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Landing Prize Redfish off Hilton Heads Coast
Redfish Fishing in Hilton Head Island
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of Hilton Head Island's most prized gamefish, known for its coppery color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These powerful fighters are part of the drum family (Sciaenidae) and thrive in our shallow coastal waters, especially during summer months. - Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches when fully grown, though most caught inshore are in the 15-30 inch range. - They can weigh anywhere from 10-45 pounds, with larger specimens usually found in nearshore waters. - Their habitat includes flats, backcountry creeks, and nearshore structures around Hilton Head. - They're known for their strong runs and are highly sought after by light tackle anglers.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sangkyun Kim in August
Meet your Captain Captain Kim
- I Love Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Experience incredible Redfish action on our 3-Hour Fishing Trip in Hilton Head Island! Friday July is prime time for inshore fishing the productive waters around Hilton Head, where Captain Kim puts clients on quality Redfish consistently. Our local fishing charter specializes in light tackle techniques that are perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. We'll navigate the best inshore spots, including flats and backcountry areas where Redfish thrive. With all gear provided and expert guidance from Captain Kim, you'll maximize your chances of catching these beautiful copper-colored fighters. Our convenient departure from C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing puts you right where the action is, making this three-hour trip the perfect addition to your Hilton Head vacation.
Fishing Charter with Captain Kim – Rates & Booking
Captain Sangkyun Kim of I Love Fishing Charters offers Friday July fishing trips that deliver consistent Redfish action. This 3-Hour Fishing Trip is perfect for families and small groups, accommodating up to 3 guests comfortably. All necessary fishing equipment is provided, including quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait. We focus on inshore fishing techniques that are accessible to anglers of all skill levels, making this an ideal outing for beginners and experienced fishermen alike.
The trip includes expert guidance from Captain Kim, who knows exactly where to find Hilton Head's prized Redfish. You'll benefit from personalized instruction and local knowledge that maximizes your chances of success on the water. Our rates are competitive for the Hilton Head area, with the focus squarely on quality fishing rather than frills. To secure your spot, we recommend booking at least a week in advance during peak summer months.
Highlights of 3 Hour Fishing Trip
Our 3-hour Hilton Head fishing charter puts you right in the action where Redfish thrive. Departing from C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing, we'll quickly access productive inshore waters that hold quality fish. Captain Kim employs a variety of effective techniques including jigging and trolling, adapting to conditions for the best results. You'll experience the thrill of light tackle fishing, where even modest-sized Redfish put up an impressive fight.
The mixed approach of surf fishing and kayak fishing provides versatility that other charters can't match, allowing us to reach shallow water spots where Redfish often feed. Our partly cloudy summer days create ideal conditions for spotting these copper-colored predators. The 3-hour duration is perfectly suited for families or those wanting a focused fishing experience without committing an entire day. Captain Kim's expertise ensures even novice anglers will learn proper techniques while having a great time on the water.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Hilton Head's waters present exceptional opportunities for inshore anglers. These beautiful copper-colored gamefish thrive in our shallow flats, creek mouths, and around oyster bars where they hunt for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. During summer months, Hilton Head Redfish often form schools in 1-4 feet of water, making them ideal targets for sight fishing when conditions allow.
For consistently successful Redfish fishing in Hilton Head, we focus on moving water around structure. The incoming tide pushes bait into grassy areas where Redfish follow, while outgoing tides concentrate them in deeper channels and holes. Captain Kim specializes in reading these patterns, putting clients in the right spots as conditions change throughout your trip. The 3-hour duration allows us to target prime feeding periods when Redfish are most active.
Light tackle and artificial lures produce exciting strikes, though live bait like mullet or shrimp can be deadly effective when Redfish are being selective. The summer season sees good numbers of slot-sized fish (15-23 inches) that provide excellent sport on appropriate gear. Their powerful runs and dogged fights make even modest-sized Redfish a worthy opponent that creates lasting fishing memories.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When joining Captain Kim for your 3-Hour Fishing Trip, plan to arrive at C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Non-marking, non-slip shoes are recommended for safety on the boat. Captain Kim provides all necessary fishing equipment including quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait.
