Caper's Island in South Carolina - Weekend Trip Report

Trip Overview

As we were loading the boats at Isle of Palms Marina on Friday morning, the wind action was foretelling. We paddled out into a 20+ knot headwind and once around the corner, into 2-3 foot seas. What is normally a leisurely 2.5 hour paddle ended up taking us over 6 hours. What a slog - but, we all made it to the island. Quickly getting a fire started, we got camp set up, got some food, and enjoyed a few libations as we dried and thawed out by the fire.

Saturday morning broke to gorgeous weather, and a good day of Fishing. Up early Sunday AM - boats loaded and back on the water by about 9:30 for the paddle back to the marina.

A pod of dolphins joined us in the intracoastal waterway as we approached the marina.

Caper's Island is a very pretty place, and in good weather, a pleasant paddle. Be cautious of the weather - especially when approaching the inlets, it can chop up quickly!

PS - the new hatches on ALL of our newer sit-on-top Tarpons leaked horribly - the old neoprene covers, though cumbersome, at least kept water out of the inside of the boat. We actually had to stop on an oyster bank to empty boats as the waves splashing over the decks resulted in too much water inside the boat to maintain stability.

Accommodations:

IOP Marina is easily accessible, VERY clean and accommodating.

Outfitting:

Wilderness Systems Tarpons (5-140s, 2 160s), One (Perception?) 14' sit in.

Fees:

$5/day ramp/parking fee @ IOP marina