%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F20682%2Fimages%2F1737719819391image-2025-01-24t185025.802.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Redfish Inshore in Hilton Head
Redfish Fishing in Hilton Head Island
%2F%2Fusers%2F29e95bd0-9144-46e8-a2bf-8b0a30312188%2Fimages%2Fredfish-hilton-head-jigging-fishing-12768.png&w=1200&q=75)
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 game fish along Atlantic coastlines.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sangkyun Kim in August
Meet your Captain Captain Kim
- I Love Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Captain Sangkyun Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Thursday June delivered an outstanding inshore fishing charter in Hilton Head Island waters. The partly cloudy conditions created perfect fishing weather as Dean and crew landed quality redfish around the 14-inch mark using a mix of surf fishing and inshore techniques. Summer fishing in Hilton Head offers consistent action with redfish biting throughout the day. Our guided trips provide all necessary gear and local expertise to put you on the fish, whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or exploring other inshore species. Book online to experience the best of Hilton Head's year-round fishing opportunities with our licensed guides.
Fishing Charter with Captain Kim – Rates & Booking
Captain Sangkyun Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Thursday June offers comprehensive inshore fishing experiences starting at midday. Our 3-hour seasonal trips target redfish and other inshore species using proven surf fishing and pier fishing techniques. All tackle, bait, and safety equipment included with each charter. Licensed guide service ensures you'll fish the most productive waters around Hilton Head Island. Contact us directly for current rates and availability—summer slots fill quickly during peak redfish season.
Highlights of Hilton Head Inshore Fishing
Hilton Head Island's shallow flats and backcountry waters provide ideal habitat for redfish year-round. The 14-inch redfish caught during this trip showcase the quality fishing available in our local waters. Partly cloudy skies offer perfect conditions, reducing glare while keeping fish active throughout the day. Our mixed approach combining surf fishing, pier fishing, and traditional inshore techniques maximizes your chances of success.
Summer fishing brings consistent action as redfish move through the shallows feeding aggressively. The variety of fishing methods we employ allows us to adapt to changing conditions and fish behavior. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or an experienced angler, our guided approach ensures everyone gets in on the action.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Hilton Head's shallow waters, particularly around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where they feed on crabs and shrimp. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, making them a favorite target for inshore anglers. During summer months, redfish school up in the shallows, creating excellent opportunities for sight fishing and multiple hookups. The 14-inch fish caught on this trip represent the slot-size redfish that provide great sport while maintaining healthy populations for future generations.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our inshore fishing charters accommodate up to six anglers aboard our well-equipped boat designed for shallow water fishing. We provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait needed for a successful day on the water. Trips typically start at midday to take advantage of optimal tide conditions and fish activity. We monitor weather conditions closely and maintain constant communication about any changes that might affect your trip. Bring sunscreen, hat, and drinks—we'll handle the rest to ensure your Hilton Head fishing experience exceeds expectations.
Fishing in Hilton Head: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic game fish found along the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States. Members of the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, these copper-colored fighters are easily identified by their distinctive eyespots near the tail and reddish back that fades to a white belly. In Hilton Head waters this June, anglers consistently find them in the shallow flats and backcountry areas where they feed aggressively.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by saltwater anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and grow quite large, with the biggest specimens exceeding 50 pounds. They're known for their powerful runs and ability to use their broad tails to fight in shallow water, making them a challenging and exciting catch for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow coastal waters including grass flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and backcountry areas. Around Hilton Head Island, they're commonly found in 1-4 feet of water where they can easily access their preferred prey. These fish move with the tides, often feeding in very shallow water during high tide and retreating to deeper channels as water levels drop.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish around 14-28 inches provide excellent sport while maintaining breeding populations. The largest redfish, called bull reds, can exceed 40 pounds and are typically found in deeper nearshore waters during spawning season.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other small fish. They use their downward-facing mouths to root through sand and mud, often creating visible mud trails as they feed. During summer months, redfish become more active in shallow water, especially during moving tides when prey is most vulnerable.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, typically when water temperatures range from 70-85 degrees. During spawning season, large schools of bull redfish gather in deeper water, creating spectacular fishing opportunities. Younger fish remain in shallow estuarine waters year-round, providing consistent inshore fishing action.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with live or artificial baits, bottom fishing with cut bait, and using topwater lures during low-light periods. Popular baits include live shrimp, mud minnows, and cut mullet. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs are highly effective. In June around Hilton Head, anglers find success fishing oyster bars and grass flats during incoming tides when redfish move shallow to feed.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flakes easily when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species, making them a healthy seafood choice.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp and cut mullet are top choices, though gold spoons and soft plastic baits work excellently for artificial lure fishing.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Hilton Head?
A: Look for redfish around oyster bars, grass flats, creek mouths, and shallow backcountry areas, especially during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried, and they're high in protein and omega-3s.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Redfish bite year-round, but summer months offer excellent shallow water action, especially during moving tides in early morning or late afternoon.
