FISHING, SHRIMPING AND CRABBING
Surf fishing can be done anywhere on the beach, but is not usually very productive during the summer months. On an early incoming tide, fishing just inside either Jeremy or Frampton inlet is very productive for whiting, sea bass and croaker. Many flounder are taken in the creek but usually requires a boat and experience. Drum and trout are also in the creek in the fall and early spring. Fishing from our dock will likely not put food on the table but if you, or the kids, just like catching and releasing small fish, can be quite enjoyable. Unfortunately the best fishing in the creeks, for almost anything but flounder, is far better in the spring and fall than in the heat of summer. Jeremy inlet has long been famous for it’s sea trout fishing in October and November (which happen to be some of the most beautiful times of the year here).
Because of the softness of the mud shrimping with a seine is very challenging, cast nets or drop nets (the latter has some restrictions) are the better option. Cast netting from the dock will catch live shrimp, mud minnows, mullet and an occasional surprise. If you are a fisherman this is where you get your live bait. A minnow trap is also available for the serious fisherman.
A crab trap is provided and with a couple of chicken necks, fish heads or just about anything unfit for human consumption, it will often provide 10 or more blue crabs per high tide. It is the ultimate set it and forget it. Load the trap, drop it in the water, wait a few hours and then reap the harvest.
When the trap is full open and shake till the crabs fall on the ground, make sure you have carried the trap 10 feet or so back from the waters edge. The state blue crab minimum is 5 inches from edge to edge. I like to keep only 7 or more inch crabs, all below that width should be returned to the creek. The remaining crabs may be kept alive until cooked or cleaned on the spot. We clean them immediately because they can then be kept in a ziplock in the fridge until you are ready or have enough to cook. To do so, trap the claws gently with your feet, hands or a stick (be careful, I hold the claws flush to the face of the crab with my left hand), then bring your hand (palm down) from the rear over the back of the crab with your thumb under one carapace tip and your little finger under the other. Turn your hand pulling up with the thumb while pushing down with the farthest ring finger and the entire carapace, and the majority of the guts, will pop off (it may sound cruel but surely it is better than boiling alive). Then take the crabs to the cleaning station and spray out the middle being sure to remove any remaining gills. Crabs cleaned in this way will not have any “guts, head, eyeballs etc” cooked or in the way when cleaning. They will easily save uncooked for a week in the fridge when prepared this way. Cleaning involves removing all meat from the legs, claws and body and is much easier if the crabs were gutted prior to cooking.
Stone crabs often end up in the trap and South Carolina law requires you remove only the largest claw, if it has two, and then return the crab to the ocean. If it has only one claw, return the crab as it cannot survive with none. Never keep a stone crab.
Of course there are several markets on the island that sell the catch from the local shrimp boat fleet. Shrimp that slept in the ocean the night before, as well as mahi mahi, tuna, flounder, snapper, sea bass, etc. NOTE: You may like Tilapia, and they sell it here, but why would you buy fish that is imported when the others were caught here yesterday! That would be like ordering a ring of Dole pineapple in Hawaii. Take advantage of all the fresh food and vegetables available on the island to maximize your enjoyment of the stay. Offshore and inshore fishing can be chartered at the Edisto marina and if you have a boat they usually have slips available for short term rental. There is no access for a powered boat over 16 feet at the house and if you pull anything larger in on a trailer you will never be able to get it back out.
Red Drum are in the creek in April and into May as well as October and November. 20+ pounders can be taken in the surf at Frampton Inlet in the winter for those that know how to fish them and have the necessary gear.
There are flounder in the creek all summer and experienced fishers can avoid going to the seafood shop. If you have never fished for flounder, the SCDNR has several articles on its web site explaining the necessary techniques, the most important being to wait 20 to 60 seconds after the flounder takes your bait before setting the hook. This level of patience is alien to most fishermen and is the opposite of what is done with almost all other fish found here.
A canoe and kayaks are available for rent, or you may bring your own, and are recommended. A small skiff or jon boat, 16 feet or less, is fine for the creek and can be tied to the dock. There is a small landing near Frampton inlet, owned by a lifelong commercial crabber, who will sometimes let you put it in for a nominal fee.
GOLF
The island has one very nice, and recently completely rebuilt and redone, golf course located at the Wyndham/Ocean Ridge development on Edisto that is available for public play at reasonable rates. There are world class golf courses in both Hilton Head and Kiawah, less than an hour away. http://www.theplantationcourseatedisto.com/
STARS
Unless you live in Montana, Alaska or the Dakotas you have forgotten, if you ever knew, just how many and how bright they are. I remember looking at the Milky Way as a child growing up in the upstate of South Carolina. It can no longer be seen here but lights up the sky on most nights at Edisto.
