Redfish (Red Drum) Fishing in South Carolina
Check regulations
Check regulations
Year-round
Overview
South Carolina's ACE Basin (Ashepoo, Combahee, Edisto) is a premier redfish destination.
Oyster bars and pluff mud banks hold redfish on every tide change.
Bull reds school in Charleston Harbor and nearshore waters August-November.
Cut blue crab is one of the most effective natural baits for South Carolina redfish.
Best Waters in South Carolina
- Charleston Harbor — Historic port city surrounded by creeks, marshes, and flats holding redfish year-round.
- ACE Basin — Pristine Lowcountry estuary with healthy redfish populations in tidal creeks and oyster bars.
- Bull's Bay — Northeast of Charleston with quality redfish on oyster rakes and spartina grass edges.
- Beaufort/Port Royal Sound — Southern SC estuary with outstanding sight-fishing for redfish on shallow flats.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- Sight-casting
- Carolina rig with cut bait
- Soft plastic on jig head
- Popping cork
- Fly fishing
Baits & Lures
- Live shrimp
- Cut blue crab
- Gulp Shrimp
- Z-Man MinnowZ
- Gold spoon
Seasonal Guide for South Carolina
SpringSpring Fishing
Warming water activates inshore redfish. Target oyster bars and creek mouths on incoming tides.
SummerSummer Fishing
Early morning topwater and sight-fishing on low tides. Redfish tail on exposed mud flats.
FallFall Fishing
Bull redfish run September-November. Inshore fishing remains excellent for slot fish on oyster bars.
WinterWinter Fishing
Redfish seek warm water in deep holes and sun-exposed shallows. Natural baits fished slowly are most effective.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with South Carolina Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
Specific regulations for redfish (red drum) in South Carolina are not listed in our database. Please check the official South Carolina regulations for current rules.