Two anglers show off bull red drum, also known as bull redfish, during a trip with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters.
Fall Bull Redfish Fishing in North Myrtle Beach and Little River
Fall fishing report and outlook | Updated September 26, 2026
By Captain Keith Logan, North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters
Fall brings a prime seasonal opportunity for bull red drum fishing in North Myrtle Beach. For anglers planning a late September or October trip, Little River Inlet and nearby coastal waters are key areas to discuss with your captain. These trips target large redfish for the fight, a quick photo when appropriate, and release.
Red drum and redfish are the same species. “Bull redfish” describes the larger fish anglers hope to encounter during the seasonal run. A successful trip starts with matching the fishing area, tide, tackle, and boat to that goal.
Planning a fall trip? Call Captain Keith at 843-907-0064 or send a text with your dates, number of anglers, and interest in bull redfish. We can help you choose an appropriate private inshore fishing charter.
North Myrtle Beach bull redfish outlook: late September and October
Red drum and smiles across generations during a trip with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters.
Our fall planning focus is the seasonal opportunity for larger red drum near the inlet and adjacent coastal waters. This is different from working a shallow creek for smaller redfish. Larger fish may use deeper channels, inlet structure, and nearby beaches, so the location and fishing approach can change substantially from a typical backwater trip.
For the next several weeks, bait, current, and weather will shape the fishing plan. We look for a workable combination: bait in the area, enough water movement for an effective presentation, and wind and sea conditions suitable for the boat and group.
When you contact us, tell us if a bull redfish is your main goal. That helps us discuss the right trip length and explain whether targeting larger fish or staying in more protected water is the better fit for your group. Catch size and numbers vary; there is no guaranteed bull-redfish catch on any trip.
Why fall matters for bull red drum
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources red drum species profile, red drum spawn in late summer and fall, gathering near estuary inlets and passes along barrier-island beaches. Adults eat fish and crabs, including menhaden and blue crabs.
That seasonal pattern helps explain the interest in fall bull redfish fishing around North Myrtle Beach and Little River. It also explains why responsible handling matters: these larger fish are part of the breeding population.
Redfish live in South Carolina waters throughout the year, but year-round redfish fishing and the seasonal pursuit of large bulls are different experiences. See our Myrtle Beach red drum fishing guide for the broader species overview.
Where do we look for bull redfish near North Myrtle Beach?
Two anglers display bull redfish during a North Myrtle Beach fishing charter, with Little River rock jetty in the background.
Little River Inlet and nearby channels
Little River Inlet is a local starting point for discussing fall bull redfish opportunities. The inlet connects the estuary with coastal waters, and its channels and structure create different places to present a bait as the current changes.
Fishing an inlet requires a different plan from fishing a sheltered creek. Strong current, boat traffic, wind, and waves all influence where a captain can fish effectively. Close to shore does not always mean calm water.
Coastal waters near Cherry Grove and Little River
Nearby beaches and coastal structure can also be part of a fall redfish plan. Access depends on the conditions and the vessel assigned to the trip. We discuss those factors before choosing a route; a bull redfish request does not automatically mean a long offshore run.
Protected inshore waters
The Intracoastal Waterway, tidal creeks, and marsh edges offer another style of redfish fishing. These areas can be useful when a family prefers a shorter ride or more protected surroundings. An inshore trip can focus on redfish and other seasonal species, with the fishing area chosen around the group’s priorities.
Guests staying in North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove, Little River, Calabash, Sunset Beach, or Ocean Isle Beach can contact us to discuss trip options. We confirm the departure location for the booked boat.
What tide and bait work for bull red drum?
Moving water is an important part of the plan, but there is no single tide stage that is best at every location. Incoming and outgoing water change where bait travels and how a rig fishes. Current strength, depth, water clarity, and available structure matter alongside the tide prediction.
My advice when booking is to discuss the fishing objective before choosing only by morning or afternoon. A longer trip can provide more flexibility around a tide change and more time to adjust the approach as conditions develop.
Natural-bait presentations are a practical approach to larger red drum. Menhaden and mullet are familiar local bait choices, used live or as fresh cut bait when appropriate. The captain chooses the bait, hook, leader, and weight for the conditions instead of applying one rig to every location.
Circle hooks call for steady pressure rather than a sharp hook-set. Follow the captain’s instructions as the line comes tight, and keep a smooth bend in the rod during the fight. Tackle should have enough strength to land the fish efficiently.
