In 2008, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources acquired Botany Bay Plantation, a 4,630-acre tract of land on the northern boundary of Edisto Island adjacent to the North Edisto River. The ecologically and historically significant property had been privately maintained until that time by the former owner, Margaret Pepper. The late Mrs. Pepper preserved the natural integrity of the land which includes maritime forests, salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds and hammock islands.
As part of the movement toward refocusing kids on the wonders of the outdoors, the Department maintains the salt marsh pond located in the middle of the property, Jason’s Lake, as an adult-youth, catch-and-release, fishing area. While there is considerable bank fishing opportunity on the pond, Jason’s Lake is an ideal location for kids to practice kayak and canoeing in a relatively sheltered environment and yet still have the opportunity to catch a decent sized redfish, flounder or trout.
My first visit to Botany Bay last summer was at the suggestion of Dean Harrigal, SCDNR biologist who is in charge of the property. While this WMA is open every day of the week except Tuesdays and for special scheduled hunts during the fall, Jason’s Lake is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The limited access coupled with an entirely catch-and-release format keeps the lake loaded with nice sized fish. My then 13- and 16-year-old sons couldn’t wait to try their luck.
After unloading three kayaks and launching them into the pond, it wasn’t long before both boys were paddling around the lake casting to swirling fish. We found several willing takers. Our biggest of the day was a nice 30-inch red that was dutifully put back in the lake.
Unfortunately, the unseasonably hot temperatures of August and the unseasonably cold temperatures during January put a hurting on the fish in Jason’s Lake resulting in some devastating fish kills. According to Harrigal, the Department had scheduled to replace the tidal structure that supplied the lake with water from Oscella Creek, so as it occurred, the timing was right to make the replacement since the pond would have to be drained anyway.
A call to Bruce Rawl, who handles much of the day-to-day operations at Botany Bay provided some encouraging news. The new tidal structure was already in and the tides were already bringing in new fish to replace those lost over the winter. Though they may have lost the 30- to 40-pound reds in the pond, Rawl reported that he had seen at least a dozen or more fish in the 15- to 20-pound class and was sure all of the original flounder in the pond had survived.
For kayak anglers who are interested in fishing through the week or don’t have the luxury of having children on stand-by — I’ll consider renting mine — Botany Bay also boasts a car-top only launch site that was custom made for paddling enthusiasts. Sea Cloud Landing lies several hundred yards on the other side of the dike from Jason’s Lake and provides access to the back waters of Oscella Creek. Rawl claims the skinny water at the ramp can go dry with a strong west wind so be sure to take the prevailing tides into consideration before setting out or you may spend a nice quiet day on a mud flat counting how many mosquitoes can land on your arm at one time while waiting for the water to return.
Oscella Creek hosts typical barrier island structure, including sea pine island banks with blow down trees, oyster mounds, and a myriad of drainage gutters. Rawl also reports there are several great mullet holes that hold fish with a favorable tide.
Kayakers who are interested in accessing the front beach waters of Botany Bay Island near the confluence of the North Edisto River can paddle toward the mouth of Oscella Creek and take the third creek to the right to access the front beach. Bear in mind, this might require upwards of a 5-mile journey, which in my book is a lot of Paddling Palmetto.
To get to Botany Bay Plantation WMA, travel down SC 174 towards Edisto Beach. Turn left onto Botany Bay Road, located about 8.5 miles south of the McKinley Washington Bridge. Follow the dirt road about two miles to where the road dead-ends. Turn left at the gate and into the property. Refer to the kiosk at the main entrance for maps and information. For more information on Botany Bay WMA, contact the SCDNR’s Botany Bay office at 843-869-2713.
Phillip Gentry is a free-lance outdoor writer and photographer from Greenville who said that if it swims, walks, hops, flies or crawls, he’s usually not too far behind.
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