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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. - These fish can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail and copper-red coloration.
Captain Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Thursday July offers prime inshore fishing opportunities targeting redfish in Hilton Head's productive waters. This 3-hour fishing charter combines surf fishing, light tackle techniques, and pier fishing to maximize your catch potential. Recent trips have produced impressive results including 32-inch redfish, black drum, and various inshore species. The partly cloudy summer conditions create ideal fishing weather while keeping anglers comfortable throughout the trip. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to inshore fishing, these guided trips provide all necessary gear and local expertise. Launch from C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing and explore the rich fishing grounds that make Hilton Head a premier destination for redfish and other gamefish. Perfect for families, friends, or solo anglers looking for quality fishing time without a full day commitment.
Captain Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Thursday July provides expert-guided 3-hour inshore fishing trips targeting redfish and other gamefish around Hilton Head Island. These trips accommodate up to 3 guests and include all necessary fishing gear, tackle, and local expertise. The charter launches from C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing and covers prime inshore waters using a variety of techniques including surf fishing, light tackle fishing, and pier fishing. Recent success includes landing impressive redfish up to 32 inches, along with black drum and other inshore species. Book online to secure your preferred date and experience the best of Hilton Head's inshore fishing with a licensed local guide.
This inshore fishing adventure targets redfish, speckled trout, and other gamefish in Hilton Head's scenic waters. The trip combines multiple fishing techniques to maximize success, from surf fishing along the beaches to precision light tackle work in the flats and backcountry areas. Recent catches include a massive 32-inch redfish that provided an unforgettable fight on light tackle. The 3-hour duration is perfect for families and groups wanting quality fishing time without a full day commitment.
Captain Kim's local knowledge ensures you fish the most productive spots based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. All equipment is provided, making this trip accessible for anglers of all experience levels. The partly cloudy summer conditions typical of July create comfortable fishing weather while maintaining excellent water visibility for sight fishing opportunities.
Redfish thrive in Hilton Head's shallow inshore waters, particularly around oyster bars, grass flats, and tidal creeks where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. These copper-colored gamefish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, especially when hooked in shallow water on light tackle. Summer months like July offer excellent redfish action as these fish move into the flats during high tide to feed aggressively. The 32-inch redfish recently caught demonstrates the trophy potential these waters hold, with fish of this size providing heart-pounding battles that test both angler skill and equipment.
Your 3-hour fishing trip includes all rods, reels, tackle, and bait needed for a successful inshore fishing experience. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests, making it ideal for small groups or families wanting personalized attention from Captain Kim. Trips launch from the convenient C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing with flexible start times to match optimal fishing conditions and tides. Safety equipment and local expertise are provided, ensuring both novice and experienced anglers can focus on enjoying the fishing action. Bring sun protection, drinks, and a camera to capture your redfish memories on the water.
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are premier gamefish found along the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States, including the productive waters around Hilton Head Island. These members of the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family are easily identified by their distinctive copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Hilton Head waters this July, anglers regularly encounter these powerful fish in the shallow flats and tidal creeks.
Redfish are highly sought-after gamefish prized for their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and excellent table fare. They inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Florida, with South Carolina's Lowcountry providing some of the most consistent fishing opportunities. These fish are known for their ability to thrive in both saltwater and brackish environments, making them accessible to anglers fishing from shore, kayaks, or boats.
These adaptable fish prefer shallow coastal waters including grass flats, oyster bars, tidal creeks, and nearshore reefs. Around Hilton Head Island, redfish are commonly found in 1-4 feet of water where they feed along structure and current breaks. They move with the tides, often pushing onto shallow flats during high water to feed aggressively before retreating to deeper channels as water levels drop.
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights spanning 10 to 45 pounds for mature fish. Slot-sized fish between 15-23 inches provide excellent action for light tackle anglers, while trophy redfish over 27 inches offer the ultimate challenge. The recent 32-inch redfish caught in Hilton Head waters represents a prime example of the quality fish available in these productive inshore areas.
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and various small baitfish. They often feed in shallow water where their tails and dorsal fins break the surface, creating exciting sight fishing opportunities. These fish are most active during moving tides, particularly the first two hours of incoming and outgoing water when baitfish and crustaceans are displaced from their hiding spots.
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from late August through November, with peak activity occurring when water temperatures range from 70-80 degrees. During spawning season, large schools of mature fish gather in deeper water, creating spectacular fishing opportunities for anglers targeting trophy-sized drum. After spawning, these fish return to inshore waters where they remain active throughout the cooler months.
Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with live or artificial baits, bottom fishing with cut bait around structure, and casting spoons or soft plastics to feeding fish. Popular baits include live shrimp, blue crabs, cut mullet, and artificial lures like gold spoons, paddle tail soft plastics, and topwater plugs. In July around Hilton Head, anglers find success fishing the early morning and late afternoon periods when redfish move onto the flats to feed actively.
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is versatile and works well grilled, blackened, baked, or fried. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species. Slot-sized fish typically provide the best eating quality, while larger trophy fish are often released to preserve the breeding population.
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp and blue crabs are top natural baits, while gold spoons and soft plastic paddle tails are highly effective artificial lures for redfish in Hilton Head waters.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Hilton Head?
A: Look for redfish around oyster bars, grass flats, tidal creeks, and shallow nearshore areas, particularly during moving tides when they feed most actively.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or prepared in various cooking styles, making them popular table fare.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides provide the best redfish action, with summer months like July offering consistent fishing opportunities in Hilton Head.