DOLPHINS
It would be unusual during a full week not to be treated to a mother and child and/or a pod of small dolphins dining in the creek twenty feet from your porch. Even at low tide they will herd a school of mullet and then chase them right up onto the bank. Tide or time of day seems not to matter much although lower tides seem to have a slight advantage. It is sufficiently fascinating that no matter how many times we have seen them, no one fails to come running when one is spotted or heard. Their breathing or slapping the water is often what is first noticed and this is about as far down the creek they come. As a result we often get quite a show as they criss cross the creek feeding and playing not 20 feet from the bank.
SHARKS TEETH AND FOSSILS
Edingsville beach is without question the premiere place in South Carolina for finding sharks teeth and fossils. If you have never picked up a sharks tooth, you will do it here. If you are an old hand at it, you will fill your pocket in an afternoon. But other fossils are found here as well, we have found a full mastodon tooth (the size of a fist), bones as long as an arm, many prehistoric horse teeth, fossilized turtle shell, and other parts unknown. Fragments are everywhere but larger complete parts are often found if you know how to look. The first and most important rule is that all fossils and teeth will be the deepest black of anything else you will see on the beach. Look for black, not shape, and you will soon have a nice collection.
PELICANS
Every evening flock after flock of brown pelicans come inshore to roost. A favorite beverage and a chair on one of the upper decks will afford a close up view of these beautiful birds as they make their way home. Despite spending the entire day on a treeless ocean, for some reason they always closely follow the tree line when traveling inland and will literally fly within feet of where you are sitting before turning across the marsh and the next tree line. Because they not only follow the trees, they fly barely above them, you will be able to look them literally in the eyes, usually much to their surprise. These are really large and beautifully colored birds when you see them flying 10 to 20 feet away at eye level.
KAYAKS
Kayaking is one of the most peaceful ways of viewing and enjoying the marsh. If dolphins are present you can often get to within almost touching distance.
Keep in mind the effect of the current. On an outgoing tide you can travel far, quickly and with minimal physical exertion. The same will not be true if you attempt to return while the tide is still outgoing. This effect is exacerbated by wind. Pay close attention to both unless you are doing it solely for a workout. Water shoes or sneakers are recommended while kayaking.
We have 7 ride on top Kayaks (one is a tandem) that can be rented for the length of your stay for $150.00. Most other places on Edisto charge almost that for one kayak for a single day. When the tide cooperates there is no better end to the day than a short paddle at high tide as the sun is setting.
SHOPPING AT EDISTO
There isn't much. A grocery store, a couple hardware stores and about twice that many gift shops.
Condiments, salt, pepper, paper goods, spices or other non perishable cooking items are best brought with you. Fresh seafood, meat (to a point) and vegetables are readily available. All of the above are available but a little more expensive and unlikely to be used completely in a week. We take ours; you should to, as the refrigerator needs to be completely emptied at the end of your visit.
Likewise, if you want to fish, cast net or crab buy all the supplies you need before you arrive. Prices at Edisto for rods, rigs, nets, etc. will be double what you would otherwise pay.
During the summer expect the Edisto Piggly Wiggly to be very crowded at the end of the day and plan your trip accordingly. This is not your normal grocery store, it is about a ¼ the size of today's stores and ½ the size of the boutique grocery stores. It usually has almost everything you need but aisle space. Wine and beer are available at the Piggly Wiggly and there is a small liquor store in the same shopping area (again, it’s cheaper to bring your own).
There are several local produce markets very close to the house. George and Pinks, below, about a mile from the house.
Traditional shopping can be had in Charleston, Beaufort or Walterboro, each about 45 to 55 minutes away.
BOATS
Guests experienced in operating a small boat in coastal estuaries may qualify to rent the gas motor for the boat below. It is powered by a 6 hp engine. The cost of rental is $250 per week, or $50 per day for nightly rentals. Daily rental is available only when your stay is less than a week and for the full number of days of your stay.
Unless experienced driving small outboard boats in coastal estuaries it is strongly recommended that you opt for the kayaks or the electric boat or, at the very least, operate the boat only at higher tides. If you opt for the gas motor I will include a supplement to the general instructions we send all guests detailing it's proper use and operation.
The capacity is 3 average adults. The boat is extremely resistant to capsizing, even when standing, but rapid turns at high speed or overloading the boat can turn it over. Please operate it responsibly.
Of course if you have a skiff or jon boat, 18 feet or less, we encourage you to bring your own.
