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Coastal Redfish Expeditions with Captain Kim
Redfish Fishing in Hilton Head Island
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. These copper-colored gamefish are prized catches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, known for their distinctive eyespot near the tail and fighting spirit when hooked. - Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds at maturity. - They prefer shallow coastal waters including flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore zones.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sangkyun Kim in August
Meet your Captain Captain Kim
- I Love Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Summer fishing on Hilton Head Island was in full swing this Thursday June when Captain Kim took Dean and crew out for an afternoon of inshore action. Under partly cloudy skies with perfect conditions, we targeted the local fishing grounds while keeping an eye on potential storms. The variety of techniques paid off as we found redfish biting, with everyone landing fish around the 14-inch mark. These feisty reds put up a good fight, giving everyone a taste of what Hilton Head inshore fishing is all about. Whether you're after redfish like we caught or hoping to tangle with other inshore species, I Love Fishing Charters provides the local knowledge and gear needed for a successful day on the water. Our seasonal inshore trips are tailored to make the most of current fishing conditions around Hilton Head's productive waters.
Fishing Charter with Captain Kim – Rates & Booking
Captain Sangkyun Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Thursday June offers a variety of fishing experiences around Hilton Head Island. Our 3-Hour Seasonal Inshore Trip is perfect for anglers wanting to experience the best of what our local waters have to offer. We provide all fishing equipment, licenses, and the expertise needed to put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, our guided trips accommodate all skill levels. The boat comfortably fits small groups, making it perfect for family outings or fishing with friends.
Highlights of Summer Inshore Fishing
Hilton Head Island's summer fishing offers non-stop action, particularly for redfish. During our recent trip, we mixed surf fishing, pier fishing, and inshore techniques to find where the fish were biting. The redfish around 14 inches were putting up spirited fights, providing constant entertainment and memorable catches for everyone aboard. The partly cloudy conditions created perfect fishing weather, allowing us to explore multiple productive spots throughout the afternoon.
With I Love Fishing Charters, you'll benefit from local knowledge that helps locate the best fishing spots based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. We focus on creating an enjoyable experience regardless of your fishing background, ensuring everyone has opportunities to hook into some quality fish.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Hilton Head's inshore waters, especially during summer months when they frequent shallow flats, creek mouths, and structure around the island. These copper-colored fighters are known for their strong pulls and tendency to make exciting runs when hooked. For the best results, we typically target them using light tackle with live bait or artificial lures worked along bottom structure.
The redfish in Hilton Head waters respond well to jigging techniques and trolling approaches, which is exactly what produced results on our recent trip. Summer provides consistent action as these fish feed actively in warmer waters. Even the smaller 14-inch specimens provide excellent sport on appropriate tackle, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking for consistent action.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When booking with I Love Fishing Charters, arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing, non-slip shoes, and bring sun protection including sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses. We provide all fishing gear, bait, and licenses needed for a successful day on the water. Our boat is well-maintained and equipped with safety gear for peace of mind.
Morning trips typically offer the calmest conditions, though afternoon outings like our recent trip can be equally productive. We monitor weather conditions closely and will reschedule if necessary for your safety and comfort. Water and light snacks are recommended, and don't forget your camera to document your catches!
Fishing in Hilton Head: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also called Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These distinctive fish are immediately recognizable by their coppery-red backs, white bellies, and characteristic black spot (or spots) near the tail. In Hilton Head waters this June, anglers find these fighters providing consistent action in the shallow inshore areas.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their popularity stems from their fighting ability, widespread availability in shallow waters, and excellent table fare. Anglers of all skill levels appreciate redfish for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs when hooked.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit various coastal environments including estuaries, flats, backcountry creeks, and nearshore waters. They're commonly found around oyster beds, grass flats, mangroves, and other structure. Around Hilton Head Island, redfish frequent the shallow marsh areas, creek mouths, and flats, especially during summer months when they actively feed in these warmer, productive zones.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. The fish caught during our Hilton Head trips often fall in the 14 to 30 inch range, with the smaller "puppy drum" being more common in the inshore areas. Bull redfish, the larger specimens, are typically found in deeper nearshore waters or during seasonal migrations.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans, small baitfish, and marine worms. They're known for their distinctive feeding behavior of "tailing" - when their tails break the water surface as they feed on bottom-dwelling organisms in shallow water. They're most active during dawn and dusk but will feed throughout the day depending on tide and weather conditions.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from August through November, with peak spawning occurring in September and October. During this time, mature redfish move to deeper nearshore waters and offshore to spawn. In summer months around Hilton Head, many of the redfish caught are juvenile to mid-sized fish that haven't yet joined the spawning migration.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Light to medium tackle works best for inshore redfish. Popular techniques include sight fishing with artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, or topwater plugs. Live bait such as shrimp, mud minnows, or finger mullet is extremely effective. In June, anglers around Hilton Head find success jigging and trolling around creek mouths and grass lines during moving tides. The falling tide often concentrates redfish in deeper pockets and channels, making them easier to target.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that flakes easily. It's versatile for cooking and can be prepared blackened, grilled, broiled, or baked. Redfish is also nutritious, providing a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. Smaller specimens (slot size) typically offer the best eating quality.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Hilton Head?
A: Live shrimp, mud minnows, and cut mullet are top natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and shallow-running crankbaits work well in the Hilton Head area.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Hilton Head Island?
A: Redfish are commonly found around oyster beds, creek mouths, grass flats, and shallow marsh areas. During falling tides, target deeper holes and channels where redfish concentrate.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm texture. Smaller slot-sized fish generally taste best, and the meat works well with various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Hilton Head?
A: Redfish can be caught year-round in Hilton Head, but summer through early fall offers consistent action. Early morning and evening periods, especially during moving tides, typically produce the best results.
Q: What size redfish can I keep in South Carolina?
A: South Carolina regulations typically allow anglers to keep redfish between 15-23 inches in length, with a daily bag limit of 2 fish per person. Always check current regulations before fishing as they may change.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning tackle with 10-20 lb test line works well for most inshore redfish. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance and enough backbone to handle these strong fighters.
