%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F20682%2Fimages%2F1737719819391image-2025-01-24t185025.802.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a 28inch Redfish Inshore in Hilton Head
Redfish Fishing in Hilton Head Island
5.0
12 Reviews
- 5
100% - 4
0% - 30%
- 20%
- 10%
%2F%2Fusers%2F29e95bd0-9144-46e8-a2bf-8b0a30312188%2Fimages%2Fredfish-cc-haigh-landing-stormy-9845.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae, commonly known as the drum family. These powerful gamefish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. These bronze-copper colored fish are instantly recognizable by their distinctive black spot near the tail, which serves as a defense mechanism by creating the illusion of an eye to confuse predators. - Redfish thrive in various shallow water environments including flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and nearshore structures. - They're known for their powerful initial runs when hooked and are highly sought after by anglers for both their fighting ability and table quality.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sangkyun Kim in August
Meet your Captain Captain Kim
- I Love Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Friday July fishing in Hilton Head Island delivered incredible action during our 3-Hour Fishing Trip with I Love Fishing Charters. Captain Kim led the way as we mixed surf fishing with kayak fishing for a variety of techniques. The day's highlight was a massive 28-inch Redfish that put up an impressive fight in stormy conditions. The partly cloudy weather made for comfortable fishing, though we kept watch for approaching storms while targeting the productive inshore waters. Whether you're looking for light tackle action or want to experience the thrill of landing trophy Redfish, our local fishing charters provide everything needed for a successful day on Hilton Head's rich waters.
Fishing Charter with Captain Kim – Rates & Booking
Captain Kim of I Love Fishing Charters offers Friday July fishing trips that deliver consistent results. Our 3-Hour Fishing Trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels who want to experience the rich inshore waters around Hilton Head. We provide all the necessary fishing equipment, including light tackle setups ideal for targeting local species like Redfish. With a maximum of 3 guests per trip, you'll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout your fishing experience. Setting out from C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing puts you right in the action zone, with minimal travel time to productive fishing spots.
Safety is always our priority, and we monitor weather conditions closely to ensure you have the best possible experience. The combination of surf fishing and kayak fishing techniques gives you versatility and increases your chances of success on the water. Captain Kim's local knowledge means you'll be fishing the most productive areas based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns.
Highlights of 3-Hour Fishing Trip
Our recent trip showcased why Hilton Head is a premier inshore fishing destination. We landed an impressive 28-inch Redfish during stormy conditions, demonstrating how these fish often feed more aggressively during weather changes. The mix of fishing techniques we employed—from jigging at boat landings to surf casting along productive shorelines—gave everyone opportunities to hook into quality fish.
The light tackle approach we use makes every catch more exciting, as you feel every head shake and run these powerful fish make. Even our 15-inch Redfish put up spirited fights, while the larger specimens tested both angler and equipment. Beyond Redfish, we also encountered Black Drum up to 24 inches and an impressive 25-inch Southern Flounder, showing the diverse fishery Hilton Head offers year-round.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Hilton Head waters are typically found in shallow depths of 1-4 feet, making them perfect targets for our inshore approach. These copper-colored gamefish, with their distinctive tail spots, patrol grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths throughout the year. Summer brings them into shallower water, where they'll readily take artificial lures, live bait, and cut bait presentations.
The 28-inch specimen we caught represents a quality fish for the area, though they can grow considerably larger. When targeting these fish, we often look for signs of feeding activity—tailing fish in shallow water, wakes, or birds working over schools of baitfish. The fight of a Redfish is distinctive, with powerful initial runs followed by dogged resistance. Captain Kim specializes in putting clients on these prized gamefish, using techniques refined through years of local experience.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 3-Hour Fishing Trip with I Love Fishing Charters, we recommend wearing weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. While we provide all fishing equipment, you're welcome to bring your favorite rod if you prefer. Morning trips often produce the best action, though our afternoon and evening charters can be equally productive depending on tides and weather conditions.
We'll meet at C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing, where parking is readily available. Our combination of surf fishing and kayak fishing means you'll need to be comfortable around water, though no prior fishing experience is necessary. Captain Kim provides clear instruction throughout the trip, ensuring even first-time anglers can experience the thrill of landing a Hilton Head Redfish.
Fishing in Hilton Head: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. This iconic game fish is immediately recognizable by its copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail base—sometimes featuring multiple spots. In Hilton Head waters this July, these prized fighters are actively feeding in shallow flats and around structure, making them a primary target for inshore anglers.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most pursued inshore game fish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, prized for both their fighting ability and culinary value. Their popularity among anglers stems from their accessibility from shore, their willingness to take a variety of baits, and their powerful, determined fights when hooked. They're a cornerstone species in Hilton Head's inshore fishery.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in diverse environments including shallow flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, mangroves, and marsh edges. In Hilton Head, they're commonly found in waters ranging from 1-4 feet deep, often revealing their presence by creating visible wakes or "tailing" as they feed with their heads down and tails breaking the surface. They can tolerate a wide range of salinities, from nearly fresh water to full ocean salinity.
Redfish Size and Weight
Typical Redfish range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. The 28-inch specimen recently caught in Hilton Head represents a quality inshore fish. Juvenile "puppy drum" (under 24 inches) are common in backwater areas, while larger "bull reds" exceeding 30 inches are often found in deeper channels or near inlets, especially during spawning season.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, as well as small baitfish and mullet. They often feed by tilting downward to root through bottom sediments, causing their tails to break the surface (tailing). They're most active during moving tides, particularly early morning and evening, though they'll feed throughout the day under favorable conditions.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs from August through October in nearshore waters, when mature fish form large schools. During this time, the larger breeding specimens (often called "bull reds") move from inshore waters to nearshore areas with good water flow. Female Redfish can release up to two million eggs, which are fertilized by multiple males in the water column.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Light to medium tackle is ideal for Redfish, with 10-20 pound test line offering the right balance of strength and sport. Effective natural baits include live shrimp, mud minnows, finger mullet, and cut mullet or menhaden. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless spoons work well. In July, Hilton Head anglers find success targeting Redfish during moving tides around oyster bars and creek mouths, particularly during the first and last hours of daylight when they feed more actively in shallow water.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly "fishy." It's versatile in preparation—excellent grilled, blackened, baked or fried. The meat has a medium flake and good moisture content, with significant nutritional benefits including lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Most anglers prefer to harvest "slot sized" fish (typically 18-27 inches, depending on local regulations) as they 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 Hilton Head Redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and shallow-running plugs are most effective, especially when worked slowly along bottom structure.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Hilton Head Island?
A: Look for Redfish around oyster bars, creek mouths, marsh edges, and shallow grass flats. During summer months, early mornings and evenings offer prime fishing opportunities, particularly on moving tides when these fish actively feed in 1-3 feet of water.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is excellent table fare with mild, sweet white flesh that works well with many cooking methods. Medium-sized "slot fish" offer the best eating quality, with firm texture and excellent flavor. They're delicious blackened, grilled, or prepared as fish tacos.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Hilton Head?
A: While Redfish are available year-round in Hilton Head, summer through early fall (June-October) offers consistent action. Spring and fall provide peak feeding activity, but even winter months can produce quality fish. The best daily times coincide with moving tides, particularly early morning and evening hours.
