During late spring and summer, redfish and trout ski back into the river in search of food along the river’s edge. That makes this the perfect time to try your hand at fly fishing on Kiawah Island.
If you’ve never been fly fishing, it isn’t hard. But going with an experienced captain is definitely the way to go if you’re new to the sport.
Book a Fishing Charter or Excursion
To help you navigate it, book a fly-fishing charter. The Ultra Light Tackle Fly Fishing trip on Kiawah Island welcomes all skill levels and ages, although kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing takes place aboard a custom flat boat as you pole through the oyster flats along the Kiawah River. Call the Heron Park Nature Center at 843-768-6001 for details.
Other fly-fishing excursions include Captain Mike Tucker Fly Fishing & Light Tackle Charters on Kiawah Island, First Step Fishing Excursions on Seabrook Island, and FinAddict Fly/Light Tackle Charters in Mt. Pleasant.
Charters have the equipment and these crews will get you on the fish in the backwaters of the South Carolina coast. They’ll even give you some pointers.
Basic Fly Fishing Techniques to Practice
First, practice your casting. You can do this on land, in a grassy yard. Use your thumb on top of the cork rod for power and direction. Point it where you want to cast. Start with about 20 feet or so of line and add more as you feel more comfortable.
You’ll also want to learn to tie basic knots. A good place to start is at the Orvis website where the gear retailer uses animation and video to help you learn.
Learn to select the right fly. Start with a Muddler Minnow as that is a “multiple personality” fly that can be fished in different ways. You can always adapt a fly to the current conditions. But be forewarned: Anglers spend a lifetime getting this part of the process down to a science.
If you’ve ever wanted to try fly fishing, now is the time. The days are warm, the sun is shining and the fish are biting.
Book Your Vacation to the Charleston Coast
Book a luxury vacation home on Kiawah Island, Wild Dunes Resort, Seabrook Island or Isle of Palms. Vacation rentals offer great amenities like ocean views, private pools, and golf course access. You’ll enjoy the laid-back setting, that’s perfect for a fishing getaway.