Redfish is by far the most sought-after catch on Hilton Head Island. Also referred to locally as Spot Tail Bass, this fish keeps anglers captivated year round. If you aren’t a diehard sport fisherman already, your first Redfish is bound to make you one! 

When to Target Redfish

There is never a bad time to target Redfish on Hilton Head Island. Depending on the season, you will find this fish on the flats, in the saltwater rivers and estuaries, out in the sound, or even on the wrecks up to 15 miles from shore.

In autumn you can target the biggest Redfish Hilton Head has to offer. This is when Bull Reds move into the sounds, many of them in the 20-40 lbs range. You can also target some of these big boys on the wrecks while fishing for Seabass and other species. You can target smaller specimens on the flats and in the saltwater creeks, gorging themselves on shrimp and small bait fish. 

In winter, you will find Redfish in the hundreds along the flats and in the estuaries. This is where Redfish spend the first few years of their lives, ranging from two to 12 lbs in size. The shallow water is especially clear in winter, allowing you to sight fish for this species using artificial lures and flies. The clarity of the water gives you a prime view of the action from start to finish. Many anglers enjoy watching the Redfish take the bait before launching into a hard fight.

In spring and summer you can still enjoy great success fishing for Redfish on the flats and in the estuaries. Fishing for this species in warmer weather usually gives you the chance to catch Speckled Trout, Flounder, and some Sharks as well.

How to Fish

There are many methods to catching a Redfish, most commonly with light tackle or by fly fishing. Local anglers enjoy sight fishing for Reds in the fall and poling the flats in winter. In summer, you can target tailing Redfish in the short grasses of the flats. This is a unique fishing experience which many anglers compare to hunting.

Redfish will bite a variety of baits depending on the season and conditions. To catch a Redfish in the middle of his feeding frenzy in autumn, you can pitch flies, artificials, or live bait into a school of baitfish. You can fly fish for Reds using shrimp, small crab, and baitfish patterns.