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June 1, 2026

Capt. Steve Ranney admires a “rat” red caught in Broad Creek the week after Christmas 2010. Reds can survive in a temperatures from the 30s to the high 80s and in salt to brackish waters.

Adaptable redfish

Redfish, known affectionately in the Palmetto State as spot-tail bass, are also called puppy drum, channel bass, rat reds (small), bull reds (large) or just reds. […]

Porpoises are the major predators that red drum have to worry about during the winter, partially because the cold weather drives most baitfish out of inshore waters and into the ocean, while the porpoises stay in the flat water all winter.

Reds try to avoid ‘baby killer whales’

Craig Holt

To most people, it’s a mystery why red drum, especially slot-size and just above-slot (18 to 27 inches long), mass into huge schools during the winter in inshore waters along the coast. […]

The Charleston jetties are a top sheepshead-spot during the winter months, but docks and rip-rapped walls in inside creeks can be just as productive because of the amount of structure.

Sheepshead are moving to a new ‘pasture’

Phillip Gentry

The upcoming removal of sheepshead from the snapper/grouper complex has fisheries managers scrambling to account for the state’s flourishing population. […]

Waterfowl hunters prefer 12-gauge shotguns with open chokes for decoying and close-in shooting, using shot between Nos. 2 and 6.

Equipment preferences

Jerry Dilsaver

A shotgun with multiple-shot capability is the standard for waterfowl hunting. […]

Fiddler crabs and medium- to medium-light spinning tackle are a perfect match for winter sheepshead.

Where to catch sheepshead

Phillip Gentry

The better places to find sheepshead will be those that get less fishing pressure. Capt. John Ward recommended trying these locations until you find some of your own: […]