When it comes to natural beauty and coastal charm, few destinations can compete with Kiawah Island, a beautifully preserved and unspoiled barrier island nestled between the Kiawah River and Atlantic Ocean. Ranked one of the top fishing destinations on the East Coast, Kiawah Island delivers a great Lowcountry fishing experience for all fishing enthusiasts in all four seasons.
Kiawah Island’s diverse and incredible ecosystem includes 10 miles of pristine beaches, freshwater and brackish ponds, saltwater rivers, and serene marshlands teeming with fish and wildlife. Local fish species include redfish, spotted sea trout, flounder, rays, and sharks with big game fish like tuna, grouper, snapper, and marlin regularly caught in the offshore waters. Unless you’re fishing with a certified charter captain, a fishing license is required on Kiawah Island even for the private docks and fishing ponds.
Whether you’re seeking to cast your line from a quiet dock or the thrill of reeling in a trophy marlin offshore, we’ve got you covered with the top fishing spots on Kiawah Island.
1. Beachwalker Park
Combine a classic beach day with surf fishing at Kiawah Island’s Beachwalker Park, ranked one of the best beaches in the US for 2022 by Dr. Beach! Beachwalker Park is public, pet-friendly and a popular spot for surf fishing on the South Carolina coastline with miles of uncrowded scenic shoreline to sit back, cast a line, and wait for a bite. Surf fishing is always best on a rising tide so be sure to check the local tide charts before you head out – or stay steps from the Beachwalker Park boardwalks with Kiawah Exclusives for a daily surf check from home!
2. Kiawah River
Kiawah Island is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and thriving Kiawah River with oyster banks, tidal creeks and salt marshes abounding in saltwater fish species, and Kiawah’s local wildlife. One of the best fishing spots on Kiawah Island is at the Kiawah River inlet near the west end of Beachwalker Park – you may even witness Kiawah’s local dolphin pods fishing for their own food at Captain Sams Inlet. Captain Sams Inlet on the Kiawah River is one of the few places in the world where you can experience the spectacular phenomenon of dolphin’s strand feeding.
3. Night Heron Park
Night Heron Park lies in the heart of Kiawah Island’s East Beach Village and is a central hub for outdoor adventure and nature activities on the island, including fun on-island fishing adventures. The Night Heron Pond near the Heron Park Nature Center is fully stocked with a community fishing dock making it a top spot for family fishing with the kids. Night Heron Park has resident alligators, so always fish from the docks and bridges, not from the banks, and do not reach into the water. Stop by the Heron Park Nature Center for a wide selection of nature tours and family-friendly fishing activities and charters
4. Bass Pond Fishing Dock
There are 60+ ponds and lagoons on Kiawah Island, fully stocked with freshwater fish such as bass, bream, tilapia, and carp. The Bass Pond Fishing Dock is situated near Rhett’s Bluff, through the second gates to Vanderhorst Plantation, and is one of the best ponds for fishing on Kiawah Island. Other popular Kiawah fishing ponds in Vanderhorst include Egret Pond, Canvasback Pond, and Blue Heron Pond. Blue Heron Pond is also a top spot for crabbing on Kiawah Island and be sure to take a break from fishing to climb the observation tower for a 360-degree view of Kiawah’s tranquil landscapes.
5. Bohicket Marina
Bohicket Marina & Market is located between Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island and ranks as one of the best marinas in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Sail to Kiawah Island and dock at Bohicket Marina, book a guided fishing charter at the Boat Club, or rent a boat for a self-guided fishing excursion along the backwaters of the Edisto River and Bohicket Creek. Don’t be too hasty to head back home! Crack a cold one and snack on fresh seafood at Salty Dog Café while savoring one of the best Lowcountry sunsets ever at Bohicket Marina!
6. Kiawah Island Fishing Charters
Whether you’re learning to fish, on a family fishing vacation, or an expert angler looking for a challenge, nothing beats fishing with a local expert on Kiawah Island. Kiawah Island’s guided fishing charters and boat tours are run by tournament winning captains with years of experience fishing the Lowcountry waters and knowledge of the best secret fishing spots on Kiawah.
From inshore fishing charters and epic shark fishing in the channels and creeks to full day deep sea adventures on the offshore sandbars, wrecks and artificial reefs, the ultimate fishing experience awaits on Kiawah Island. Search our Exclusives Guide to find a fishing charter to match your level of adventure!
Our Kiawah Exclusives team has been locally operated since 1978! We know the best places to stay and play on Kiawah Island and are happy to assist throughout the vacation planning process. Browse our portfolio of luxury rentals online or call our team on (843) 768-0273 to start planning an epic Lowcountry fishing trip to Kiawah Island.
