Whether you’re boating at Bohicket Marina, surf fishing at Beachwalker Park, or fly fishing in the Kiawah River, the fish are always jumping on Charleston’s sea islands! Read on to start planning the ultimate day of relaxation and excitement with our Kiawah Island fishing itinerary.
Afterward, find more ways to make the most of your trip with our complimentary Vacation Guide. Our guide has helped so many people plan the perfect beach getaway. Get your copy for recommendations for restaurants, parks, outdoor recreation, and more.
Where are the Best Places for Fishing on Kiawah Island?
1. The Best Kiawah Island Fishing Charters
If you are unfamiliar with Kiawah Island, we recommend embarking on a Kiawah fishing charter. Let the fishing experts of Kiawah Island guide you to the island’s best-kept secrets.
When selecting a fishing charter on Kiawah Island, it's important to consider your needs and preferences. Do you want a private charter or are you comfortable sharing the boat with other anglers? Are you looking for a half-day or full-day trip? Do you want to target a specific type of fish?
There are so many excellent charter fishing options in the area, but Captain Zach at Port City Charters is one of our favorites. Port City Charters offers various options for inshore and near shore fishing charters that accommodate up to six passengers, as well as creek cruises and harbor tours. Port City can also accommodate larger groups with multiple boats!
Some essential items to pack for your Kiawah Island fishing Charter include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and comfortable clothing and shoes. It's also important to bring any necessary medications, snacks, and drinks. Your charter company may provide fishing gear and bait, but it's always a good idea to double-check beforehand.
Some of the most common fish you can catch on a Kiawah Island fishing charter include redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum. Each species has its own unique characteristics and requires different techniques to catch. With the right preparation, you'll be ready to reel in some big catches on your Kiawah Island fishing adventure!
2. Bohicket Marina
Bohicket Marina is only a five-minute drive from Kiawah Island. The marina offers everything you need for a great day fishing the creeks surrounding Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, and Johns Island. You can even rent a boat from the Bohicket Marina & Market. Here, there is an excellent selection of 19’ Key West Skiffs that are perfect for a day of fishing, dolphin watching, and sightseeing through the inlets.
Once you launch at the marina, you’ll find the backwaters of the Edisto River jumping with trout, flounder, and sheepshead. For offshore fishing, you can catch anything from Mahi Mahi (dolphin fish) to tuna and snapper. If you’d prefer to leave the driving to someone else, consider a fishing charter.
3. Beachwalker Park
Pack your folding chair, a sun hat, and your favorite fishing gear for a relaxing day of surf fishing at Beachwalker Park. It is Kiawah Island’s only public beach, on the west end of the island between the Bohicket River and the ocean.
The most popular place to cast your line here is the river inlet, right outside the gates of the park. Surf fishing is done best at high tide, so check the tide reports before your trip.
4. Night Heron Park
Night Heron Park is an excellent choice for on-island fishing. This 21-acre park offers several ponds to enjoy, as well as native flora, fauna, and wildlife and The Heron Park Nature Center.
Don’t forget that saltwater fishing licenses are required for any fishing on Kiawah Island. And for safety, always use a dock or bridge instead of standing on a bank when fishing on Kiawah Island. This will keep you out of the way of our native alligators.
5. The Kiawah River
The Charleston area is home to three major rivers: The Kiawah, The Stono, and The Folly. All three are home to excellent tidal flow and flush. And, when you vacation on Kiawah Island, you can look forward to closeness to one of these beloved rivers, The Kiawah River.
Because this river offers a variety of structures, fishermen and fisherwomen can fish flats, oysters, and bluff banks. For those in search of excellent trout, make your way to the mainland where the Kiawah meets the Stono.
6. The Bass Pond Fishing Dock
The Bass Pond Fishing Dock is Kiawah Island’s premier fishing pier. You’ll find the dock on a large bass pond near Rhett’s Bluff. It is easiest to access the pond and pier from Vanderhorst Plantation and the Turtle Point area.
Everyone from the novice to the expert angler will love the serenity and the scenery of this bass fishing waterhole. Even better, there is plenty of space for parking cars and bikes near the pier.
Always Have the Proper Fishing License in Your Tackle Box
The first step to a great day of Kiawah Island fishing is having the proper fishing license from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. The state requires that you have a license with you at all times, even if you are fishing on private docks and lakes.
Since most of the water in and around the island is saltwater or brackish water. Opt for both a freshwater and saltwater fishing license.
Before your trip, you may purchase your licenses online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Experience the Best Living on Kiawah Island, SC, with Pam Harrington Exclusives
A day at the Kiawah Island fishing pier doesn’t have to be a one-time event. When you move to Kiawah, Seabrook Island, or another locale in the Charleston, SC, area, you can experience it every weekend.
Pam Harrington Exclusives can help you find the ideal island home or vacation property within minutes of the best fishing spots.
We have access to the top properties in the Lowcountry and would love to help match you with your South Carolina dream home. Browse our current listings today to start your search.