When white marlin fishing out of Edisto Beach happens
The record for this port is tournament-level. The Edisto Invitational billfish tournament scores billfish releases, white marlin among them, but no published season or proven white marlin grounds exist for Edisto Beach. This guide covers what the record supports: release-scored tournament fishing, six named pieces of structure and one NOAA buoy. It claims no trips or catches and does not promise fish.
For the regional season picture, see white marlin in the Atlantic Southeast (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide). For habitat, temperature and why drop-offs matter, see the white marlin species guide. Neither is restated here.
Everything below describes structure near Edisto Beach. None of it is a list of proven white marlin spots.
Grounds and structure near Edisto Beach
Six pieces of structure sit off Edisto Beach, listed from nearshore to the ledge. The PA numbers are South Carolina designations under the South Carolina artificial reef program.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Marking/position | Distance reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearshore reefs (general) | about 30 and deeper | ||
| A-Can, South Edisto River mouth | |||
| CCA-Edisto 40′ Reef (PA-31) | Reef buoy 32 25.280N, 080 11.780W | ||
| Edisto 60′ Reef (PA-30) | 60 | Reef buoy 32 21.411N, 080 05.155W | |
| Edisto Offshore Reef (PA-36) | 50-72 | Unmarked | 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet |
| Edisto Banks (the ledge) | 150 on top to 800 on the drop | Steep drop-off, north-south | about 20 miles long |
Nearshore reefs
Nearshore reefs start at about 30 ft and run deeper.
A-Can off the South Edisto River mouth
The A-Can is a reference landmark off the South Edisto River mouth.
CCA-Edisto 40′ Reef (PA-31)
The reef buoy sits at 32 25.280N, 080 11.780W.
Edisto 60′ Reef (PA-30)
PA-30 sits in 60 ft of water. The reef buoy is at 32 21.411N, 080 05.155W.
Edisto Offshore Reef (PA-36)
PA-36 lies in 50 to 72 ft of water and is unmarked, so plot it before leaving the dock. It sits 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet, which is a different reference point than Edisto.
Edisto Banks, the ledge
The Banks is a steep drop-off running north-south for about 20 miles, from 150 ft on top to 800 ft on the drop. Those figures describe the structure and are not a white marlin record.
The Chart Contours and OBS SST layers in Breakpoint can help you read the drop. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How far boats run from Edisto Beach
The Edisto Beach port guide covers inlets, ramps and navigation. This section lists the distance references on record:
- PA-36 sits 23.5 miles from Stono Inlet.
- Edisto Banks runs about 20 miles north-south.
- NDBC Station 41004 sits 41 NM southeast of Charleston, SC.
NDBC Station 41004 EDISTO is the nearest NOAA buoy, at 32.502N, 79.099W in 35 m of water. The station page reports wind, wave height and period. For the official forecast, use the NWS Charleston marine forecast.
How white marlin are fished here and who fishes for them
Release scoring in the Governor’s Cup
The local method on record is release scoring in the Governor’s Cup event. Billfish are scored when they are released. For billfish generally, see our billfish fishing guides.
Who fishes for them from this port
The record is the tournament field fishing the Governor’s Cup event. No other fleet or team is on record for white marlin out of Edisto Beach.
FAQ
How far is the Edisto Banks ledge?
Edisto Banks is a steep drop-off running north-south for about 20 miles, from 150 ft on top to 800 ft on the drop. No run distance from Edisto is on record.
What are the coordinates of the Edisto 60′ Reef?
Edisto 60′ Reef (PA-30) sits in 60 ft of water. The reef buoy is at 32 21.411N, 080 05.155W.
Which buoy covers Edisto offshore?
NDBC Station 41004 EDISTO sits 41 NM southeast of Charleston, SC, at 32.502N, 79.099W, in 35 m of water.
Is there a documented season for white marlin fishing out of Edisto Beach?
The record is tournament-level, with release scoring in the Governor’s Cup. No published season or proven grounds exist.
How does the Governor’s Cup score white marlin?
By release. A white marlin is scored when it is released.
