Redfish Fishing in Charleston
South Carolina
Redfish is one of the species anglers target most around Charleston, South Carolina. MyFishingBuds matches you with local anglers who chase Redfish on Charleston Harbor and Lowcountry tidal creeks so you can share a boat, split costs, and learn the water faster.
45 anglers on MyFishingBuds are targeting Redfish.
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Redfish at a glance
- Scientific name
- Sciaenops ocellatus
- IGFA record
- 94.2 lbs
- Max length
- 65 in
- Preferred water temp
- 55–85°F
When to fish Charleston
Redfish and speckled trout are catchable year-round. The famous flood-tide redfish sight-fishery happens on the highest tides of late summer and early fall (roughly August through October), when water floods the spartina flats. Fall is the overall peak inshore — reds school up and trout feed hard. Cobia move into the Lowcountry sounds in spring, and the nearshore and Gulf Stream fisheries peak spring through fall. Winter concentrates redfish in big schools in the deeper creeks, where they are catchable on warm, calm days.
→ Today's best fishing times in Charleston (sunrise, sunset & moon)Where to fish for Redfish in Charleston
- 📍 Charleston Harbor
- 📍 Lowcountry tidal creeks
- 📍 Wando & Cooper Rivers
- 📍 Bulls Bay
- 📍 nearshore reefs
🪪 South Carolina fishing license
Anglers targeting Redfish in Charleston need a valid South Carolina fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
South Carolina fishing license cost 2026 →Redfish in Charleston: FAQ
Do I need a fishing license to catch Redfish in Charleston?▾
Yes. Anglers fishing in Charleston need a valid South Carolina fishing license (with the right freshwater or saltwater privileges for where you fish). Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our South Carolina guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
When is the best time to fish for Redfish near Charleston?▾
Redfish and speckled trout are catchable year-round. The famous flood-tide redfish sight-fishery happens on the highest tides of late summer and early fall (roughly August through October), when water floods the spartina flats. Fall is the overall peak inshore — reds school up and trout feed hard. Cobia move into the Lowcountry sounds in spring, and the nearshore and Gulf Stream fisheries peak spring through fall. Winter concentrates redfish in big schools in the deeper creeks, where they are catchable on warm, calm days.
How do I find a Redfish fishing buddy in Charleston?▾
Create a free MyFishingBuds profile, set Redfish as a target species, and pick Charleston as your area. You'll be matched with nearby anglers who target the same species and fish a similar style, so you can plan a trip, share a boat, and split the costs.
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