Redfish. Red Drum. Channel bass.
Whatever you call them, one thing’s for sure: these bronze bruisers are the MVPs of inshore fishing in Murrells Inlet, SC.
They hit hard, look cool, and make even a rookie angler feel like a pro. If you’re fishing our waters, odds are high you’re chasing these tail-slapping legends—and we’re here for it.
Slot or Bull? You Might Catch Either!
Redfish come in all sizes here, from fat slot-size keepers to oversized breeders that’ll test your gear and your grip.
- Slot redfish (typically 20–30”) are perfect for the cooler—and the grill.
- Bull reds (30+”) are often caught and released. They’re the big breeders that help keep the fishery healthy, and letting them go is part of the game we love.
How to ID a Red Drum (Without Googling It on the Boat)
Not sure if you’ve got a red on the line? Here’s what to look for:
- Copper-bronze body that flashes gold in the sun
- Black tail spot (sometimes one, sometimes five)
- Thick shoulders, blunt nose, built like a linebacker
If it’s giving off strong “I’d fight a bulldog for that shrimp” energy, congrats—you’re holding a red.
When They’re Biting
Truth is, redfish hang out in Murrells Inlet year-round. But if you want the kind that stretch your line and your story, fall is your window—September through November brings in the big bulls. Spring and summer? Still hot, especially for slot-size keepers in the marshes.
- Prime Time: Fall for trophies, summer for dinner
- Tides: Moving water = hungry fish. Slack tide = snack break
How We Target Them
At Fish Finder Fishing Charters, we’ve been putting clients on reds long enough to know what works—and when to pivot.
Here’s the quick hit list:
- Live bait: Mullet, menhaden, shrimp—served raw, hold the garnish
- Lures: Soft plastics with paddle tails, gold spoons, or topwater if we’re feeling spicy
- Tactics: Popping corks in the grass, jigging near oyster beds, or sight-casting on the flats
Every day’s a little different, and that’s the fun part. We fish with instincts, not scripts.
Family-Friendly, Fight-Ready
Redfish are kind of the perfect catch—feisty enough to thrill, forgiving enough for first-timers. That makes them awesome for families, especially kids who want action without a 6-hour
Table-Ready: Why Redfish Rule the Grill
We get asked all the time—“Are redfish good to eat?” Oh yeah. Slot-size reds (in that perfect 20–30” range) are prized not just by anglers, but by chefs too.
They’ve got firm, mild white meat that takes on flavor beautifully whether you’re grilling, blackening, baking, or tossing in a cast iron pan.
Around here, redfish tacos are practically a food group. And when it’s fresh from your own rod? Even better.
Want dinner with a side of bragging rights? Keep a couple slot reds from your trip and turn your catch into the best meal of the vacation.
Book Your Redfish Trip with the Locals Who Know
We’re not some fly-by-night outfit. We’re Fish Finder Fishing Charters—the top-rated charter in Murrells Inlet, running multiple boats and taking out thousands of happy anglers every year. Whether you’re after your first redfish or your fiftieth, we’ve got the experience, crew, and gear to make it happen.
We specialize in family-friendly fishing adventures—easygoing enough for kids, dialed-in enough for die-hards. Red drum are one of our favorites to chase, and we know where they like to hide.Let’s hook up. Book your charter trip in Murrells Inlet or Myrtle Beach today and come chase redfish with the best in the inlet.
