OffshoreHookup
Large redfish tailing in shallow amber-lit inshore flats water at dawn

Redfish SeasonCarolinas

Redfish season off the Carolinas peaks Aug–Oct: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. August, September and October are the hottest, with 2 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere off the Carolinas.

Bars: share of the 2 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Carolinas redfish are backcountry fish. The tidal marshes behind Charleston and Hilton Head hold resident populations year-round that peak in fall. September through November is the prime window when fish move from the deeper channels onto the shallow grass flats. These are typically 3- to 8-pound fish compared to the Gulf bull reds, but there are legitimate 20-pound fish in the deeper tidal cuts in winter, and the sight-fishing in the spartina marshes is hard to beat anywhere.

Port by port2 ports

Redfish bite calendar by port, Carolinas
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Charleston, SCPeak Aug–OctFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishable
Hilton Head, SCPeak Aug–OctFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishable

How to fish it

Tackle class:20-30lb braid, circle hooks on cut bait. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the redfish page.

Kits for this fish

  • The Inshore Redfish Ambush KitThe braid, leader, and offshore-grade safety piece worth carrying when a bull red run pulls you out past the flats: bundled for anglers who fish structure hard.

Frequently asked

When is redfish season off the Carolinas?

Redfish season off the Carolinas peaks Aug–Oct: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. August, September and October are the hottest, with 2 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere off the Carolinas.

What is the best month for redfish off the Carolinas?

August, September and October. In August, 2 of the 2 ports we track are at peak: Charleston, Hilton Head.

Which Carolinas port has the longest redfish season?

Charleston, SC: 12 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Aug–Oct.

What rig do you use for redfish?

20-30lb braid, circle hooks on cut bait. Start with Live-Baiting Bull Redfish in a Blow or Sight-Casting Tailing Redfish on the Flats.

Where this comes from

Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.