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Caught a 26inch redfish Inshore in Hilton Head
Redfish Fishing in Hilton Head Island
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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 game fish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - These fish have a red-colored back that fades to a white belly.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sangkyun Kim in August
Meet your Captain Captain Kim
- I Love Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Captain Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Tuesday July delivered an action-packed morning fishing charter in Hilton Head Island waters. This seasonal inshore fishing experience combines surf fishing, pier fishing, and inshore techniques to target redfish and other local species. The 2-hour morning trip showcases why Hilton Head's shallow flats and backcountry waters are prime redfish habitat, with catches like the impressive 26-inch redfish proving the area's reputation. Summer conditions offer excellent fishing opportunities, with partly cloudy skies and active fish feeding patterns before afternoon weather changes. Local guides provide all gear and expertise needed for both experienced anglers and newcomers to enjoy the best fishing experience Hilton Head has to offer year-round.
Fishing Charter with Captain Kim – Rates & Booking
Captain Kim of I Love Fishing Charters on Tuesday July offers seasonal inshore fishing trips targeting redfish and other local species around Hilton Head Island. These 2-hour morning charters include all fishing gear, tackle, and local expertise for $200-300 per trip. Book online or call to reserve your spot for the best inshore fishing experience in Hilton Head waters.
Highlights of Summer Inshore Fishing
This charter combines multiple fishing techniques including surf fishing, pier fishing, and inshore methods to maximize your chances of landing quality fish. The recent trip produced a beautiful 26-inch redfish using jigging techniques in Hilton Head's productive waters. Morning trips take advantage of active feeding patterns before afternoon weather changes, with partly cloudy conditions often providing ideal fishing scenarios.
Captain Kim's local knowledge of Hilton Head's flats, backcountry, and nearshore waters ensures you'll fish the most productive spots for the season. All gear is provided, making this trip perfect for both experienced anglers and those new to saltwater fishing.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Hilton Head's shallow waters, particularly the 1-4 foot flats and backcountry areas where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. These copper-colored drum are known for their distinctive eyespots near the tail and their powerful runs when hooked. Summer months offer excellent redfish action, with fish actively feeding in the early morning hours before the heat of the day.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 2-hour seasonal inshore trip departs mid-morning from Hilton Head Island with all fishing equipment provided. Captain Kim supplies rods, reels, tackle, and bait while sharing local techniques for targeting redfish in the area's prime fishing spots. The boat accommodates small groups comfortably, with safety equipment and local expertise ensuring a successful day on the water.
Fishing in Hilton Head: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are premier game fish found along the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States. Members of the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, these distinctive fish are easily identified by their copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Hilton Head waters this July, anglers regularly encounter redfish in the shallow flats and backcountry areas where they feed aggressively.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly sought-after sport fish known for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to northern Mexico, with South Carolina's Lowcountry waters providing some of the best redfish fishing on the East Coast. These drum species are prized by anglers for their fighting ability and light, flaky meat.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow coastal waters including flats, backcountry creeks, nearshore reefs, and surf zones. Around Hilton Head Island, they're commonly found in 1-4 feet of water over oyster beds, grass flats, and creek mouths. These fish move with the tides, following baitfish and crustaceans into shallow feeding areas.
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 (14-23 inches) are most commonly caught by recreational anglers, while larger "bull" redfish over 27 inches are primarily catch-and-release fish due to their breeding importance.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and other baitfish. They often feed in shallow water with their tails visible above the surface, a behavior called "tailing." These fish are most active during moving tides, particularly early morning and late afternoon periods.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, with peak activity occurring in September and October. During spawning season, large schools of mature fish gather in deeper waters, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers targeting trophy-sized drum.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective redfish techniques include sight fishing with live or artificial baits, bottom fishing with cut bait, and using topwater lures during feeding periods. Popular baits include live shrimp, blue crabs, mullet, and artificial lures like spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. In July around Hilton Head, anglers find success jigging near oyster bars and creek edges during incoming tides.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent eating with mild, slightly sweet meat that's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The flesh is firm and flaky when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. Smaller slot-size fish provide the best table fare, while larger fish are typically released for conservation.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, blue crabs, and cut mullet are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and topwater plugs work well for artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Hilton Head?
A: Look for redfish on shallow flats, around oyster beds, in tidal creeks, and near structure during moving tides, particularly early morning and late afternoon.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have mild, sweet meat that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried. Slot-size fish (14-23 inches) provide the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Redfish bite best during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon. Summer months offer consistent action in shallow water.
