South Carolina · Lowcountry
REDFISH FISHING
IN CHARLESTON
Charleston is an outstanding destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in March, April, May and good catches in January, February, June. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Charleston
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 — Charleston
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Charleston, SC.
How to Catch Redfish in Charleston
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 Charleston
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Charleston Harbor
Charleston Harbor is one of the most historic and productive urban inshore fisheries on the East Coast, with redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and speckled trout holding around its bridges, docks, and seawalls. The harbor's convergence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers creates nutrient-rich water that sustains massive baitfish populations year-round. Fishing the harbor's structure on tidal changes is a time-tested technique that consistently produces quality fish.
Bull's Bay
Bull's Bay is a vast, relatively undeveloped estuary northeast of Charleston, fed by numerous creeks and surrounded by the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Trophy redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and tarpon patrol the bay's expansive grass flats, oyster reefs, and creek mouths. Its remote character and limited development pressure make it one of the most pristine and productive inshore fisheries in South Carolina.
Shem Creek
Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant is a working waterfront and tidal creek that has produced quality redfish, flounder, and speckled trout for generations of Charleston anglers. The creek's docks, bulkheads, and shrimp boat fleet provide excellent structure fishing, especially for sheepshead and redfish during cooler months. It is one of the most convenient and accessible inshore fishing spots in the greater Charleston area.
Stono River
The Stono River flows southwest of Charleston, connecting Johns Island to the Intracoastal Waterway with a rich tidal fishery along its entire length. Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum hold along the river's oyster beds, dock pilings, and marsh edges year-round. The river's multiple access points and diverse habitat make it a staple inshore destination for Charleston's fishing community.
Other Species in Charleston
More fish you can target while visiting Charleston.
Redfish Fishing in Charleston — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Charleston are March, April, May, September, October, November. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Charleston area.
Redfish fishing charters in Charleston 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 Charleston, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in South 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 Charleston, you may also catch Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, Black Drum. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Redfish in Charleston?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your redfish fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes