I’m new to fishing in Charleston, and I just got back from a trip to New Zealand where the fishing was fantastic. I am hoping to begin fishing for food soon and just need a few places to fish as I don’t have a boat. I love going to the James Island County Park, and I remembered that they have a nice dock that extends out into one of the creeks. Is it too far inland to produce any good catch? Also, is it a good place to go crabbing? Thanks!
I haven’t been to that dock but I know of a few in the area. There is a public dock at Demetre Park on James Island that is popular and seems to produce good fish. There is another at the Folly River Park off Center St. on Folly Beach. Really there are plenty of spots you can find without a boat, just try a few and you’ll talk to people and find out about more.
I know that in the summer, there are a ton of people there so you have to fish early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Even so, there is so much pressure in that little creek that the fishing might not be worth it, at least not in tourist season. I’ve hooked a few off the dock around the low tide. The crabbing is probably ok, there’s always people doing it and they always seem to be getting some decent crabs
You won’t see many blue crabs this time of year due to the water temperature. In the summertime, I’m sure that place produces well, but there will be lots of competition with other fisherman. I’ve seen reds and trout caught there in the summer time too. I’d be willing to bet you can still find them there with live shrimp or cut mullet or crab for the reds. Its certainly as good of a place as any otherh this time of year. The bite is still reasonably good right now.
You might look into the new Mt Pleasant pier under the Ravenel Bridge too. Sheepshead catches there have been decent recently. Fiddlers/clams/oysters for bait for sheepies. Like any fishing pier on a nice weather day, the earlier you get there, the better spot you’ll have.
Good luck and let us know how you do!
Thanks for the responses! It sounds like it’s not the best spot, but I might give it a shot next time I am in the park. I like to bike the paths there so it wouldn’t be a complete waste of time to head out.
A followup question then, I live almost walking distance from the Brittlebank Park Pier, has anyone had any luck with that recently? Thanks again!
Brittlebank isn’t a great producer. Try that spot in JICP or the Folly pier or near the jetties just past the old coast guard station on Folly.
Dude caught a 4.5 pound trout on new years eve at the Mt pleasant pier…
“mr keys”
JICP in the early morning at low tide is the best time to me, fish the bend. Brittle Bank Park at night, fish the left corner when facing the water and cast as far as you can diagonally out from the corner, monster whiting. Both are slow spots though but do produce.
17ft Key west