Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 22, 2026
This Charleston fishing report covers mid-October, the heart of redfish season in the Lowcountry. Redfish are the lead target, schooled in the marsh creeks, with bull reds at the jetties and the harbor entrance and flounder staging near the inlets. The main condition to plan around is the falling tide: as water drains from the marsh, bait gets flushed out and redfish stack at creek mouths and in the deeper holes.
What’s Hitting
Redfish school in the marsh creeks, bull reds hold at the jetties and the harbor entrance, and flounder stage near the inlets. Speckled trout are on the oyster bars and docks, and sheepshead are around the bridges and docks.
The redfish action should stay strong through November, and flounder will build as water temperatures drop. Trout will keep feeding around the docks and oyster bars. Fall schooling is a classic Lowcountry pattern: as bait drains out of the marsh, redfish band together and feed aggressively before winter.
Where to Find Them
Fish the marsh creeks and oyster bars on a falling tide for redfish, and work the jetties at the harbor entrance for bull reds. Docks and bridges hold sheepshead and trout.
Creek mouths, drains and the edges of oyster bars concentrate fish as water leaves the marsh, so work those first. Docks and bridges provide shade, current breaks and barnacle-covered pilings that hold the crabs and shrimp sheepshead and trout feed on.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon heading toward first quarter, tides ease through mid-October. The falling tide in the creeks is the best window for redfish. Check a tide chart and wind forecast for your dates.
A falling tide pulls bait out of the flooded grass and into the creeks, where redfish wait in the deeper bends. Easing tides mean a gentler drain, which can stretch out the productive window.
Tackle & Tactics
- Live shrimp under a cork, or a paddle-tail on a quarter-ounce jighead.
- Cut mullet or mud minnows for bull reds and flounder.
- Medium spinning gear with 15 pound braid.
Fish the creeks at the bottom of the tide, when fish are pushed into the deeper holes. A quiet approach and a light leader improve the odds in clear water, and a push pole or trolling motor helps. Schooled redfish can spook as a group, so a soft approach protects the whole school.
Local Intel This Week
Remley’s Point and Wando Landing are convenient launches for the Wando River creeks, and ramps along the Ashley River open up the west side of the harbor. Haddrell’s Point and Folly Beach Boat Landing give quick runs to marsh creeks and the jetties, Folly Beach Pier gives shore anglers a spot on the beach, and James Island County Park adds more shore access. Redfish rules in particular are specific. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Fish the falling tide. As the water drains from the marsh, redfish stack at creek mouths and bait gets flushed out. Set up on a creek mouth before the drain peaks so you are in position as the fish arrive.
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