Hello,
Newbie to your forum. So a little background, I am taking my two boys down to Folly beach from Richmond va for spring break in early April. I have a 23’ Yamaha jet drive bow rider that I have rigged up as a fishing boat. Looks a little stupid with rod holders clamped all around the ski tower, but it allows me to effectively troll for stripers in the Chesapeake bay. The plus side is has a very shallow draft as a jet drive so I can get into shallow fishing areas.
I have never been down in to Folly Beach before and could really use some advice on fishing techniques for the area and what type of fish to target. If the seas are calm I am comfortable going on the ocean side as well.
If your main objective is to catch fish I would agree with the statements above or bring the boat and hire a guide on day ONE to pick their brain and learn techniques. I would also disclose that information at the time of booking.
Folly is full on navigational hazards I.e. shallow places where you wouldn’t think they would be and oyster bars. We also have MUD and not normal MUD so not sure I would put a jet drive in super shallow water.
I wouldn’t think shark fishing would be on fire in April but you could anchor between Folly and Kiawah and give it a try. Other than that use the search option. Your targeted species would be redfish, trout black drum and flounder. Live bait (mullet, Mud minnows shrimp or hadens), frozen shrimp or mullet.
If you want to bring your boat bring it. I fish often and will tell you some spots to fish that should be safe easy access with good chances at fish. We have a mix of inshore fish with sharks being top predator and a lot of fun for someone who doesn’t catch them but it may still be to cool for them. Our top inshore sport fish is reddrum with trout and sheephead following. Abundant smaller fish like whiting. Striped bass and reds are similar so your gear should handle them fine. Bring some light med light for fish and some heavier gear for sharks and rays. Get familiar with a popping cork rig, Carolina rig and nats. #1 live bait hook or beak hook and 7/0 circle hooks and a mix of egg weights from 1/4 to 3 oz some 20 and 40lb flour and some wire liked #13 or #15 if you plan to try for sharks. All this is about 40 bucks plus bait cost if you don’t have a net and you will have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Crosbys seafood on the way to folly has bait.
Are you coming for the week or just a few days? If you are coming for the week bring your boat and get out in the waters and enjoy. Just a few days then it might not be worth the trailering and maybe get a guide.
PM me if you want more info on guides or ideas of where to fish. PM 40 too as he will give you some ideas too.
I tend to avoid Folly River. Creeks with oyster beds are always a good spot to drop a Carolina Rig w/ live bait. Mullet and shrimp are usually a safe bet. You can use frozen mullet from the bait shop too. I prefer live. Good luck!