the dock. For species biology and general tackle, see our vermilion snapper guide. For launching and getting out, see the Edisto Beach port page. The wider picture is in the vermilion snapper fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast region guide.
When vermilion snapper are off Edisto
The season runs from spring into summer. The first fish show up in March and stay through the warm months.
March arrival
In March the fish arrive at 90-100 ft, so the first trips of the year should aim for the deep end of the band.
Spring into summer
From spring into summer the fish work the 70-100 ft band. Plan runs to that depth range and fish the hard bottom within it.
| Window | Where to look |
|---|---|
| March | 90-100 ft, deep end of the band |
| Spring into summer | 70-100 ft, offshore hard bottom |
Where boats run from Edisto Beach
Boats run to offshore hard bottom in 70-100 ft, and every ground below is measured against that range.
The 70-100 ft band
Compare each named ground to the band, then confirm the hard bottom under you on the bottom machine.
- Inside the band: hard bottom in 70-100 ft.
- Shallower: the nearshore reefs, useful as reference points on the way out.
- Deeper: Edisto Banks, outer structure beyond the band.
Reading NDBC 41004 before the run
The conditions source is the NDBC Station 41004 EDISTO page. The buoy sits 41 NM southeast of Charleston, SC, at 32.502N, 79.099W, in 35 m of water.
Before you leave, check three readings:
- Wind speed and direction.
- Wave height.
- Dominant period.
The buoy reports conditions where it sits, not along your exact track. Pair it with the official NWS marine forecast and decide from the numbers.
Grounds and structure
The named grounds below run from the nearshore reefs out to the Edisto Banks ledge. Positions are as published for each site.
| Name | Depth | Position / marker | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edisto 60′ Reef (PA-30) | 60 ft | Reef buoy 32 21.411N, 080 05.155W | Just shallow of the 70-100 ft band |
| CCA-Edisto 40′ Reef (PA-31) | 40 ft (per name) | Reef buoy 32 25.280N, 080 11.780W | Shallower than the band; first leg of the run |
| Edisto Offshore Reef (PA-36) | 50-72 ft | Unmarked. 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet | Deep end reaches the band’s shallow edge |
| Edisto Banks (the ledge) | 150 ft on top to 800 ft on the drop | Steep drop-off running north-south for about 20 miles | Deeper than the band; outer structure |
| A-Can | Not listed | Off the South Edisto River mouth | Navigation reference, not fishing structure |
| Nearshore reefs (general) | About 30 ft and deeper | Not listed | Shallower than the band; reference structure |
PA-36 is unmarked, so run to the coordinates and confirm the bottom on your machine. The 23.5 miles is measured from Stono Inlet, not from Edisto.
Edisto Banks sits deeper than the stated band, and we make no claim that vermilion snapper hold there. The A-Can is a landmark off the South Edisto River mouth and works as a reference point only, not as fishing structure.
Plot the PA-30, PA-31 and PA-36 positions on Chart Contours to see where 70-100 ft lies relative to each site. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How vermilion are fished here
The local method is bottom fishing: work the hard bottom inside the 70-100 ft band and keep the bait on the bottom. For rigs and general approach, see reef fish bottom-fishing technique.
- Method: bottom fishing.
- Bottom: offshore hard bottom.
- Depth: about 70-100 ft.
Who fishes for them out of Edisto Beach
One local charter lists vermilion snapper fishing out of Edisto Beach. The Second Wind Charters listing shows Captain Kevin Latham running a 26′ Sea Hunt 265 Ultra center console for up to 6 anglers.
| Operator | Captain | Boat | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Wind Charters | Kevin Latham | 26′ Sea Hunt 265 Ultra center console | Up to 6 |
FAQ: vermilion snapper fishing out of Edisto Beach
What depth do vermilion snapper hold in off Edisto Beach?
About 70-100 ft, over offshore hard bottom.
When do they show up?
In March they arrive at 90-100 ft, and they stay through spring into summer.
How far is the Edisto Offshore Reef (PA-36)?
It is 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet, in 50-72 ft.
Is PA-36 marked?
No. Run to the coordinates and confirm the bottom on your machine.
Which buoy should I check before the run?
NDBC 41004 EDISTO, at 32.502N, 79.099W, 41 NM southeast of Charleston. Read the wind, wave height and period.
Is there a local charter that targets them?
Yes. Second Wind Charters, run by Captain Kevin Latham, fishes a 26′ Sea Hunt 265 Ultra for up to 6 anglers.
