Cranking up lowcountry redfish

Redfish in a variety of sizes are still in play in the Hilton Head Island area this month. (Photo by Brian Cope)

Popping corks, swimbaits are top choices

Hilton Head Island is a top spot for anglers looking to catch redfish during the fall and into winter. As the weather cools down, these fish get more active, making it the perfect time to get out on the water. Local angler Greg Young shares some great tips and tricks for targeting redfish around this beautiful coastal paradise.

Redfish are often hanging out in shallow waters, hunting for their next meal. One killer technique that Young recommends is using artificial shrimp under popping corks.

“Popping corks create noise and movement on the surface, which can attract redfish from a distance,” he said. “Pairing them with artificial shrimp lets you cover more ground and present an enticing target to the fish.”

When you’re using popping corks, the key is to create a rhythmic popping sound. Young suggests giving the cork a quick snap every few seconds to mimic the sound of struggling prey.

“This technique can be super effective in shallow areas with grass or oyster beds, where redfish are likely to be hunting,” he said.

Another option for catching redfish in November is using swimbaits on jigheads.

“Swimbaits are effective fished at various depths, whether working the surface or targeting deeper water,” he said. “Redfish love to ambush their prey, so fishing near structure like docks, oyster beds, or rocks can up your chances of a bite.”

Anglers shouldn’t overlook open water either, he said.

“In open water away from structure, I like to keep my swimbait just barely scraping the bottom, especially in deeper water. If you’re not making periodic contact with the bottom, you’re not letting your lure get deep enough,” he said.

These areas provide cover for the fish and plenty of food sources, creating a perfect environment for redfish to thrive. He suggests targeting areas with moving water, as redfish are almost always more active in these conditions.

“Fishing during the last hour of the outgoing tide or the first hour of the incoming tide is often the best time to catch redfish,” he said. “And any time the sun rise corresponds with either one of those tide cycles is a big bonus.”

About Brian Cope 2989 Articles
Brian Cope is the editor of Carolina Sportsman. He has won numerous awards for his writing, photography, and videography. He is a retired Air Force combat communications technician, and has a B.A. in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. You can reach him at brianc@carolinasportsman.com.

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