by Kellea Croft

Created on: April 07, 2008   Last Updated: April 17, 2008

Fishing full of action and acrobats to fill your saltwater dreams lies on the South Carolina coastline. The tidal waters offer exciting and challenging sport fishing. Whether you are inshore, offshore, gulf stream or land fishing the bites will keep coming. There are marsh creeks, estuaries, mudflats, jetties, marinas, beaches, bridges, and charters to any type of fishing that you desire.

"It doesn't matter what month is flipped on the calendar: There is something biting in the saltwater of the South Carolina coast." Walt Jones of South Carline Game & Fish magazine.

Enjoy inshore fishing for red drum, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, lady fish and blue fish. Near shore reefs are home to shark, tarpon, cobia and mackerel. Deep sea gives hits for mahi mahi, mackerel, cobia, and jacks. Bottom fishing is for grouper, snapper and seabass.

The most popular fish in South Carolina is the spottail bass. It can be caught year round and the DNR has a stock enhancement program to keep the stock numbers high since it is so prolific. Spotted Seatrout is the number two fish with guides stating I-526 bridge pilings on Wando River being a good spot to land them. By May flounder will be moving into the North Inlet and around jetties at the mouth of Winyah Bay, but remember not to try and hook too quickly, they take their time in placing the bait in its mouth.

"Most of the cooperative species are located inshore, but what's going on offshore outside the traditional spring runs of tuna and dolphin might surprise even veteran anglers. " Captain Fred Rourk of Sweet Tea charters.

Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are the most popular spots for fishing tourists, but there is plenty available in all towns along the coast. Georgetown has some killer catches being recorded from their local DNR offices.

Charters for day will run you around $350-$450 for the first six passengers, full day around $800 and Gulf Stream 12 to 14 hour trips for $1,400. Prices vary per guide and charter so check the area for who has the best rates.

Some that have impressed me is Captain Pete Mercuro with Extreme Fisherman. His prices are reasonable and he knows his stuff. Check him out at www.extremefisherman.com (P.O. Box 3276, Pawley's Island, SC 29585 843-344-0974. In Georgetown is Captain Tommy Scarborough with Georgetown Coastal Adventures 843-546-3543 just an old fashioned southern gentleman with a knack to find the fish.

Artificial reefs can be equally rewarding spots to troll or angle.

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