ELECTRIC BOAT
A smaller electric powered boat is available for rent at $150 per week. This boat will carry 3 average adults or 2 adults and 2 children at about 5 knots. That makes for a 30 or more minute trip to the inlet but is perfect for taking the creek route to the beach or for those who are unable or unwilling to kayak. A trip to the ocean takes about 7 minutes. Be sure to only attempt a longer trip with a full charge in the battery and with at least two paddles.
No worries when operating this boat as it is almost impossible to hurt it, you or the motor. Although it resembles a fat canoe it is virtually impossible to tip over and you can stand in it without concern of it capsizing. It will travel even the smallest creeks at all but the lowest tide and the motor can be raised and lowered simply and easily in any increment. Children 10 and older may operate this boat as long as an adult is on board.
A slow silent ride through the marsh at sunrise or sunset observing the life and natural beauty around you is about as peaceful and relaxing as it gets.
This boat is also great for fishing or trolling for flounder.
BICYCLES
We are out of the bicycle rental business. These require regular routine maintenance after each use in the salt air environment which, unfortunately, we have found we cannot rely on all of our renters to perform. Rather than having constant issues which we cannot timely remedy we suggest that if you wish to have bicycles you rent them from Edisto Essentials. There is a link on the following page, they will deliver and pick up. This is a great way to get to the beach quickly and with a cooler or small children.
TIDE
The tide affects everything you do and it is necessary to just adjust to it and plan your activities accordingly.
The best fishing is just as the tide comes in. If that is 8 am then you either get up at 7 or you may as well not fish until 8 pm. The best tooth and fossil hunting is from half low to low to half high, with low tide at Jeremy Inlet as the best possible place and time. If that happens to be lunchtime then you will have a choice between skipping it or eating earlier or later.
If you are using the boat or the kayaks to take the short route to the beach please plan for the tide. If low happens to be 8 am then by 10 you should be able to go and stay 8 hours. If low is at noon you should go at 10 and expect to HAVE to stay at least 4 hours. Please also be aware of the direction of the tide when you leave the boat. If it is outgoing leave slack in the rope, if incoming set the kayaks or anchors higher on the beach.
There is always something to do no matter the stage of the tide, they are, with the exception of lying on the beach, just different things to do. Once you understand you have to just “go with the flow” and plan accordingly your stay will be much more relaxing and enjoyable.
Surf fishing can be done anywhere on the beach, but is not usually very productive during the summer months. On an early incoming tide, fishing just inside either Jeremy or Frampton inlet is very productive for whiting, sea bass and croaker. Many flounder are taken in the creek but usually requires a boat and experience. Drum and trout are also in the creek in the fall and early spring. Fishing from our dock will likely not put food on the table but if you, or the kids, just like catching and releasing small fish, can be quite enjoyable. Unfortunately the best fishing in the creeks, for almost anything but flounder, is far better in the spring and fall than in the heat of summer. Jeremy inlet has long been famous for it’s sea trout fishing in October and November (which happen to be some of the most beautiful times of the year here).
Because of the softness of the mud shrimping with a seine is very challenging, cast nets or drop nets (the latter has some restrictions) are the better option. Cast netting from the dock will catch live shrimp, mud minnows, mullet and an occasional surprise. If you are a fisherman this is where you get your live bait. A minnow trap is also available for the serious fisherman.
A crab trap is provided and with a couple of chicken necks, fish heads or just about anything unfit for human consumption, it will often provide 10 or more blue crabs per high tide. It is the ultimate set it and forget it. Load the trap, drop it in the water, wait a few hours and then reap the harvest.
When the trap is full open and shake till the crabs fall on the ground, make sure you have carried the trap 10 feet or so back from the waters edge. The state blue crab minimum is 5 inches from edge to edge. I like to keep only 7 or more inch crabs, all below that width should be returned to the creek. The remaining crabs may be kept alive until cooked or cleaned on the spot. We clean them immediately because they can then be kept in a ziplock in the fridge until you are ready or have enough to cook. To do so, trap the claws gently with your feet, hands or a stick (be careful, I hold the claws flush to the face of the crab with my left hand), then bring your hand (palm down) from the rear over the back of the crab with your thumb under one carapace tip and your little finger under the other. Turn your hand pulling up with the thumb while pushing down with the farthest ring finger and the entire carapace, and the majority of the guts, will pop off (it may sound cruel but surely it is better than boiling alive). Then take the crabs to the cleaning station and spray out the middle being sure to remove any remaining gills. Crabs cleaned in this way will not have any “guts, head, eyeballs etc” cooked or in the way when cleaning. They will easily save uncooked for a week in the fridge when prepared this way. Cleaning involves removing all meat from the legs, claws and body and is much easier if the crabs were gutted prior to cooking.
