I’ve offshore fished from Hawaii to New Jersey which is where I’ve lived for the past 4 years but I’m from S.C. I’ve never fished out of Charleston so I’m just wondering if there is a place at the Shem Creek landing to buy ballyhoo early in the morning (5 A.M. or earlier) since I have never been there. I’m planning on an offshore trip soon but don’t want to go blind into getting bait since I have never been there before and am driving down from Rock Hill. I would appreciate any help.
i dont think so honestly. might be a good idea to get in touch with someone down here that could get you bait ahead of time and meet up with ya in the am. you might have to take them fishing though 
Wall Mart is you’re only option if you are not opposed to them. Open 24 hours.
Get with Jeremy from Atlantic. He’s notorious for accomodating his customers, even if it means meeting them at the landing at the crack of dawn (or earlier).
You could also buy the day prior and just keep them on ice or frozen. Any of our tackle shops in the area can get you Ballyhoo.
That’s always a problem for those of us who live in the upstate but fish along the coast. Wally world will probably be your only option on your first trip, freezer burnt bait will have to do.
I always stop and get “real bait” for my next trip on my way home.
Another option is Bait Masters. The bait shows up on your door step frozen in a styrofoam chest. Little expensive but convenient for the first trip of the season.
The guys at Atlantic Game and Tackle are all about customer service. I live in the Columbia area and they’ve helped me get bait and tackle for the next morning.
Thanks guys great site you have here. Like I said I’ve lived just about every where since I was 20 but never have had the opportunity to offshore fish in S.C. except when I was like 7-10 years old out of Murrles Inlet. I can’t wait to get back home and catch some salt water fish. I’ve been talking about it so much my uncle actually went out and bought his own boat a new 22’ hydro sport with a 200 e tec on it. I think I might have to leave my boat at home and make sure his is sea worthy. I wouldn’t have thought Walmart would sell ballyhooo but freezer burt would make sense. I have trash bags full of huge menhaden right now since I’m in Jersey.
Yo SJ,
Skip buying ballyhoo and take those bags of menhaden to Venie, LA and trade them in for some yft!
Also hear they have an ARS season soon to open.