Bluffton, SC Fishing: The Quintessential Beauty of South Carolina

Bluffton is a small city in Beaufort County, South Carolina. You may find Bluffton around U.S. Route 278, between Hilton Head and Interstate 95. In 2020, the population was 27,716, an increase of 120% since 2010, making it one of the fastest-growing municipalities in South Carolina. Moreover, Bluffton is the fifth largest municipality in South Carolina.

Bluffton received its name because of its original square-mile jurisdiction, located on a bluff above the May River. The river has always been the heart of this small city and is home to many fish. It is why area plantation owners and their families first came to Bluffton in the early 1800s. They built summer homes on "The Bluff" to escape the hot, unhealthy conditions of the low-lying rice and cotton plantations. The May River provided these families with cool river breezes and migratory fish with easy access to other waterways. What is now known as Calhoun Street Dock was once a rest stop for boats and a pier for travelers between Savannah, Beaufort, and Charleston.

Bluffton’s coastal way of life has earned it a reputation as one of the last authentic coastal villages of the South. Saltwater fishing and river excursions are among the top activities in the city. Its residents pride themselves in their sense of community and nonconforming ways, often described as “eclectic. 

Bluffton Fishing

California's Lowcountry region is a paradise for fish because of its sustainable ecosystem. Bluffton, its nearby communities, and water bodies such as Hilton Head Island, Hampton Lake, Broad River, and New River offer good opportunities for fishing. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources regularly does the preservation of water quality and native wildlife in cooperation with its residents. The South Carolina department also works with federal agencies to enforce laws and ordinances regarding fishing. Aside from wildlife, the Lowcountry region also has a diversity of fish. You can catch saltwater and freshwater fish in this region, such as bass and redfish. You can catch largemouth bass or mackerel if you are into saltwater fishing using light tackle.

Bluffton offers exciting inshore fishing and watersports opportunities like the rest of the Lowcountry in South Carolina. Even during low tide season, there is no shortage of leisure activities you can indulge in here at Bluffton. Its aquatic surroundings are perfect for fish such as largemouth bass and other bottom feeders. 

Across South Carolina Lowcountry, many lake homes and administrations claim that they are the best in providing residents with fishing spots, like Hampton Lake. Residents of all ages can stay active and healthy by fishing outdoors in Hampton Lake without worrying about safety or availability. The lake is a natural beauty of the Lowcountry region, and there is minimal inshore human activity. Fish grow freely underwater and have an abundance of food. Even with light tackle, you can catch plenty of sea bass, bluefish, cobia, and Spanish mackerel. 

Over a few miles off the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can find the Broad River. It is one of the famous spots for bass fishing in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Using fishing charters, you could navigate the Broad River fishing pier stretch with expert navigators and veteran anglers. Many fishing charters in Broad River take tourists to uncrowded fishing holes. It might take you into deeper waters if it is low tide season. Also, if you are lucky with fishing charters, you can even be taken by the crew to an exclusive spot. 

Considered a money-making machine for local plantations, Bluffton’s New River is also a serene fishing spot in South Carolina Lowcountry. During the winter, the place is an ideal location for bass ice fishing. You can easily cut a hole and cast your bait down to fish in the New River when the water freezes. Ice fishing with a partner is recommended to prevent the risk of ice collapsing down on you, and no one can pull you out of it. Also, remember to measure the thickness of ice before cutting a hole through it. Ice fishing should be done on at least 5 inches of solid ice. 

Top 10 Fishing Species in Bluffton, SC

The top 10 fish species to catch in Bluffton, SC, are sea bass, bluefish, cobia, Spanish mackerel, lake sturgeon, crappie, bowfin, Atlantic herring, goldeye, and redfish. 

Seasonal Fishing

Bluffton fishing is allowed all year-round. You have many spots to choose from to explore the South Carolina Lowcountry. If you are experiencing a hassle in other areas of South Carolina Lowcountry due to licenses, you will be delighted to know that there are many ways to get a fishing license in Bluffton. Purchasing one from fishing stores is one of the easiest ways to fish legally in this area. Generally, fishing license costs are based on the duration of its validity.

Weather is not a problem in Bluffton because storms rarely hit this part of the country. If you are looking for feed and live bait, you can easily catch bait like mullet and shrimp. During the cold weather, fish are highly attracted to these live bait. 

South Carolina’s shores are filled with bottom-feeders at any time of the year. Expect to have plenty of bites given to your bait, especially during the early hours of the morning, from 3 am until 9 am. You could also do late-night fishing if you have a good light source and a seaworthy vessel. 

Get to Know Bluffton’s Rich Culture

While you are not out participating in river excursions or busy with fish, take some time to explore Bluffton’s culture. 

1. Visit the Church of the Cross

The Church of the Cross, built in 1857 and recognized by the National Register in 1975, is an important landmark in Bluffton. The Church symbolizes the start of Christianity in South Carolina since the beginning of American settlement. 

During several past wars, the Church of the Cross was among the buildings spared from destruction. However, due to the decay of its old materials, repairs were started to the Church in 1870. It remained unaltered until 1892, when the roof was replaced. 

2. Walk Through the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center

Browse Bluffton’s history through the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center. This building is generally the start of tourists’ itineraries when visiting Bluffton. The museum was built in 1841 and detailed the stories of early settlers in the area. 

No entrance fee is required in the museum because the Historic Bluffton Foundation owns it. This non-profit organization focuses on the culture and history preservation of Bluffton. You must pick an available schedule and stroll through it like other visitors! 

3. Witness the Number One Gallery in Bluffton

If you are an art enthusiast, you must visit the Pluff Mudd Art, considered the top art gallery in the city. The gallery features budding local artists and a collection of French art themes. From the ceiling up to the floor, this museum showcases different kinds of artwork for viewers to enjoy 

Viewers can choose to visit rooms filled with two and three-dimensional artwork of different sizes and styles. You can also buy the artwork if you think it would look better at your place. This gallery specializes in a “something for everyone” unique style of display so that whatever your art preference is, you may find it here.