Stone crabs often end up in the trap and South Carolina law requires you remove only the largest claw, if it has two, and then return the crab to the ocean. If it has only one claw, return the crab as it cannot survive with none. Never keep a stone crab.
Of course there are several markets on the island that sell the catch from the local shrimp boat fleet. Shrimp that slept in the ocean the night before, as well as mahi mahi, tuna, flounder, snapper, sea bass, etc. NOTE: You may like Tilapia, and they sell it here, but why would you buy fish that is imported when the others were caught here yesterday! That would be like ordering a ring of Dole pineapple in Hawaii. Take advantage of all the fresh food and vegetables available on the island to maximize your enjoyment of the stay. Offshore and inshore fishing can be chartered at the Edisto marina and if you have a boat they usually have slips available for short term rental. There is no access for a powered boat over 16 feet at the house and if you pull anything larger in on a trailer you will never be able to get it back out.
Red Drum are in the creek in April and into May as well as October and November. 20+ pounders can be taken in the surf at Frampton Inlet in the winter for those that know how to fish them and have the necessary gear.
There are flounder in the creek all summer and experienced fishers can avoid going to the seafood shop. If you have never fished for flounder, the SCDNR has several articles on its web site explaining the necessary techniques, the most important being to wait 20 to 60 seconds after the flounder takes your bait before setting the hook. This level of patience is alien to most fishermen and is the opposite of what is done with almost all other fish found here.
A canoe and kayaks are available for rent, or you may bring your own, and are recommended. A small skiff or jon boat, 16 feet or less, is fine for the creek and can be tied to the dock. There is a small landing near Frampton inlet, owned by a lifelong commercial crabber, who will sometimes let you put it in for a nominal fee.
GOLF
The island has one very nice, and recently completely rebuilt and redone, golf course located at the Wyndham/Ocean Ridge development on Edisto that is available for public play at reasonable rates. There are world class golf courses in both Hilton Head and Kiawah, less than an hour away. http://www.theplantationcourseatedisto.com/
STARS
Unless you live in Montana, Alaska or the Dakotas you have forgotten, if you ever knew, just how many and how bright they are. I remember looking at the Milky Way as a child growing up in the upstate of South Carolina. It can no longer be seen here but lights up the sky on most nights at Edisto.
DOLPHINS
It would be unusual during a full week not to be treated to a mother and child and/or a pod of small dolphins dining in the creek twenty feet from your porch. Even at low tide they will herd a school of mullet and then chase them right up onto the bank. Tide or time of day seems not to matter much although lower tides seem to have a slight advantage. It is sufficiently fascinating that no matter how many times we have seen them, no one fails to come running when one is spotted or heard. Their breathing or slapping the water is often what is first noticed and this is about as far down the creek they come. As a result we often get quite a show as they criss cross the creek feeding and playing not 20 feet from the bank.
SHARKS TEETH AND FOSSILS
Edingsville beach is without question the premiere place in South Carolina for finding sharks teeth and fossils. If you have never picked up a sharks tooth, you will do it here. If you are an old hand at it, you will fill your pocket in an afternoon. But other fossils are found here as well, we have found a full mastodon tooth (the size of a fist), bones as long as an arm, many prehistoric horse teeth, fossilized turtle shell, and other parts unknown. Fragments are everywhere but larger complete parts are often found if you know how to look. The first and most important rule is that all fossils and teeth will be the deepest black of anything else you will see on the beach. Look for black, not shape, and you will soon have a nice collection.
PELICANS
Every evening flock after flock of brown pelicans come inshore to roost. A favorite beverage and a chair on one of the upper decks will afford a close up view of these beautiful birds as they make their way home. Despite spending the entire day on a treeless ocean, for some reason they always closely follow the tree line when traveling inland and will literally fly within feet of where you are sitting before turning across the marsh and the next tree line. Because they not only follow the trees, they fly barely above them, you will be able to look them literally in the eyes, usually much to their surprise. These are really large and beautifully colored birds when you see them flying 10 to 20 feet away at eye level.
KAYAKS
Kayaking is one of the most peaceful ways of viewing and enjoying the marsh. If dolphins are present you can often get to within almost touching distance.
Keep in mind the effect of the current. On an outgoing tide you can travel far, quickly and with minimal physical exertion. The same will not be true if you attempt to return while the tide is still outgoing. This effect is exacerbated by wind. Pay close attention to both unless you are doing it solely for a workout. Water shoes or sneakers are recommended while kayaking.
