Best Times & Seasons to Catch Redfish in South Carolina

Redfish are one of the most targeted fish species in South Carolina’s inshore fisheries. Knowing the best times and seasons to target redfish in South Carolina can really help you catch more fish.

The best times to catch redfish in South Carolina waters are from January-June & September-December when the water is cooler and excess nutrients draw redfish into shallower water.

Redfish are one of the main targets in the waters near South Carolina. The Intracoastal Waterway attracts a lot of redfish anglers. Redfish can be found near structures, bridges, docks, mud flats, grass banks, mangroves, shallows, bays, inlets, and oyster bars. Redfish bite well in the local waters throughout the year.  

Best Times: Redfish in South Carolina

It’s possible to target redfish in the waters of South Carolina year-round. The best months to catch redfish in the region are January, March, May, June, September, October, November, and December. 

There is no bad time to fish for redfish in South Carolina. However, fishing for redfish is less productive in February, April, July, and August. 

Redfish bite well in the local waters early in the morning and afternoon. Redfish can be found in shallows during the morning hours and move to deep waters in the afternoon. In deep waters, it would be great to target redfish near wrecks.     

Redfish feed actively when water temperatures are between 65° and 95°F. The best water temperature for redfish is 70 – 90°F. The low incoming tide is the best tide for redfish fishing in the waters of South Carolina.     

Seasonal Breakdown of Redfish Fishing in South Carolina

Winter

Winter fishing for redfish is good in South Carolina. Anglers should visit deep docks, mud flats, tidal creeks, mangroves, inlets, and oyster bars to catch redfish effectively during the winter months.

It makes sense to target redfish in shallow waters early in the morning and in areas with dark mud and grass in the afternoon.    

Spring

Waters near South Carolina are clear in the early spring. That’s why the ideal conditions for redfish fishing are created. Waters heat up and water temperatures begin to rise. Redfish concentrate in warm places. In spring, redfish move to estuaries.

Large schools of redfish can be also found in the shallows. Shell bars and flats are also great spots to find redfish in South Carolina during the spring months.  

Summer

The water heats up and redfish fishing is becoming more productive in the early summer. In summer, redfish tend to move to the places where water is cooler. Water is cooler in the early morning and late evening in South Carolina.

So, anglers should target redfish in nearshore waters during morning and evening hours. It also makes sense to catch redfish on shallow flats in summer. On the other hand, it would be better to go fishing for redfish in offshore waters during the afternoon hours. The water heats up in the afternoon and redfish move to deeper waters in order to find cooler places.    

Fall

Fall is the best time of the year to catch redfish in the waters near South Carolina. The waters are clear and redfish bite well in the region in the fall. Fall is a great time to fish for redfish in nearshore waters.

Redfish can be found in marches, shallows, and tidal creeks during the fall months. Fall gives anglers a chance to catch a big redfish in South Carolina. 

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Recommended Redfish Fishing Charters in South Carolina

These South Carolina-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Captain Kaleb Charters	Mount Pleasant, SC
Aqua Excursions	Hilton Head Island, SC
Heritage Fishing Charters	Charleston, SC
Tight Line Charters	Mount Pleasant, SC
Flood Tide Charters	Charleston, SC
Fish On Charters	Murrells Inlet, SC
Rainmaker Fishing Charters	Hilton Head Island, SC
Fisher Of Men Charters	Little River, SC
Palmetto Fishing Charters	Murrells Inlet, SC
Careyon Charters	Murrells Inlet, SC
Any Tide Fishing	Little River, SC
Southern Saltwater Charters	Murrells Inlet, SC
Fin & Tonic Charters	Mount Pleasant, SC

Surf Fishing Redfish

Surf fishing is a great way to catch redfish. There are many spots for surf fishing on the South Carolina coast. Redfish can be found in jetties. Folly Beach and Breach Inlet are the best places to surf fish for redfish in South Carolina. Redfish can be caught on the beaches as well. South Carolina’s Barrier Islands also attract anglers, who are interested in surf fishing for redfish in the area.     

Surf fishing for redfish is good in South Carolina year-round. If the weather allows, anglers can surf fish for redfish in the local waters at any time of the year. However, surf fishing for redfish is best during the fall months and less productive during the winter, spring, and summer months. 

It’s recommended to surf fish for redfish early in the morning. Water cools down and redfish begin to feed actively. That’s why surf anglers find it easy to catch it. The water heats up in the afternoon. So, redfish move to deeper waters and stay in cooler places. Also, redfish are active in the local waters at night. Night surf fishing for redfish is good.     

Night Fishing Redfish in South Carolina

It’s possible to surf fish for redfish in South Carolina after the sun goes down. Night fishing for redfish can be very successful in the region. 

Summer is the best time of the year to fish for redfish during night hours. Fishermen can avoid the hot weather when fishing at night in summer. But most importantly, night fishing for redfish is very productive during the summer months. 

Anglers, who want to catch redfish during the night hours, should look for docks, which are equipped with lights for fishing. Shallow water docks are the ideal places for redfish night fishing in South Carolina. 

The phases of the moon affect redfish behavior. Redfish feed actively under a bright moon. That’s why redfish fishing is best on a full moon.  

Best Tidal Conditions for Redfish in SC

Tides affect redfish in South Carolina. That’s the reason why anglers should take into account the tides when targeting redfish in the local waters.

Anglers can target redfish during low tides and high tides. However, redfish fishing is best during the incoming low tides. Redfish can be found on the flats when tides change from low to incoming.  

It’s much easier to catch redfish during low tides. There is not much water in the area during low tides. Low tides make it difficult for redfish to hide. As a result, anglers find it easy to catch redfish.

On the other hand, high tides are the worst for catching redfish. Redfish can hide in creek grasses and march during high tides. So, catching redfish can be hard when tides are high in the region.  

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Charleston, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Myrtle Beach, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in South Carolina, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch redfish in Mississippi, check out this helpful guide.