Redfish, also known as red drum, are the heart of the Lowcountry’s inshore waters. Whether you’re casting in a tiny tidal creek or sight-fishing tailers on a flood tide flat, few fish inspire the same excitement or reverence. But as pressure continues to grow on our coastal resources, anglers and guides alike are recognizing the need to take conservation seriously, especially when it comes to protecting spawning redfish.

The Importance of Spawning Fish

Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from late summer into fall, often gathering in large schools near inlets, sandbars, and shipping channels. These are the big breeders, commonly referred to as “bull reds” and they’re vital to the long-term health of the fishery. These fish are not part of the year-round inshore population and don’t generally reenter shallow creeks after reaching maturity (around 27 to 30 inches). Their job is simple but critical: spawn and sustain the population.

Fishing for spawning redfish, even if practicing catch and release, can disrupt these breeding aggregations and cause long-term harm. Extended fight times, rough surf landings, or improper handling often result in delayed mortality, even if the fish swims off. Removing even a small number of active spawners during peak reproduction can have ripple effects that impact recruitment and future populations.

Best Practices for Redfish Conservation

1. Avoid Targeting Spawning Aggregations

During late summer and fall, schools of spawning reds stack up offshore and near inlets. These fish are vulnerable and should be left alone to complete the spawn undisturbed. Avoid intentionally running on or targeting these known groups during the spawning window.

2. Embrace Catch and Release—Especially for Guides

While current South Carolina regulations require anglers to release any redfish over 23 inches, some local guides are taking it a step further. More and more are adopting 100% catch-and-release policies for redfish of all sizes, not just out-of-slot fish. This approach ensures minimal harvest pressure, protects inshore breeders in the upper-slot range, and sets a strong conservation example for clients.

3. Handle All Redfish with Care

If you catch a redfish, whether in the slot or over, proper handling is key. Use single circle hooks, especially when fishing natural bait. Land the fish quickly, keep it in the water while dehooking, and avoid dragging it onto hot boat decks or dry sand for photos. A brief lift for a picture is fine, but every second matters when it comes to survival rates.

4. Respect and Support Slot Limits

South Carolina’s current redfish regulations limit harvest to fish between 15 and 23 inches, with a daily limit of two fish per person. These rules are in place to protect both juvenile fish and large breeders. The reality is that everyone is already releasing the big fish, whether they’re in season or not so embracing voluntary release for all redfish isn’t a huge leap.

5. Educate and Advocate

Whether you’re a guide, a weekend angler, or just someone who loves Lowcountry waters, it’s worth speaking up for the fishery. Educate others about the importance of spawning protection, and support conservation groups working to protect habitat, regulate pressure, and enforce existing laws. One of my favorite initiatives out there is the Release Over 20” program. They are a fast growing conservation initiative that encourages anglers to release redfish over 20 inches with monthly giveaways, contests, and tons of valuable information about the species. You can find them and participate on Instagram or Facebook.

Conservation Is a Community Effort

Redfish are more than just a fun catch, they’re a symbol of the Lowcountry’s wild beauty and a shared connection between generations of anglers. The decisions we make today, whether it’s releasing a slot fish that could soon spawn or steering clear of a bull red school in September, shape the fishery for tomorrow.

The fishery will only remain strong if we treat it like something worth protecting. Releasing redfish, avoiding pressure on spawners, and supporting guides who prioritize conservation are simple, effective steps. After all, if we’re lucky, we’ll get to see the next generation of anglers light up the same way we do when a redfish eats in the grass. Let’s make sure that moment is still possible.

Written by: Austin Young

Photos by: Austin Young

Conservation Practices for Redfish in the Lowcountry: Protecting the Future of the Fishery