We have 7 ride on top Kayaks (one is a tandem) that can be rented for the length of your stay for $150.00. Most other places on Edisto charge almost that for one kayak for a single day. When the tide cooperates there is no better end to the day than a short paddle at high tide as the sun is setting.
SHOPPING AT EDISTO
There isn't much. A grocery store, a couple hardware stores and about twice that many gift shops.
Condiments, salt, pepper, paper goods, spices or other non perishable cooking items are best brought with you. Fresh seafood, meat (to a point) and vegetables are readily available. All of the above are available but a little more expensive and unlikely to be used completely in a week. We take ours; you should to, as the refrigerator needs to be completely emptied at the end of your visit.
Likewise, if you want to fish, cast net or crab buy all the supplies you need before you arrive. Prices at Edisto for rods, rigs, nets, etc. will be double what you would otherwise pay.
During the summer expect the Edisto Piggly Wiggly to be very crowded at the end of the day and plan your trip accordingly. This is not your normal grocery store, it is about a ¼ the size of today's stores and ½ the size of the boutique grocery stores. It usually has almost everything you need but aisle space. Wine and beer are available at the Piggly Wiggly and there is a small liquor store in the same shopping area (again, it’s cheaper to bring your own).
There are several local produce markets very close to the house. George and Pinks, below, about a mile from the house.
Traditional shopping can be had in Charleston, Beaufort or Walterboro, each about 45 to 55 minutes away.
BOATS
Guests experienced in operating a small boat in coastal estuaries may qualify to rent the gas motor for the boat below. It is powered by a 6 hp engine. The cost of rental is $250 per week, or $50 per day for nightly rentals. Daily rental is available only when your stay is less than a week and for the full number of days of your stay.
Unless experienced driving small outboard boats in coastal estuaries it is strongly recommended that you opt for the kayaks or the electric boat or, at the very least, operate the boat only at higher tides. If you opt for the gas motor I will include a supplement to the general instructions we send all guests detailing it's proper use and operation.
The capacity is 3 average adults. The boat is extremely resistant to capsizing, even when standing, but rapid turns at high speed or overloading the boat can turn it over. Please operate it responsibly.
Of course if you have a skiff or jon boat, 18 feet or less, we encourage you to bring your own.
ELECTRIC BOAT
A smaller electric powered boat is available for rent at $150 per week. This boat will carry 3 average adults or 2 adults and 2 children at about 5 knots. That makes for a 30 or more minute trip to the inlet but is perfect for taking the creek route to the beach or for those who are unable or unwilling to kayak. A trip to the ocean takes about 7 minutes. Be sure to only attempt a longer trip with a full charge in the battery and with at least two paddles.
No worries when operating this boat as it is almost impossible to hurt it, you or the motor. Although it resembles a fat canoe it is virtually impossible to tip over and you can stand in it without concern of it capsizing. It will travel even the smallest creeks at all but the lowest tide and the motor can be raised and lowered simply and easily in any increment. Children 10 and older may operate this boat as long as an adult is on board.
A slow silent ride through the marsh at sunrise or sunset observing the life and natural beauty around you is about as peaceful and relaxing as it gets.
This boat is also great for fishing or trolling for flounder.
BICYCLES
We are out of the bicycle rental business. These require regular routine maintenance after each use in the salt air environment which, unfortunately, we have found we cannot rely on all of our renters to perform. Rather than having constant issues which we cannot timely remedy we suggest that if you wish to have bicycles you rent them from Edisto Essentials. There is a link on the following page, they will deliver and pick up. This is a great way to get to the beach quickly and with a cooler or small children.
TIDE
The tide affects everything you do and it is necessary to just adjust to it and plan your activities accordingly.
The best fishing is just as the tide comes in. If that is 8 am then you either get up at 7 or you may as well not fish until 8 pm. The best tooth and fossil hunting is from half low to low to half high, with low tide at Jeremy Inlet as the best possible place and time. If that happens to be lunchtime then you will have a choice between skipping it or eating earlier or later.
If you are using the boat or the kayaks to take the short route to the beach please plan for the tide. If low happens to be 8 am then by 10 you should be able to go and stay 8 hours. If low is at noon you should go at 10 and expect to HAVE to stay at least 4 hours. Please also be aware of the direction of the tide when you leave the boat. If it is outgoing leave slack in the rope, if incoming set the kayaks or anchors higher on the beach.
There is always something to do no matter the stage of the tide, they are, with the exception of lying on the beach, just different things to do. Once you understand you have to just “go with the flow” and plan accordingly your stay will be much more relaxing and enjoyable.
Piggly Wiggly...the only place to shop
Plantation Course