South Carolina · Grand Strand
REDFISH FISHING
IN MURRELLS INLET
Murrells Inlet is an excellent destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in April, October, November and good catches in January, February, March. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Murrells Inlet
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 — Murrells Inlet
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Murrells Inlet, SC.
How to Catch Redfish in Murrells Inlet
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 Murrells Inlet
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Murrells Inlet Main Creek
The main creek channel winding through Murrells Inlet is the backbone of this legendary inshore fishery, lined with oyster beds and marsh grass that hold redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Anglers drift or anchor along the deeper bends where tidal flow concentrates baitfish against the banks. It is widely regarded as one of the finest inshore fishing destinations on the entire South Carolina coast.
Oyster Landing (Huntington Beach)
Oyster Landing at Huntington Beach State Park provides kayak and small-boat access to pristine tidal creeks south of the inlet. Redfish tail across the shallow mud flats while flounder ambush bait along the channel drops, making it a sight-fishing paradise. The state park setting ensures minimal development pressure and healthy habitat for a thriving fish population.
Garden City Point
Garden City Point sits at the north side of Murrells Inlet where the inlet meets the Atlantic, creating a productive convergence zone of ocean and marsh water. Flounder, redfish, black drum, and sheepshead congregate around the rock jetties and sand bars on tidal changes. The point is accessible by boat and offers some of the best jetty-fishing opportunities in the area.
Parsonage Creek
Parsonage Creek is a winding tidal creek branching off the main Murrells Inlet channel, known for its pristine oyster beds and consistent redfish population. The creek's narrow width and overhanging marsh grass create shaded ambush zones where redfish and trout feed on shrimp and small crabs. It is a favorite among local sight-fishing guides who pole skiffs along the shallow edges at low tide.
Other Species in Murrells Inlet
More fish you can target while visiting Murrells Inlet.
Redfish Fishing in Murrells Inlet — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Murrells Inlet are April, October, November. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Murrells Inlet area.
Redfish fishing charters in Murrells Inlet 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 Murrells Inlet, 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 Murrells Inlet, you may also catch King Mackerel, Sheepshead, Flounder, Pompano, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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