Can you keep a bull redfish? South Carolina’s 2026 rules
The oversized bull red drum targeted on these trips must be released. South Carolina changed its red drum harvest limits effective July 1, 2026. The current state-water rules are:
- Legal harvest size: 18 to 25 inches total length.
- Daily limit: one red drum per person, with a maximum of two per boat.
- Natural bait and hooks 4/0 or larger: a non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hook is required when fishing for saltwater gamefish.
- Federal waters: red drum harvest and possession are prohibited.
These details come from South Carolina Act 231 and the current South Carolina finfish regulations. Total length is measured from the closed mouth to the end of the pinched tail. Regulations can change, and North Carolina has its own rules if a trip enters those waters.
Plan the release before the fish reaches the boat
SCDNR recommends appropriate tackle, short fights, wet hands, and minimal time out of the water. Its red drum release guidance recommends keeping large fish in the water when possible and having the camera ready before any brief handling.
Let the captain direct the landing and release. A photograph is secondary to getting the fish back into the water promptly. If the fish needs attention, skip the picture and concentrate on the release.
Private charter options for your fall fishing trip
Four anglers share a redfish photo aboard North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters.
North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters offers private trips for your booked group. Rods, reels, bait, tackle, applicable charter fishing-license coverage, and guidance are included. Tell us you want to target bull red drum so we can match your request to an appropriate boat, trip, and fishing area.
Our published inshore rates provide a starting point for planning:
| Private trip | 1–3 guests | 4 guests | 5 guests | 6 guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | $500 | $600 | $700 | $800 |
| 5 hours | $600 | $700 | $800 | $900 |
A 6-hour inshore option is listed at $700 for one to three guests or $800 for four. Capacity depends on the trip and assigned vessel. These are private-boat base rates, not per-person fares. Review the current charter prices and booking terms for applicable fees and details.
A four-hour trip can suit guests with a shorter schedule. Five or six hours give the captain more time to work through changing conditions and locations. For families with young children, we also discuss whether a general inshore trip is the more comfortable choice.
Frequently asked questions about bull redfish fishing
Are bull red drum and bull redfish the same fish?
Yes. Red drum and redfish refer to the same species, Sciaenops ocellatus. “Bull” is an angling term for a large red drum, not a separate species or a legal size category.
How big is a bull redfish?
The term generally refers to large adult red drum, often around 30 inches or longer, although anglers use different thresholds. It describes the size of the fish and does not mean the fish is necessarily male.
Is October a good time for bull redfish in North Myrtle Beach?
October falls within the local fall planning window for targeting larger red drum. Daily conditions, fish movement, and bait availability determine the opportunity on a particular trip. Contact us with your dates to discuss the current options.
Do beginners need their own equipment or license?
No fishing experience or personal tackle is necessary for our standard charter trips. We provide the equipment, instruction, and applicable charter fishing-license coverage. Bring drinks, snacks, sun protection, suitable footwear, and clothing for the weather.
Can we book a trip specifically for bull red drum?
Yes. Make that request when you contact us. We will discuss conditions, trip length, the assigned boat, and realistic alternatives if the intended fishing area is unsuitable.
Serving Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove, and the Nearby North Carolina Coast
Bull redfish, also known as large red drum, make a memorable photo for these North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters guests.
North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters welcomes anglers staying in Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as well as Calabash, Sunset Beach, and Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
For visitors on either side of the Carolina state line, a fall bull redfish trip offers the opportunity to target large red drum around Little River Inlet and nearby coastal waters. Your captain plans the fishing area around tides, weather, and your group’s needs.
Planning a trip from one of these communities? Tell us where you’re staying, your preferred dates, and how many people are joining. We’ll help you choose a private charter and confirm the departure location for your assigned boat.
Call or text Captain Keith Logan at 843-907-0064 to plan your North Myrtle Beach bull redfish fishing trip.
Plan your North Myrtle Beach bull redfish charter
A pair of redfish and smiling anglers aboard North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters.
If a large red drum is on your fall fishing list, start with a conversation about your dates and your group. Late September and October are our immediate planning focus, and a little flexibility can help us match your schedule to suitable fishing conditions.
Call 843-907-0064, text Captain Keith, or view inshore trips and booking options. Let us know how many people are coming, whether children are joining, and that you would like to target bull redfish.
About the author: Captain Keith Logan founded North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters in 1991. He is a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain with more than 40 years of fishing experience along the Grand Strand and surrounding Carolina waters.