…out are the “near shore” reefs? I hear the term used often and was wondering how close/far they are out. Aside from some offshore charter trips, my whole fishing life has revolved around freshwater rivers and lakes and inshore fishing in the rivers and creeks of the Charleston/Mt Pleasant area. With the recent purchase of a new boat, I’ve been finding myself more intrigued with these “near shore reefs” and the jetties…if for nothing else than to target some different fish and a change of scenery.
Don’t worry, I’m not asking for numbers of any of your “secret spots.” I’m just curious if they’re even close enough to consider attempting. Me ego doesn’t drive my boat, my brain does.
Thanks in advance.
In the future, where every stranger poses a potential threat, knowing the predator mindset is the only safe haven.
Anywhere from around 3 (Nearshore, Edisto Nearshore) to 15 miles (CHS 60)
The DNR site has lots of info on all of them, down to specific locations of sunken structure
Hot spot type maps can give you the numbers for reefs and a high quality sounder can put you on the fish when you get there. Watch your fuel and the wind!
Good luck!
-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
“Praise the lord and pass the ammunition” -Howell Forgy
Hmm, didn’t even think about the DNR site. Thanks Optiker!
IB, been thinking about investing in some maps/charts. No doubt on keeping an eye on weather and fuel. I have ZERO plans on risking my life over a fish. Lol!! Hell, at this point, this is all still simply an idea for me. Like I said, I’m a freshwater/inshore guy so the saltwater gear I have now (7’-7 1/2’ med and med/hvy spinning rods with 20 and 30 size spinning reels spooled with 10-14 lb braided line) would probably get its feeling hurt if I took it out there. Looks like I’m going to have to go shopping for more fishing gear. Oh darn.
Thanks gentlemen.
In the future, where every stranger poses a potential threat, knowing the predator mindset is the only safe haven.
http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/wrecks_and_obstructions.html this is the newest noaa chart and has all the updates and tons of good info, just pick good days to go and be aware of weather changes, boat wakes and that entering and exiting any inlet the tide can get rough on calm days because the concentrations of water moving threw and this really increases when the current and wind are in opposite directions and in times of rip current.
If your boat has a GPS package like a Garmin, it probably came loaded with east coast maps. The maps have the reef locations. Pan out and zoom in keeping James Island within the field of view. The CHS 60 is probably already on your map. It’s called the 60 b/c the wrecks are in 60 ft of water. Capers nearshore is vey close as well. This time of year they are covered with ring tales and sea bass. Small fish but plenty of action. At least that’s been my experience out there the several times I’ve hit it up. Last time I went out we had a ton of variety on the lines. Even caught a large red that was apparently lost.
If the waves and wind are cooperative, I go a little further out to the Y73 reef. It’s also on east coast maps. It’s in 100 ft of water. Always pull up vermillion and AJ’s at Y73.
If you do that have gps, done has a great online catalogue of the reef with coordinates and photos. But I think it’s always better/safer to have GPS.
Hey, you don’t need to trade in that fishing gear you have for the nearshore reefs less than 60 feet, just maybe get a little big bigger sinkers. Anything deeper than 60 ft and the AJs get too common to be worth trying with light gear in my opinion. Plan the weather right, make sure you have appropriate safety gear and give it a shot. I’ve been out there with gear like yours of that and you can do fine on the black sea bass, triggers, spades, Spanish and whatnot with that stuff. Heck, by brother in law caught a 3 foot king Mack on a bait aster from basspro spooked win 12 lb. Granted, you could get spooled if something big gets it, but you still can have fun out there. The light tackle makes fighting the smaller offshore species more fun too.
I don’t see the description anywhere. It’s not on this older list either although this link has some pretty cool photos of some of the stuff that’s now on the bottom of all of these artificial reefs.
