Coming to Folly next week to get my annual fish-on. Staying on beach half-way between the “wash-out” and where Ashley Road ends. Any suggestions/tips on where to fish, baits to use (being a newbie I normally just use shrimp) would be appreciated. Also, how busy is the beach on that end and is it worth the walk to walk to the northern tip?
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Originally posted by ILFisherComing to Folly next week to get my annual fish-on. Staying on beach half-way between the “wash-out” and where Ashley Road ends. Any suggestions/tips on where to fish, baits to use (being a newbie I normally just use shrimp) would be appreciated. Also, how busy is the beach on that end and is it worth the walk to walk to the northern tip?
The beach is very busy at that point especially during this time of year.
Most of the beaches will be crowded this time of year. Your best bet for surf fishing in general is to fish early in the morning. I fish Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island and usually get on the beach close to sunrise to claim my spot. By about 10:00am I am usually being surrounded by folks on the beach. By 10:30 or 11:00 is really too crowded to fish. Folks will set up their towels and chairs right next to you, and have no problem swimming close to your lines. At that point I usually give up, pack up, and head for home. If you are an early riser you can get in a good few hours of fishing, if you arrive at sunrise - 6-6:30am. I have never fished Folly but the washout will most likely be crowded with surfers. The farther north you go you will find less swimmers/surfers and more people surf fishing. Unfortunatley the best places to surf fish away from crowds usually means a bit of walking. Most beachgoes will stay close to their car and beach access, so the farther you walk away from a place to park, the less people you will find.
Another option that people often forget about to avoid the crowds when surf fishing is to fish at night. No people at all for as long as you wish. I like to get out a little before dark so I can see the beach and waves and find a spot that has a sand bars and troughs. Throw a half or third cut shrimp into the troughs as water is coming or going and it helps chances allot. Late afternoon has shown to be a good time to have bait in the water. If you catch a whiting or blue fish you can cut that up and chunk that as well for reds and if you want a shark beef up your set up and put on a steel leader. Head lamps help for the dark. I wouldn’t even try to shark fish on a busy beach during the day, the concerned parents will give you hell. I think someone was just bitten recently if I’m not mistaken. Good luck Sir with whatever you are targeting.
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Originally posted by runbabyrun I think someone was just bitten recently if I'm not mistaken. Good luck Sir with whatever you are targeting.
Here’s the link. The shark bit into his board mid ride, he wasn’t hurt though.
http://www.postandcourier.com/20160607/160609491/shark-tears-into-folly-beach-surfers-board-
Thanks for info…I normally try to fish early like 7-1030 then pack it up until after dinner time for a few hours like 8-10…Planning on walking to north end, my e pertinence most beach swimmers and bathers won’t walk that far for a piece of sand.