WTF on Sullivan's

Saltwater Surf / Pier Fishing
1

So this was a little delayed, but I was on Sullivan’s Island last Sunday (14th) fishing for shark at 26.5. Out in the trough was something I had never seen before. It had 2 HUGE round fins, and was black. I’ve dealt with a lot of manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and other common sea critters, and this was definitely not one of them. The fins were too thin to be a manatee, and not “flipper-like”, which rules out dolphins, shark, and turtles.

I didn’t even think about grabbing the camera, all I wanted was a better look. So I grabbed the kayak and paddled out close to see it. There was a crowd gathered around, so I figured I’d give them some answers. By now it had put both its giant fins in the air (had a large black hump between them) so I made my way out to say hi.

I get somewhat close to it and it just disappeared under the water. So I closed in on where it was and looked for it, but I guess it took off. Then WHAM! Whatever the thing was hit the bottom of my kayak. Hard. Left me completely paralyzed with fear out there. As soon as I could move again (seriously, I was incapable of movement I was so (**() scared) I made a rooster tail straight for the beach.

People were asking me if I saw it and figured out what it was. I saw it closer than they did, but didn’t have a guess as to what it was. All I know is that it was a fish. A huge ass fish. And the only thing I could think of was a Goliath grouper.

I talked about it with some others but they didn’t think it could be a Goliath grouper. Some said black drum, one said leatherback sea turtle. It was absolutely neither of those, and when I got home and looked at Goliath grouper pictures, it confirmed my suspicions. The fins I saw were most likely the pectoral fins. Everyone’s description, including my close up, said the fins were greater than 2 feet diameter.

The only thing that weirded me out was the question of why it was so close to land? It was in about 4-5 feet of water (if that), about halfway to low tide.

Thought I’d share with you guys

2

Could it have been an eagle ray? Saw one from a guides boat in Florida once sounds just like what you are describing. I have caught Goliath grouper and I doubt you saw one of those in 4 ft of water. Not to mention it would have had to be completely out of the water or upside down to see its pectoral fins.

3

Megladon. Case closed

But for real, I didn’t think they hung around SC waters but it honestly wouldn’t surprise me to find one here. What does surprise me is the depth… Didn’t think they moved off of deep structure or wrecks of at least 30ft. my only guess to support the goliath grouper hypothesis would be maybe it was hanging around the grillage and decided to wander a bit. Eagle ray would be my guess…I’ve hooked some hefty rays in very shallow water which would explain the depth aspect. But it doesn’t really match your description…spooky haha

Connor Malark

4

I’m telling you, it had FISH fins. Like skeletal structure and paper thin “skin” between the segments.

5

Aliens.

6

Definitely 100 lb redfish.

7

Saw video of some folks that caught a Goliath from shore somewhere in the gulf. Here it Would be an unusual sighting for sure. The first color I usually think of when I think Goliath is brown not black, although I suppose there is some variation. Was this by any chance near sunset or sunrise when lighting could have made it appear darker than it was? See anything else? Color of body? Could have been an Atlantic sturgeon? Their fins might be more triangularish but still rounded I suppose

8

It was around 9-10 am, so the sun was fully up, and it had a black body. And there are definitely black Goliath grouper.

How about catfish? I heard there can be some big ass saltwater cats around here.

9

World record size triple tail? They are black with round fins

10

moabsb mother of all black sea bass

11

Surf fishermen in FL catch jewfish in shallow water off the shore pretty often. I’ve heard of jewfish being seen at wrecks and reefs off the coast of SC on occasion. Perhaps it WAS a lost jewfish? Those sons of guns can get very large.

12

What are we waiting on lets put together a team and hunt this beast theres never just one.

13

You’re gonna need a bigger boat

14

A pilot whale…? They are small like dolphin, but have some of the features you speak of.

15

Atlantic Torpedo Ray???

16
quote:
Originally posted by peteclat

Aliens.

17

Ocean Sunfish?

2000 Aquasport Osprey 175 CC

18

I really doubt it was a Goliath Grouper. If you saw rounded fins on one that would indicate it was belly up and you were looking at pectoral fins. If that was the case the fish would’ve been on the beach shortly after you caught a glimpse of it. My guess is a big ray or a manatee. I’ve seen several manatees in the past couple years and they suprise me everytime.

Capt. R. Killin
“Day Tripper”
Shamrock 20 cuddy
Ford 351W

19

Leatherback sea turtle. They are big, black and do occasionally nest on our beaches. I can’t imagine a goliath in the surf. Not too many people have ever seen them. Saw one a mile or so off the jetties back in May.

Olde Man Charters

20
quote:
Originally posted by digger54
quote:
Originally posted by peteclat

Aliens.

hahahahhaha. awesome.