Beaufort, SC

Seasons For Each Species

REDFISH - Also known as Red Drum and Spot Tail Bass, Redfish are found in the Beaufort area year-round.  This is why it is often said that "Beaufort Means Redfish."  These active foraging fish are most active when the water temperatures are between 55 degrees and 75 degrees.  They do react strongly to just a few degrees of change when outside those ranges, so later on sunny winter days and early mornings on hot summer days produce more fish.  With the wide range of temperatures we have in the winter Redfish anglers can still target these fish in January and February.  The best time for these fish is from the beginning of March until the end of June and from the middle of September until the end of December.  (Fly or Light Tackle)

COBIA - Also known as Lemonfish or Ling, Cobia usually start showing up somewhere in mid April.  This powerful fish comes to Beaufort in huge numbers and is targeted heavily through the beginning of July.  Cobia offer many different types of anglers the chance to catch a large fish on the bottom, sight casting, or fly fishing.  (Fly or Light Tackle)

SPECKELED SEATROUT - Also known as the Winter Trout.  This fish is here year round, with larger fish here in the spring and late fall.  Fishing for them is best when the water temperature is over 60 degrees.  This is an easy and great tasting fish to catch.  People who have never seen a Seatrout in real life are often excited by their beauty.  (Mostly light tackle, though blind casting on fly is productive.)

TARPON - "The King" arrives in Beaufort around the middle of July and will stay until the end of September.  In the last few years this fish has been increasingly abundant in the Beaufort area.  With a nick name like the "The King" because of having to bow to its jumps to keep a tight line on him.  (Light Tackle, though difficult on fly)

LADY FISH - The smaller cousin of the Tarpon is here from spring to late summer and does nothing to coincide with it's name.  This fish hits fast and hard then heading straight for the air.  An easy fish to catch and extremely great for teaching children to fish and get them hooked.  (Fly or Light Tackle)

  FLOUNDER - Like Redfish, Flounder are here year round, but generally don't hit much during the winter months of January and February.  They are heavily fished for from the beginning of March until the end of December.  (Light Tackle and Blind Casting with fly)

JACK CREVALLE - Pound for pound, one of the hardest fighting fish.  A wonderful fight on a fly rod for sight casters.  These fish are here throughout the summer months and are usually spotted in large schools.  (Fly or Light Tackle)

SHEEPSHEAD - Perhaps known best for there bait stealing, Sheepshead are found here year round, but are easiest to catch in the warmer months.  Bottom fishing will produce them year round.  (Fly or Light Tackle - Lots of patience)