Target Trophy Redfish on South Carolina's Flood Tides
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish on flooded Spartina grass flats during high tideSeasonal trip optimized for fly fishing tailing redfish opportunitiesSmall group experience accommodating maximum two guests per trip
Picture yourself standing on the bow of the boat as crystal-clear water floods over the Spartina grass flats, and you spot that telltale bronze tail cutting through the surface. This is what makes South Carolina's flood tide redfish trips a customer favorite among serious anglers. Due South Fishing Expeditions has dialed in the timing and technique to put you right where these copper-backed beauties are feeding when conditions are prime. With space for just two anglers, this top-rated experience gives you the personal attention and elbow room you need to make the most of every cast when the tide is right.
When the tide starts flooding those shallow grass flats, redfish move up to hunt crabs and baitfish in water so skinny their backs are barely covered. That's your window. This isn't your typical bottom fishing or trolling trip – you'll be sight fishing in water that's often less than two feet deep, watching for tails, wakes, and nervous water that gives away feeding fish. The flood tide creates this magic window where redfish get aggressive and predictable, cruising the flats with their guard down. Your captain knows exactly which flats fire up first and how to position the boat to give you clean shots at fish that are actually feeding, not just passing through. The seasonal nature of this trip means you're fishing when conditions align perfectly – the right tides, water temps, and fish behavior all coming together for world-class sight fishing.
The shallow flood tide creates ideal conditions for fly fishing, and that's where this trip really shines. When redfish are tailing in skinny water, they're focused on feeding and less spooked by a well-presented fly than they would be by conventional tackle. Your guide will position the boat upwind and uptide, giving you clean casting lanes to working fish. Weighted crab patterns and shrimp flies are the go-to choices here, and the key is getting that fly to land softly within a few feet of a feeding fish without spooking it. The grass flats act like a natural filter, keeping the water clean and giving you the visibility you need to spot fish and watch them react to your presentation. Even if you're new to fly fishing, the sight fishing aspect makes it easier to learn – you can actually see the fish's reaction and adjust your technique accordingly. Conventional tackle works great too, especially with light jigs and soft plastics that mimic the crabs and shrimp these fish are hunting.
Redfish are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters are perfectly built for life on the flats – their downturned mouths are designed for rooting around in shallow water, and their powerful tails give them the burst speed to chase down prey in tight quarters. South Carolina reds typically run anywhere from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds that can push 40+ inches and give you a fight you won't forget. The best thing about targeting them during flood tides is their predictable behavior – they know exactly when and where to show up to feed, and once you find one, there are usually more in the area. Redfish are most active during the warmer months from late spring through fall, with September and October being absolute prime time when the water temps start cooling and the fish really turn on. What makes them so exciting to target is their willingness to eat – when they're feeding on the flats, they're not particularly leader-shy or picky about presentation. A well-placed cast to a tailing red often results in an immediate hookup and a drag-screaming run that'll test your tackle and your nerves.
This flood tide redfish trip represents some of the best sight fishing South Carolina has to offer, but the seasonal and tide-dependent nature means spots fill up fast when conditions are right. Due South Fishing Expeditions has built their reputation on putting anglers on fish during these prime windows, and with only two spots available per trip, you get the personalized attention that makes the difference between seeing fish and actually hooking them. Whether you're looking to try fly fishing for reds or just want to experience the rush of sight casting to feeding fish in skinny water, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back. The guides know these flats like their own backyard, and they'll put you in position to succeed when the tide, season, and fish behavior all line up perfectly. Don't wait for the perfect conditions to start looking for availability – book now and let the pros handle the timing while you focus on making the cast of the day.
Your ride for chasing tailing redfish is an 18' Hells Bay Boatworks – built for getting into those skinny water spots where the big reds feed during flood tide. This flats boat draws minimal water and moves quietly through the Spartina grass, perfect for sneaking up on fish without spooking them. With GPS navigation and a fish finder on board, you'll have the tech to locate the best feeding areas when the tide floods the grass flats. The shallow draft design lets you access backwater creeks and marsh pockets that bigger boats can't reach. Built for two anglers, this setup gives you plenty of casting room and gets you close enough for sight fishing those trophy reds. The stable platform makes fly casting easier when you spot those copper backs cruising the shallows.
Mount Pleasant, SC