Awendaw, SC Fishing: A Laid-back Fishing Experience

Nestled along the eastern edge of the Francis Marion National Forest and the western edge of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is the small fishing spot of Awendaw. Home to around 1,200 residents, Awendaw offers plenty of avenues for memorable outdoor experiences and fishing opportunities.

In 1696, the land now known as Awendaw was first settled by people from Salem, Massachusetts, fleeing the Salem Witch Trials where more than 200 hundred people were accused, 30 were found guilty, and 19 were executed by hanging based on accusations of witchcraft. The said settlers initially called the place "Wappetaw.”

Later on, the land was eventually named Awendaw by the Seewee Native American tribe, who also created an oyster shell mound often referred to as "The Spanish Fort” or the "Sewee Mound". The oyster shells were used by the Sewee tribe in their daily life and ceremonies. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo nearly wiped out Awendaw, but this tiny village stood the test of time, rebuilt itself, and became a testament to resilience.

In 1992, Awendaw was officially incorporated, and its residents elected its first mayor, Willam H Alston. Today, this laid-back community is known for its breathtaking greens, year-round outdoor barn music jams, and plenty of small yet rich bodies of water perfect for fishing and relaxation.

Awendaw Fishing

Awendaw may be a laid-back, unassuming, tiny area in the United States, but it has so much to offer-from history to breathtaking outdoor views to fishing opportunities. It was the Sewee tribe that named the place, and they were the ones who led the creation of the pre-Columbian Native-American historical site called the Sewee Shell Mound. They used oysters in their daily lives and ceremonies. Over time, the shells disintegrated into a rich soil ring, resulting into indigenous plants flourishing amid the salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Hence, it doesn't come as a surprise that plenty of fish species find a home in the waters of Awendaw year-round.

One of the most popular fishing spots here is the Awendaw Creek which can be accessed via a canoe launch at the end of Rosa Green Road. The brackish water travels inland through salt marshes and carries paddlers under US Highway 17 and forest. Surrounding the waters are live oak and palmetto trees leading to the breathtaking vistas of open water and red cedar. While traversing the creek, visitors are treated to the view of various wildlife such as dolphins, blue herons, pelicans, and fiddler crabs.

Here, the most common catch are red drum, especially during August to October, and spotted sea trout, from late April to early October, although both species are available year-round. The best way to catch red drums is through surf fishing or sight casting with traditional fly fishing rods. At the same time, for spotted sea trout, the recommended technique is light to medium spinning tackle with a variety of artificial bait. Popular baits include shrimp and minnows suspended from afloat. Artificially scented lures are also commonly used.

Just 19 minutes away from Awendaw Creek is Graham Creek which elevates  26 feet. The most popular species caught here are blacktip shark, tiger shark, and bluefish. Bluefish are most abundant from April to September. They are usually caught using bait and lures on light spinning or conventional tackle, although fly fishing is also growing in popularity. Tiger sharks are available all year round and typically head out to the Gulf Stream from December through February. They are often caught through the use of huge hook lures. September through February see great yields of bluefish, which are caught through trolling or casting artificial lures. Cut bait is also suitable for catching them.

An approximately 10-minute drive from Graham Creek would lead you to Venning Creek located southwest of Vanderhorst Creek and north of Blind Creek. This major thoroughfare for boats heading for Bulls Bay is another home for blacktip sharks and Atlantic croakers. Recreational anglers can catch croakers almost year-round, especially from March to November, by bottom fishing with light tackle and natural baits.

All three well-known creeks lead to Bulls Bay, the largest of four barrier islands within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. It is a maritime forest filled with fresh and brackish water; this island is virtually untouched and serves as the home of many wildlife, especially birds and even endangered species. Anglers can catch summer flounder, red drum, and blacktip shark on this island. Summer flounders are at their peak from August to October. Anglers can catch them by surf fishing, drifting in inlets, trolling or fishing from piers, and using  standard bottom rigs or specialized flounder rigs using cut bait, shrimp, or live minnows.

Other top-recommended fishing spots in Awendaw are Saltpond Creek, Belvedere Creek, and I'on Swamp. Saltpond Creek yields largemouth bass, ladyfish, and Atlantic stingray year-round, although the best months for largemouth bass are March to May. Atlantic stingrays are at their peak numbers from September to November.

In Belvedere Creek, the top catches are bluegill and white crappie. The best months to fish for bluegills are from May through August, while for white crappies, they are at their peak from March to May. I'on Swamp, a forested wetland, is also an excellent fishing spot, with the most common fish species being largemouth bass, warmouth, and bowfin. These fish are abundant from March to June and are usually caught using live baits.

Overall, the common fishing techniques for the fish species in Awendaw include light tackle, fly fishing, and spinning. In addition, local guides also offer inshore fishing, flats fishing, and backcountry fishing.

Top 10 Fish Species in Awendaw, SC

The most popular fish species are  bluefish, tarpon, redfish, spotted seatrout, bowfin, warmouth, largemouth bass, bluegill, sea bass, and flounder.

Seasonal Fishing

Owing to its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina's variety of game fish species is incredible. This applies to both inshore and offshore fishing, which consistently gives anglers and tourists various fish to catch whatever season it may be.

If you're looking to visit in March, April, and May, you'll find an abundance of spotted seatrout and blacktip sharks. For those who want to catch bowfin, bluegill, red drum, and summer flounder, June, July, and August are the best months. Atlantic croakers and bluefish are most available during September, October, and November. In December, January, and February, you'll be able to catch plenty of spotted bass, striped bass, and redfish. Plan your fishing trips ahead so that you can spot certain fish species you are interested in.

Breathe in the Friendly Atmosphere of Awendaw

1. Book a Fishing Charter

The Awendaw area has plenty of private charters with licensed guides for you to experience and enjoy fishing in this area. From Bulls Bay to Folly beach, they'll guide you around the rich waterways of this place. Offering a wide range of fish species, you won’t miss out on a fun fishing trip.

2. Hike in the Awendaw Passage (Palmetto Trail)

Named after the Awendaw Creek, which it follows, this trail passes through the edge of a salt marsh and a forested area where people can view the famous palmetto trees, the symbolic South Carolina tree featured on its flag. The entire trail is open to hikers and backpackers. On top of that, there are also designated passages for mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. You'll be able to enjoy nature, learn about conservation, and appreciate Awendaw's history, all while being physically active.

3. Celebrate the Awendaw Blue Crab Festival

Meet the locals, make new friends, and experience Awendaw through its Blue Crab Festival. Wonderful music, great company, and buckets of crab will keep you company, much like how the festival itself began with a group of residents who shared a meal together underneath an oak tree. Since then, it became an annual event in celebration of life in Awendaw and is joined by over 2,000 people from all over the United States.