North Carolina · Cape Fear
REDFISH FISHING
IN SOUTHPORT
Southport is a solid destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in October and good catches in March, April, May. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Southport
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Southport
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Southport, NC.
How to Catch Redfish in Southport
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Southport
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Cape Fear River (Southport Waterfront)
The Cape Fear River flows past Southport's historic waterfront, where the river's depth, current, and structure create a productive inshore fishery within sight of downtown. Red drum, flounder, speckled trout, and sheepshead hold around the city's docks, rock walls, and pilings year-round. The river's tidal swings concentrate baitfish along the waterfront, attracting predators on every tide change.
Dutchman Creek
Dutchman Creek winds through the marshes behind Southport, its tidal channels and oyster-lined banks providing sheltered inshore habitat for red drum, speckled trout, and flounder. The creek's narrow bends and deeper holes hold fish during low water, while rising tides push bait and gamefish across the adjacent marsh flats. It is a prime destination for kayak and light-tackle fishing near Southport.
Intracoastal Waterway (Southport Reach)
The Intracoastal Waterway section near Southport runs through marsh islands and tidal flats, connecting the Cape Fear River system to points south toward Calabash. Red drum, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead use the waterway's channel edges and adjacent flats for feeding and travel. Drifting the ICW with live bait or soft plastics produces consistent catches year-round.
Battery Island Area
Battery Island sits in the Cape Fear River just off Southport's waterfront, and the surrounding waters provide excellent inshore fishing over oyster beds and along marsh edges. Red drum, flounder, and speckled trout feed in the shallow waters around the island, particularly on incoming tides. The island is a protected bird sanctuary, and the nutrient-rich waters surrounding it support a thriving baitfish population.
Other Species in Southport
More fish you can target while visiting Southport.
Redfish Fishing in Southport — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Southport are October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Southport area.
Redfish fishing charters in Southport are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Southport, your captain provides all required North Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in North Carolina include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Southport, you may also catch King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Cobia, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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