Wreck Fishing at Edisto Beach SC | 8 HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fullday private wreck fishing charter targeting diverse nearshore speciesExpert crew guides guests to prime fishing locations around wrecksEighthour exclusive trip accommodates up to four anglers maximum
When you're looking for world-class wreck fishing that delivers big results, Edisto Beach is hands down one of South Carolina's top-rated destinations. Our 8-hour private charter gives you and up to three buddies exclusive access to some of the most productive artificial reef systems and shipwrecks along this stretch of coast. You'll fish waters that local captains have been working for decades, targeting trophy pelagics and bottom dwellers that call these structures home. With Line Life Fishing Company, you're not just booking another fishing trip – you're getting a full day with guides who know every wreck, ledge, and current break that holds fish in these waters.
Your day starts early at the Edisto Marina, where our crew will have the boat rigged and ready with all the tackle you'll need. We're talking serious gear here – heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-pound test, wire leaders for toothy critters, and a selection of jigs, live baits, and trolling spreads that have proven themselves time and again on these wrecks. The ride out takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on which structures we're hitting, but that gives us time to go over the game plan and get you set up with the right rods for what we expect to find. Edisto's nearshore wrecks sit in 60 to 120 feet of water, creating perfect habitat for the kind of fish that make anglers drive hours just for a shot at them. The bottom structure varies from intact vessel hulls to scattered debris fields, each offering different fishing opportunities depending on the season and conditions.
Wreck fishing here is all about reading the structure and adapting your approach. We start most trips trolling the edges with diving plugs and ballyhoo rigs to pick off the kings and mahi that cruise these areas looking for baitfish. Once we mark fish on the sounder, we'll anchor up or use controlled drift techniques to work jigs and live baits down into the strike zone. The key is staying in contact with the bottom without getting hung up – these wrecks will eat your tackle if you're not careful. We fish everything from 4-ounce bucktails tipped with strips to live pinfish and cigar minnows dropped on knocker rigs. When the current is running hard, we'll switch to heavier lead heads and adjust our drift to keep the baits working effectively around the structure. The boat carries a full spread of conventional tackle, from 30-pound class spinning gear for the smaller stuff up to 80-pound standup rigs when we need to muscle fish away from the wreck.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Edisto wreck fishing, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 10-pounders up to smoker kings pushing 40 pounds or more. These toothy speedsters love to patrol the edges of wrecks where baitfish congregate, and they'll absolutely destroy a slow-trolled live bait or diving plug. Spring and fall are prime time for kings here, when the water temps are in that sweet 70-75 degree range that gets them fired up and feeding aggressively. What makes king fishing so addictive is the way they hit – one second your drag is quiet, the next it's screaming as 30 pounds of muscle and teeth makes a blistering run toward the horizon.
Mahi Mahi show up around Edisto's wrecks during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. These fish are pure excitement on the end of a line, jumping and tail-walking the moment they feel the hook. Mahi love floating debris and structure, so the wrecks act like magnets for schools of these beautiful fish. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. When we find a school of mahi, it's not uncommon to hook doubles or even triples as they compete for baits.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the wreck fishing world, capable of runs that will make your reel smoke if the drag isn't set right. These silver bullets prefer the deeper wrecks and are most active during the cooler months when they move inshore chasing baitfish. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed, making them one of the most challenging fish to land consistently. They're also fantastic table fare, with meat that's similar to king mackerel but with a firmer texture that holds up well to different cooking methods.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing around Edisto's wrecks, though regulations mean we're often fishing catch-and-release for these beautiful fish. Reds are structure-oriented and can live for decades around the same wreck, growing to impressive sizes. They're smart fish that require finesse and the right presentation, but when you hook into a big red snapper, you'll know it immediately. The way they use their broad sides and powerful tail to fight against the rod makes them one of the most satisfying fish to battle on medium tackle.
Black Sea Bass are year-round residents around Edisto's artificial reefs and provide consistent action when the larger pelagics aren't cooperating. These chunky bottom dwellers are excellent eating and will hit a variety of baits from squid strips to small jigs. While they might not have the glamour of a king mackerel or mahi, black sea bass are reliable producers that help ensure everyone on the boat goes home with bent rods and fish stories.
An 8-hour private charter with Line Life Fishing Company gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace and target the species that get you most excited. Whether you're after trophy kings for the smoker, colorful mahi for the dinner
Our 21-foot Sea Hunt center console is your ticket to some serious wreck fishing off Edisto Beach. This 2002 beauty runs strong with a reliable Yamaha 115HP that'll get your crew of up to 4 anglers out to the productive offshore structure where the big fish hang out. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting grouper, snapper, and whatever else calls these wrecks home. GPS keeps us on the numbers, while the fish finder shows exactly what's below. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure without spooking fish. Pack your lunch in the icebox and get ready for 8 hours of dropping baits on some of the area's best fishing spots. This center console setup gives everyone room to fight fish and move around comfortably while we work the wrecks that make Edisto waters so productive.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable producers around our nearshore wrecks and make great eating. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 1-4 pounds with distinctive white markings on dark scales. They love structure like wrecks, rocks, and artificial reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. Guests appreciate how cooperative they are - perfect for families and beginners since they bite well and don't require heavy tackle. The meat is excellent with firm white flesh that's great fried or grilled. Here's something interesting: they actually change from female to male as they grow, and the big males develop a pronounced hump during spawning season. Best tip: use a simple two-hook bottom rig with squid strips - they're not picky eaters and you'll often catch multiple fish on the same drop.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the most exciting fish we target on our nearshore wrecks. These silver speedsters typically run 15-40 pounds, though we see bigger ones that'll test your gear. They love structure in 40-150 feet of water, especially around our local wrecks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line like nothing else and put up a serious fight. Plus, they make great eating with that firm, flaky meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run initially - fighting them too hard early usually ends with a cut-off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are absolute crowd-pleasers with their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some pushing 50. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and around our offshore structures in blue water. Summer months bring the best opportunities when water temps are warm and baitfish are active. What guests love most is watching these fish light up in gold and green when they're hooked - it's like having a rainbow on your line. They jump, run, and put on a real show. The meat is fantastic too - white, flaky, and mild. Here's a local trick: when you see frigate birds diving on floating grass or debris, get your lines ready. Mahi are usually underneath feeding, and that's when the action gets hot.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing around our nearshore wrecks. These ruby-red fighters typically run 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. They hug hard bottom and structure in 60-200 feet, making our local wrecks perfect habitat. Summer months during their open season offer the best action. What makes snappers special is their stubborn, head-shaking fight - they'll try to get back to the wreck and break you off. The table fare is outstanding with sweet, white meat that's prized in restaurants. They're also beautiful fish with that brilliant red color. Key tip: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait and drop straight down to the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, resist jerking the rod - let the circle hook do its job as you start reeling steadily.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of our nearshore waters, hitting speeds up to 60 mph when they take off. These sleek predators typically run 20-60 pounds and have that distinctive zebra-stripe pattern. We find them around structure and drop-offs in 60+ feet, often mixed in with king mackerel. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're more active in cooler water. Anglers love wahoo because they make blistering initial runs that'll have your reel screaming. The meat is premium quality - white, firm, and sweet, similar to tuna. They're called "ono" in Hawaii, meaning delicious, and for good reason. My go-to tip: troll fast with wire leaders and diving plugs. Wahoo hit hard and their razor teeth will cut regular line instantly, so that wire leader is absolutely essential for landing these speed demons.
Edisto Beach