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The ACE Basin contains a wide diversity of fish
habitats from the high salinity of ST. Helena Sound to
the freshwater streams that feet it. Fish species
range from sharks to sunfish. Shrimp, blue and stone
crabs, oysters, and clams are abundant. Although
public landings are available for boating access, only
limited access exists for bank anglers, mainly at
public landings and bridge crossings. No public piers
are located in the basin although charter fishing
guides work out of Edisto Beach, and licenses, live
bait and lures are sold at most area convenience
stores or marinas.
St. Helena Sound provides excellent saltwater angling
for red drum (spot tail bass), sea trout, flounder,
cobia and sharks and other inshore species. Oyster
rakes, piers and fallen trees offer excellent angling
for trout or spottails on live shrimp or mud minnows
floated on a rising tide. Trolling mud minnows along
oyster rakes is good for flounder. Cobia are caught on
eels in the early summer around markers and buoys at
the mouth of the sound. Sharks can be caught on cut
bait fished on the bottom most of the year in the deep
holes off Otter Island.
The freshwater portions of the Ashepoo, Combahee and
Edisto rivers contain abundant populations of
largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie,
redbreast and bluegill sunfish. The Edisto also has
large numbers of flathead, blue, white and channel
catfish up to 50 pounds. In the spring shad or crappie
are best bets. As the water warms, largemouth bass and
redbreast sunfish prepare to spawn, and are easily
harvested. In the summer try for bluegill or catfish.
Fall fishing for largemouth bass is unsurpassed in the
state, but receives little angling pressure. During
the winter try for striped bass.
Standard lures and techniques catch largemouth bass,
and sunfish will hit small spinners or crickets
pitched along the bank. Shad take small spoons or jigs
that are trolled and crappie readily take minnows
fished around structure. Catfish bite cut bait or
minnows fished in the deep holes or steep banks. Try
large live bait for flathead catfish.
A tide table is essential for angling in the ACE.
Avoid periods of dead high or low water. The tide also
influences whether or not some of the landings are
usable. Because of the many restrictions on length and
creel limits for the fish species found there, a ruler
and regulation book are handy to have. A fishing
license is required for the freshwater areas of the
basin and anglers will need a saltwater stamp when
fishing from a boat below the saltwater-freshwater
dividing line, or when gathering oysters and clams.
Excellent publications can be obtained from the Marine
Resources Division on saltwater fishing and
shellfishing in the area. Because of the remoteness of
the area, anglers should file a float plan.
843-844-2514
info@theacebasin.com |
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