About the Stono River Fishing Club
Rooted in the Lowcountry, bound by the tide.
The Stono River Fishing Club is a community fishing club for anglers in Charleston, South Carolina, based on Johns Island along the Stono River. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month at Gilligan's Seafood Restaurant, fish for all species, run a monthly tournament with a new target species every month, and welcome anglers of every skill level. No membership or RSVP is required.
Our Story: Born on the Stono River
The Stono River Fishing Club wasn't founded in a boardroom. It was founded on the docks and in the flats of the Stono River. From chasing redfish in the spartina grass to sharing a meal at the end of a long day on the dock, our club is about the traditions, the tall tales, and the friendships that only a day on the water can create.
What We Stand For
Our mission: "To foster a community of ethical anglers, promote local conservation, and ensure the fishing of the Stono River remains vibrant for generations to come."
Community
Open to all, from master captains to those buying their first rod. Good friends, great fishing, and local traditions.
Conservation
Respecting our marshlands, practicing ethical fishing, and advocating for clean water in the Lowcountry.
Sharing tips, tides, and techniques at every meeting to help everyone catch more fish.
Education
Where We Fish: Johns Island and the Charleston Lowcountry
Our home water is the tidal Stono River on Charleston's Johns Island. Members also fish the surrounding Lowcountry waters, including the Toogoodoo River and Wadmalaw Sound, from spartina grass flats and tidal creeks to deeper channels.
We fish for all species, from Lowcountry favorites like red drum (redfish) and black drum to whatever is biting that season. For local fishing reports and news, read State of Red Drum, Winter Fishing in the Stono River, and our Update from SCDNR.
Monthly Meetings on Johns Island
Where: Gilligan's Seafood Restaurant, 160 Main Road, Johns Island, SC 29455
When: Every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Socializing starts at 6:00 PM, and the meeting runs 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
Who: Open to everyone. No membership or RSVP required.
What we cover: Spot Autopsy (we dig into local fishing spots and why they fish well, or don't), The Big Story (latest catches, fresh locations, and what's been moving), and Pro Tips for fishing the Stono. Meetings also include a 50/50 raffle, monthly tournament results, and the spin of the wheel that picks the tournament's target species.
See the date of the next meeting on our Events page.
Monthly Fishing Tournament and Angler of the Year
Our monthly tournament targets a different species every month. The target species is decided at each monthly meeting by spinning the wheel, so every month brings a new challenge. We also track the Angler of the Year standings all season. See winners and standings on the Monthly Tournament page. We also host seasonal events like our fall fishing tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Stono River Fishing Club located?
We are based on Johns Island in Charleston, South Carolina. Our monthly meetings are held at Gilligan's Seafood Restaurant, 160 Main Road, Johns Island, SC 29455.
Do I need to be a member to attend a meeting?
No. Our meetings are open to everyone, and no membership or RSVP is required. Just show up, meet fellow anglers, and talk fishing.
When does the club meet?
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Socializing starts at 6:00 PM and the meeting runs from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Check the Events page for the next date.
What kind of fish does the club target?
All species. Members fish the Stono River and nearby Lowcountry waters such as the Toogoodoo River and Wadmalaw Sound for everything from red drum (redfish) and black drum to whatever is biting that season.
Is the club good for beginners?
Yes. Our members range from experienced captains to people buying their first rod, and every meeting includes local spot breakdowns and tips to help everyone catch more fish.
How does the monthly tournament work?
The target species changes every month. It is decided at our monthly meeting by spinning the wheel. Results are shared at our meetings, and Angler of the Year standings are posted on the Monthly Tournament page.
How can I contact the Stono River Fishing Club?
Email us at info@stonoriverfishingclub.com, or message us on Facebook or Instagram.
Join Us at the Next Monthly Meeting
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Gilligan's Seafood Restaurant, 160 Main Road, Johns Island, SC 29455. Socializing starts at 6:00 PM, and the meeting runs 6:30 to 8:00 PM. No membership or RSVP needed.
Explore: About the club · Events · Monthly tournament · Gallery · News and fishing reports · Contact
Questions? Email info@stonoriverfishingclub.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram.