Can you catch bluefin in sc waters? What time of year and how for out do you have to go?
I’ve tried trolling for them a handful of times here years back with no luck. I fished form 60-90 feet near structure that would hold bait. There was a boat that caught a few out of Beaufort mid to late 2000s, IIRC. I think they would fish near Betsy Ross. Haven’t heard anything lately, though.
Thanks for the info schoolsout1. I was beginning to think I was blackballed on this site. 554 reads and no responses.
1900 key west sportsman 150 suzuki 4 st
They do catch them off of NC.
They are here, they pass through the area, and stage off of Hilton head. Back in the 80s and early 90s a few commercial guys had reels spooled by schools of bluefin near Southwest banks. I have seen the huge explosions of them feeding while on anchor at the Redbanks years ago, and I have always thought that the area around Y 73 and the garden would be the spot to target them because of the incredible amount of bait. I think you could bridal rig a couple of small live bonita and slow troll the area around Y73 and the garden on a pair of 80s. You may catch a giant wahoo, I mako or even get lucky and bag a bluefin.
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PROUD YANKEE
Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
quote:
Originally posted by faldo6Thanks for the info schoolsout1. I was beginning to think I was blackballed on this site. 554 reads and no responses.
1900 key west sportsman 150 suzuki 4 st
Nope, you’re not blackballed, but posting a report entitled “bluefin” in the middle of winter in the offshore reports section without an actual report of catching a bluefin is enough to get you close to blackballed 
Sorry about that guys. I should of said bluefin question. Thanks for all the info las wicked tuna makes you wonder why not give it a shot.
1900 key west sportsman 150 suzuki 4 st
Not being an offshore fisherman, where is Y 73 and the garden?
oc
quote:
Originally posted by oyster crackerNot being an offshore fisherman, where is Y 73 and the garden?
oc
Y-73 is about 30 miles south east of the jetties, 95 feet or so deep.
Olde Man Charters
This is the time to find the bluefin off our coast. If the water is cold enough they can be caught on nearshore live bottom and wrecks. Not a very viable fishery though. Not many caught. Go to ocean isle web site look at his reports or call or email captain brant McMullen. I know a few years back he was really trying hard to zero in on our bluefin. If the bluefin are around he would probably know. Look for birds and dolphin.
Tried the bluefin out yesterday. Trolled from 2 miles past the Ross to 2 miles short of R7. There were steady groups of gannets and dolphin on the way out. Stopped for some bottom fishing. Caught 20 bsb and one almaco jack on vertical jig. Was hoping for some trigger or vermillion, but only caught bsb on squid. Trolled back to near Ross. Found a group of dolphins and gannets spread out of a square mile… there was one group of 24 gannets counted. I suppose this is similar to what it might look like when the hook-up comes. Trolling blue and white islanders with big ballyhoo and a daisy squid chain way back.
John Tolerton