Most freshwater ponds require stocking of fish, so how do saltwater species get into ponds along South Carolina’s coast? Every saltwater pond is different than the next, so the answer will vary from pond to pond.
Some ponds started off as depressions that filled with saltwater during floods or times of especially high tides. Fish are swept into the ponds, and when the water recedes, they’re stuck. The ponds are usually in areas with a high water table, and saltwater seeps in through the ground or is replenished during high water and floods. Other ponds are connected to saltwater marshes through culverts or small canals, allowing fish to swim in and out and keeping water levels consistent.
Saltwater ponds can be great for fishing along the entire coast, and most are overlooked by anglers. Resorts at Litchfield, Kiawah Island and Hilton Head Island are among many vacation spots that feature saltwater ponds, and fishing is generally open only to resort guests, which cuts down on the number of anglers and fishing pressure.
Some of South Carolina’s most-unique saltwater ponds are in Charleston County, some in the heart of the city, giving anglers a chance to fish in an urban setting. Colonial Lake is a tidal pond between Rutledge Avenue and Ashley Avenue that’s known for holding redfish and flounder, as well as smaller species like pinfish and spots. A similar pond, Alberta Sottile Long Lake, is between Lockwood Boulevard and Halsey Drive. Redfish and flounder are also the top species there, but sheepshead and black drum show up frequently as well. Both of these ponds are open to the public.
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