Our trips accommodate up to 3 guests comfortably, making this perfect for small groups or families. Morning trips often offer the calmest conditions and active fish, though afternoon trips can be equally productive during summer months. If you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking preventative medication before your trip, though our inshore waters are typically calmer than offshore areas. Don't forget to bring a camera to document your catch, and consider packing light snacks and water for your time on the water.
Fishing in Hilton Head: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These beautiful copper-colored gamefish are immediately recognizable by their distinctive black spot (sometimes multiple spots) near the tail – an adaptation that confuses predators by creating a false "eye." In Hilton Head waters this July, anglers specifically target these hard-fighting fish for their sporting qualities and excellent table fare.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most popular inshore gamefish along the Atlantic coast, prized for their strong fights and accessibility to anglers fishing from boats, kayaks, or even shorelines. Their copper to bronze-colored backs transitioning to white bellies make them visually distinctive, while their powerful runs and dogged determination make them worthy adversaries on appropriate tackle.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in varied coastal environments including flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and backcountry waters with depths typically ranging from 1-15 feet. Around Hilton Head Island, Redfish particularly favor marsh edges during high tides where they pursue crabs, shrimp and small baitfish. During lower tides, they retreat to deeper channels and holes where anglers can target them effectively.
Redfish Size and Weight
While Redfish can grow quite large, reaching 30-61 inches in length and weighing between 10-45 pounds, most specimens caught in Hilton Head's inshore waters typically range from 15-30 inches and 3-12 pounds. These "slot-sized" fish provide excellent sport on light tackle while larger bull reds are occasionally encountered in deeper passes and nearshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans (especially crabs and shrimp), small baitfish, and mollusks. They often reveal their presence by creating "tailing" displays in shallow water as they tip downward to feed on bottom-dwelling prey. This behavior makes them particularly exciting targets for sight fishing during clear conditions and appropriate tides.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall, with peak activity often occurring between August and October depending on water temperatures. During this period, larger breeding adults often form large schools in nearshore waters and passes around Hilton Head, creating opportunities for anglers to encounter trophy-sized specimens.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several techniques prove effective for Hilton Head Redfish. Artificial lures like soft plastic paddletails on lightweight jigheads excel when worked slowly along bottom structure. Gold spoons that flash and vibrate also trigger strikes effectively. For natural baits, fresh cut mullet, live shrimp, or blue crabs are nearly irresistible when presented properly. In July around Hilton Head, early morning incoming tides around creek mouths and flooded grass flats produce consistent action as Redfish move in to feed on the abundance of summer prey.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. The flesh holds up well to various cooking methods including grilling, blackening, or baking. They're also nutritious, providing high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, many anglers practice catch-and-release with larger specimens to help maintain healthy breeding populations.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in Hilton Head?
A: Fresh cut mullet, live shrimp, and blue crabs are top natural baits for Hilton Head Redfish. For artificial options, scented soft plastics in white, gold, or natural patterns rigged on lightweight jigheads consistently produce strikes when worked slowly along bottom structure.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Hilton Head Island?
A: Productive areas include creek mouths, oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow bays around the island. Specific hotspots include Broad Creek, Calibogue Sound edges, and the backwaters around Pinckney Island during moving tides.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is excellent eating with firm, white flesh that has a mild, sweet flavor. Slot-sized fish (typically 15-23 inches in South Carolina) are generally considered the best for the table, while larger specimens are often released to preserve breeding stock.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Hilton Head?
A: While Redfish can be caught year-round in Hilton Head, summer through early fall (June-October) typically offers the most consistent action. The best daily periods are usually early morning and evening hours, particularly during moving tides when these fish actively feed.
Q: What tackle should I use for Hilton Head Redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning tackle with 10-15 lb test line works perfectly for most Hilton Head Redfish. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining the sensitivity needed to detect subtle strikes in varying conditions.
Q: Do Redfish have any size or bag limits in South Carolina?
A: Yes, South Carolina regulations typically specify a slot limit (check current regulations as they may change) and daily bag restrictions. These conservation measures help ensure sustainable Redfish populations for future generations.
