Dolphin Slam Offshore Fishing Tournament

The Dolphin Slam Offshore Tournament is a spring fishing contest run by The Marina at Edisto Beach, at the end of Docksite Road on Big Bay Creek. Boats run offshore after dolphinfish (the fish also sold as mahi-mahi), the heaviest fish wins, and the weigh-in on the docks comes with live music and the marina’s tiki bar. It’s expected in early May; the Chamber calendar lists May 1, 2027, so confirm with the marina.

At a Glance

• When: Expected early May. The Chamber calendar lists Saturday, May 1, 2027. The 2025 tournament was May 10.
• Where: The Marina at Edisto Beach, 3702 Docksite Road, Edisto Island
• Cost: Entry fee per boat (ask the marina); watching the weigh-in costs nothing.
• Organizer: The Marina at Edisto Beach, 843-631-5055
• Good for: Offshore anglers with their own boats, spectators who like a dockside scene

Not That Kind of Dolphin

First-time visitors sometimes do a double take at the name. The tournament targets dolphinfish, the bright green-and-gold offshore game fish, not the bottlenose dolphins you see rolling in Big Bay Creek. A heaviest-fish format keeps the idea simple.

The Weigh-In Is the Spectator Event

Unless you’re fishing, the part to see is the afternoon weigh-in. In 2025 it ran from 4 to 7 p.m. at the docks, with live music and the tiki bar going. Watching fish go on the scale is the main event, and seeing a big offshore fish up close is a treat for kids. Meanwhile, the marina’s ship’s store sells drinks and snacks.

Entering

Entry is per boat, but the fee and rules for the next tournament haven’t been posted. Call the marina at 843-631-5055 or email themarinaeb@gmail.com. If you’re trailering a boat to Edisto, check our boating regulations page before you go, and read up on offshore species in our Edisto Island fishing guide.

Plan Your Visit

The marina is at the northwest end of the beach town, next to Bay Creek Park. From a rental in town, bike over on the bike path, which starts near the marina. From up-island, drive down SC-174 and follow Docksite Road to the end. Early May is a quieter, cooler time on Edisto than summer, and it falls at the start of loggerhead nesting season, so review the sea turtle rules if you’re staying on the beach.

Make an evening of it with dinner upstairs at Pressley’s at the Marina after the weigh-in. Not fishing the tournament? Book a dolphin-watching tour to see the other kind of dolphin.

Is it worth planning a trip around? For offshore anglers, yes. For everyone else, it’s a fun late-afternoon stop if you’re already on the island that weekend.

FAQ

When is the next Dolphin Slam?

It’s expected in early May. The Chamber calendar lists May 1, 2027, but that’s a placeholder; confirm with the marina at 843-631-5055.

How much does it cost to enter?

The entry fee is per boat, and it hasn’t been posted. Ask the marina.

Can I watch without fishing?

Yes. The dockside weigh-in is open to spectators.

Are they catching real dolphins?

No. The target is dolphinfish (mahi-mahi), an offshore game fish.

Details from The Marina at Edisto Beach and the Edisto Chamber of Commerce calendar as of October 2026; confirm dates and rules with the marina before you go.