Updated: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 29, 2026
This Charleston fishing report covers late October, the heart of redfish season in the Lowcountry. Redfish are the lead target, schooled in the marsh creeks, while bull reds stack at the jetties and harbor entrance and flounder stage near the inlets. The condition to plan around is the tide: with the moon building toward full, the marsh floods deeper at high water, so focus on the falling tide in the creeks when the fish drain out of the grass.
What’s Hitting
Redfish school in the marsh creeks, bull reds sit at the jetties and harbor entrance, and flounder stage near the inlets. Speckled trout work the oyster bars and docks, and sheepshead hang around bridges and docks.
Expect the redfish action to stay strong through November and flounder to build as the water cools. Fall schooling makes redfish easier to locate, since a single school can hold many fish in one creek.
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.
Oyster bars hold crabs, shrimp and small fish, which is why redfish and trout patrol them. Sheepshead feed on barnacles and crustaceans growing on pilings, so they stay tight to docks and bridges.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon building toward full, tides strengthen and the marsh floods deeper at high water. The falling tide in the creeks is the best window.
When the marsh floods, redfish spread into the grass where they are hard to reach. As the water drops, they move back into the creeks and concentrate at creek mouths and deeper holes. Check a current tide chart and wind forecast.
Tackle & Tactics
- Marsh reds and trout: live shrimp under a cork, or a paddle-tail on a quarter-ounce jighead.
- Bull reds and flounder: cut mullet or mud minnows.
Fish the creeks at the bottom of the tide, when fish are pushed into the deeper holes. At low water, the remaining channels and holes are the only places left for fish to sit, which narrows the search.
Local Intel This Week
Remley’s Point and the ramps along the Wando and Ashley Rivers put boats into the marsh; launch on the high water and ride the falling tide into the creeks. Folly Beach Pier and James Island County Park suit shore anglers. The site’s location guide also lists Wando Landing, the Folly Beach Boat Landing and Haddrell’s Point. Redfish rules are specific. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Fish the falling tide. As the marsh drains, redfish stack at creek mouths. Set up where a small creek empties into a larger one, by boat or from shore, so your bait sits right where fish funnel out of the grass as the water drops.
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