Hilton Head Island Redfish Excursions with Captain Kim

Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also commonly known as Red Drum, belong to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. These beautiful copper-colored fish are immediately recognizable by their distinctive black spot near the tail—sometimes featuring multiple spots. In Hilton Head waters this July, they're particularly active in the shallow flats and creek mouths, making them a prime target for inshore anglers.

Redfish Overview

Redfish are one of the most popular inshore gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, prized for both their fighting ability and table fare. These hardy fish adapt to a wide range of conditions, from brackish estuaries to nearshore ocean waters, making them accessible to anglers year-round. Their willingness to take a variety of baits and their strong, determined runs when hooked create memorable battles even on light tackle.

Redfish Habitat and Distribution

Redfish thrive in shallow, coastal environments including estuaries, bays, lagoons, and tidal creeks. They're particularly fond of areas with mixed bottom structure—oyster beds, grass flats, muddy bottoms, and sandy shoals. In Hilton Head Island, they're commonly found in the extensive marsh systems, tidal creeks, and around dock structures. During summer months, smaller "puppy drum" often gather in large schools in shallow water, while larger specimens tend to be more solitary, often hunting around structure.

Redfish Size and Weight

Adult Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 45 pounds. The "slot" size (legal harvest size) in South Carolina waters is typically between 15-23 inches, protecting both juvenile fish and larger breeding stock. The fish we commonly catch on our Hilton Head charters range from 13-24 inches, with occasional trophy-sized specimens in the 30-inch class.

Redfish Diet and Behavior

Redfish are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet including crustaceans (particularly blue crabs and shrimp), small baitfish, and small mollusks. They often give themselves away by creating visible "tailing" action—when their tails break the surface while they forage in shallow water with their heads down. This feeding behavior is most common during flooding tides when they move onto shallow flats to hunt.

Redfish Spawning Season

Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall, with peak activity in August and September around Hilton Head. They form large schools and move to nearshore waters with good current flow. Water temperatures between 70-75°F trigger spawning activity. During this time, larger breeding fish (often called "bull reds") become more accessible to anglers fishing inlet areas and nearshore waters.

Redfish Fishing Techniques

For Hilton Head Redfish, light to medium spinning tackle spooled with 10-20 lb braided line works perfectly. Gold spoons, scented soft plastics on jigheads, and suspending twitch baits are all productive artificial options. For natural baits, fresh cut mullet, live finger mullet, and live shrimp under popping corks are hard to beat. In July, anglers around Hilton Head find success targeting creek mouths and grass lines during falling tides when water temperatures push fish toward deeper, cooler channels.

Redfish Is It Good to Eat?

Redfish is excellent table fare, offering white, firm flesh with a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly fishy. The meat has a medium flake and remains moist when cooked properly. It's versatile in preparation—blackened, grilled, baked, or used in fish tacos and chowders. Nutritionally, Redfish is a good source of lean protein, contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and has relatively low mercury levels compared to many other saltwater species.

Redfish Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in Hilton Head?

A: Live shrimp under a popping cork is the top producer year-round, but fresh cut mullet, live finger mullet, and blue crabs work exceptionally well too. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics (particularly in new penny or white color), and shallow-running suspending plugs are consistent producers.

Q: Where can I find Redfish near Hilton Head Island?

A: Focus on marsh edges during high tide, creek mouths during falling tides, and deeper channels during low tide. Specific productive areas include Broad Creek, Calibogue Sound edges, and the backwaters around Pinckney Island.

Q: Is Redfish good to eat?

A: Yes, Redfish is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm texture. It's versatile for various cooking methods, though many chefs prefer it blackened or grilled. In South Carolina, there are specific slot size regulations determining which fish can be harvested.

Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Hilton Head?

A: While Redfish can be caught year-round in Hilton Head, late summer through fall (August-November) typically offers the most consistent action. For daily timing, the last two hours of falling tide and first two hours of rising tide generally produce the best results.

Q: Do Redfish have teeth?

A: Redfish don't have sharp teeth like some predatory fish. Instead, they have rough, sandpaper-like crushing plates in their throats (pharyngeal teeth) used for crushing shellfish and crustaceans. Their mouth is downturned, adapted for bottom feeding.

Q: What's the difference between Redfish and Red Drum?

A: There is no difference—they're two names for the same species (Sciaenops ocellatus). Regional preferences typically dictate which name is used; along the Gulf Coast, "Redfish" is more common, while "Red Drum" is often preferred in the Carolinas.