The Ultimate Guide to South Carolina Redfish

Redfish get their name from the bronze coloration on the top of their bodies, which appears red in certain light and water conditions. This color fades to a lighter belly, along with dark, ocellated spots at the base of the tail. South Carolina redfish average 18 inches in length and 2 and a half pounds in weight, but can grow to over 40 inches and well over 30 pounds. The South Carolina state record redfish weighed 75 pounds, caught near Murrell’s Inlet in 1965.

Redfish are primarily bottom feeders that rely heavily on their acute sense of smell to locate their food. A notable behavior they exhibit, known as "tailing," occurs when they tilt downwards on shallow flats to sift through the mud for prey, making their tails visible to observant anglers.

Redfish are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including shorelines, grass flats, sandbars, oyster beds, and tidal creeks. While adult redfish gather in large schools offshore for spawning, they periodically return to coastal rivers to feed. In winter, they seek out warmer waters, favoring temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

During the redfish spawning season– typically occurring from August to December–female redfish release millions of eggs along South Carolina's coast in passes, inlets, and estuaries. This reproductive activity plays a crucial role in sustaining their populations in the region.

Charleston

Charleston and its surrounding waters offer diverse habitats that redfish thrive in— no matter the time of year, anglers can target redfish in Charleston’s spartina grass flats and tidal creeks. Check out our many AnyCreek guides running redfish trips in the Charleston area, and take a moment to read all about fly fishing in Charleston.

Hilton Head Island

Located just two hours south of Charleston is Hilton Head Island. Known for its golf courses, relaxed atmosphere and stunning beaches, Hilton Head Island also offers plenty of excellent redfish fishing opportunities in its backcountry waters. Peak redfish season is August to April, but redfish can be targeted year-round. For the best experience, book with a knowledgeable, local guide like Backcountry Hilton Head.

Beaufort

Between Charleston and Hilton Head lies Beaufort. Beaufort is a beautiful, historic city that offers easy access to prime redfish habitats. Fishing heats up in Spring and Fall, but there is no bad time for a Beaufort redfish excursion. You can book with top fishing guides in Beaufort here.

Edisto Island

Edisto Island is one of South Carolina’s coastal gems. This area is known for a slower pace than other beach communities along the East Coast and is home to excellent redfish fishing. Explore Edisto Island’s extensive network of tidal creeks with AnyCreek’s top guides.

Baits, lures, and flies are all good choices for targeting redfish in South Carolina. For live bait fishing, options like shrimp, mullet, marine worms, mud minnows, and pinfish are recommended. When fishing in deeper waters, pinfish and small mullet are ideal choices, while shallower areas are better suited for smaller baitfish and crustaceans.

If you prefer artificial lures, stock up on shrimp, crab, and small fish imitations. Utilize small jigs, shallow-running spoons, and saltwater swimbaits for best results. During early mornings or overcast conditions, topwater plugs and flies can provoke aggressive strikes from redfish in shallow waters. Keep in mind that seasonal variations may dictate the most effective bait choices— your guide will have the best information on which option will be the most successful.

When preparing to fish for redfish, remember that presentation technique is crucial. Regardless of your bait or lure selection, proper presentation is essential for enticing strikes. Your guide can assist you in selecting the right bait and perfecting your casting technique to mimic natural prey effectively.

Low tide redfish fishing

The best time to fish for South Carolina redfish tends to be on the incoming tide. During this transition, redfish relocate to shallow flats as the water level rises, in search of baitfish, shrimp, crabs, and other small creatures that live in shallower water. They strategically position themselves in deep depressions and channels within the flats, where they await the incoming tide to capitalize on the abundance of food. Tidal creeks and expansive flats become key locations for anglers to concentrate on during this tidal cycle.

Flood tide redfish fishing

Flood tide fishing for South Carolina redfish is an exciting and rare opportunity. Flood tides occur when an abnormally large tide pushes water into short spartina grass flats, giving redfish access to areas that are usually dry land. These flood tides occur around the new and full moon phases. Read more about catching redfish on flood tides here.

Fighting and landing redfish requires a rod and reel combination that balances finesse and power. If you’re targeting larger redfish, go with a 4500 size reel and a 7-foot, medium-heavy strength, fast action rod. 15-pound braided line and a 20-pound leader are a good bet for these larger fish. For smaller redfish, plan to use a 3500 size reel and a medium-strength rod. Fill the spool with 10-pound braided line and stick with a 20-pound leader.

There are several great saltwater reels on the market, but there are a couple that we recommend for redfish fishing. Penn Spinfisher series reels are smooth, durable, and have excellent drag systems and sealed bodies— these reels come at a higher cost, but they are a great option for surf fishing, wade fishing, and kayak fishing. Alternatively, Daiwa BG reels are a good choice for flats fishing— though they don’t offer the same sealed design, they are known to be very reliable.

When preparing for your redfish trip, plan for several hours spent in the sun. A pair of polarized sunglasses is needed, particularly for spotting redfish in shallow waters, as well as a brimmed hat and clothing with UPF protection. Consider bringing a neck gaiter and sun gloves for added protection.

Redfish can be caught year-round in South Carolina, but there are certain seasonal differences that affect fishing strategies. Keep these differences in mind for productive redfish fishing any time of year.

Licensing

If you’re fishing solo or without a licensed guide, take a moment to purchase a fishing license online. Any angler over the age of 16 must have a valid South Carolina fishing license, whether you're fishing from shore, a kayak, or on a boat. Head to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website to purchase a license quickly and easily.

Slot limit & daily bag limit

The slot limit for South Carolina redfish is between 15” and 23”. 2 redfish may be kept per person, per day— no more than 6 redfish may be kept per boat. If you have any questions about these limits, your guide will have the best information.

Targeting redfish in South Carolina is an exciting experience for anglers of all ages and abilities. If you are new to redfish fishing and want to learn from a professional, start your journey with AnyCreek. AnyCreek guides build a lifetime of knowledge of their local fisheries— this knowledge can go a long way toward making your next South Carolina redfish trip a memorable one.