Sep

26

2024

From The Blog

A Quick Guide to Fishing on Kiawah Island

Above: the Egret Pond Fishing Dock, accessible from Curlew Court.

Find your new favorite spot, as well as info on what you need for fishing on the island, which fish species are most common, and helpful tips and rules for staying safe.

 

ANGLES ON ANGLING

Know Before You Go

USE CAUTION AROUND ALLIGATORS

    • Alligators live in all of the island’s ponds. If an alligator takes interest in your bait or catch, move to another pond.
    • Crabbing is not permitted in any pond—crab only in marsh environments.

SC SALTWATER FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED

A license to fish in Kiawah’s ponds, on the beach or in the marsh can be obtained from:

    • Seacoast Sports and Outfitters at Freshfields Village
    • South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (www.gooutdoorssouthcarolina.com)
      • Fish immediately with your emailed order number.
    • South Carolina residents 64 years and older can purchase a lifetime license for $9. Residents born before July 1, 1940 receive this license at no charge.

LEARN & OBEY THE RULES

SCDNR saltwater fish regulations and limits are available here. 

STOCK UP ON BAIT

    • Kiawah General Store
    • Bluewater Tackle at Bohicket Marina

 

TIPS

Have Your Best Experience

KEEP CHILDREN & PETS AWAY FROM POND EDGES

  • Alligators live in Kiawah’s ponds. Keep children and pets away from pond edges. Always leash pets and keep children within view.

DO NOT WADE OR SWIM IN PONDS

  • Do not enter the ponds. No swimming, wading, kayaking, or paddleboarding is permitted in the ponds.

CATCH & RELEASE

  • Catch and release in KICA’s ponds is strongly encouraged.

DISCARDED GEAR HARMS WILDLIFE

  • Do not leave used fishing line, old hooks, damaged cast nets or any other gear behind. These items have a devastating impact on local wildlife.

LEAVE NO TRACE

  • Take everything you brought down to the water back with you. Do not feed wildlife or leave unused bait behind. Trash cans are available at all locations.

 

Find your new favorite fishing spot on KICA’s interactive map.