Bull redfish fishing around Myrtle Beach turns an ordinary day on the water into the kind of story anglers repeat for years, and whether you prefer artificial lures, live bait, or a mix of both, this guide covers everything you need to know before your line ever hits the water. In fact, you will find more depth here on lure selection, retrieve technique, seasonal timing, and location intel than on any other bull redfish resource online.
Bull Redfish Fishing in Myrtle Beach: The Complete Guide to Catching Trophy Red Drum
When bull redfish move into the inshore waters around Myrtle Beach, everything changes. This is the season local anglers wait for all year — the stretch when massive red drum push into shallow water, feed aggressively, and deliver the kind of drag-screaming fights you talk about for decades.
If you are visiting the Grand Strand, or you live locally and want a genuine coastal fishing experience, this is it. At North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters, Captain Keith Logan has spent more than 40 years fishing these waters, from the back creeks to the inlets. Raised fishing Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Little River, and the Grand Strand, he knows exactly when bull redfish arrive, where they stage, and — just as important — which lures and baits actually get bit.
Below, you will find why the bull redfish bite is on right now, exactly where it happens, which artificial lures and techniques outperform the rest, and how to book an inshore charter that puts you on these fish while conditions are prime.
Why the Bull Redfish Bite Is On Right Now
Bull redfish, also called overslot red drum, follow a predictable seasonal migration along the Carolina coast. As water temperatures begin to cool, these fish move out of deeper offshore water and gather near inlets, estuaries, tidal rips, and creek mouths to feed heavily before winter.
The Myrtle Beach area offers a rare mix of structure, bait, and current that bull reds need to fatten up. Consequently, this is not random fishing — these fish show up every single year, and experienced local captains track their movement week by week. For a real-time look at what is biting right now, check our latest Myrtle Beach fishing report, which is updated as conditions change throughout the run.
What Makes Bull Redfish Such a Prized Catch?
Bull reds are not simply larger versions of slot reds — they are a completely different experience. Most bull redfish measure 30 to 50-plus inches and weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, with extremely powerful runs and long, drag-screaming fights that test tackle and technique alike.
Unlike many big-game species, bull redfish are caught close to shore, often in calm water that suits families, couples, and anglers of every experience level. Similarly, red drum (the species’ full scientific name, Sciaenops ocellatus — you can read more on Wikipedia’s red drum profile) are protected as breeding stock once they exceed slot size, which means catch-and-release regulations keep this fishery strong year after year. For a closer look at how these fish behave and where they rank among inshore species, see our full red drum species profile.
Best Areas for Bull Redfish Near Myrtle Beach
Captain Keith focuses on proven bull redfish zones throughout South Carolina and North Carolina, adjusting daily based on tide, wind, and water clarity.
North Myrtle Beach
Deep channels and moving tides attract large schools of bull reds feeding on mullet and menhaden, especially during outgoing water.
Little River Inlet
Little River is one of the most consistent bull redfish locations in the region. Strong current and heavy bait flow create ideal feeding conditions almost every tide cycle.
Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove’s proximity to inlets and deeper structure makes it a prime staging area during peak fall runs, particularly around current seams.
Calabash, North Carolina
Protected waters and tidal creeks hold bull reds as they push inland to feed, often out of the wind on rough-weather days.
Sunset Beach & Ocean Isle Beach
These quieter stretches of coastline often produce less-pressured fish and excellent bite windows, especially early in the morning.
Because Captain Keith fishes across state lines, he has the flexibility to stay on the best conditions day to day rather than being locked into a single spot.
When Is the Best Time to Catch Bull Redfish?
While bull redfish can be caught year-round, fall through early winter is the peak season along the Grand Strand.
- September–November: heavy feeding, large schools, and the most consistent bite of the year.
- December–January: fewer boats on the water, but the bites that do happen tend to be aggressive.
- Cooler water generally means longer fights and healthier releases, since redfish tire more slowly in colder temperatures.
Morning trips and moving tides typically produce the best results. In particular, the first two hours of an outgoing or incoming tide tend to trigger the strongest feeding windows. For planning purposes, NOAA’s Tides & Currents tool is a reliable, free resource for checking tide stages before you head out.
Artificial Lures for Bull Redfish: What Actually Works
Live bait certainly catches bull redfish, but artificial lures let you cover water faster, target sight-feeding fish, and skip the hassle of bait wells. Below is a breakdown of the lures, colors, and retrieves that consistently outproduce guesswork.
Best Lure Types for Bull Redfish
Four categories dominate bull redfish lure fishing:
- Soft plastic paddletails (such as the Z-Man PaddlerZ or a 5–7 inch Berkley Gulp! swimbait) on a jighead — versatile in current and depth.
- Gold weedless spoons (like a Johnson Silver Minnow in gold) — a redfish classic that shines in grass and skinny water.
- Soft jerkbaits (such as a DOA CAL jerkbait) — deadly on sight-feeding fish in clear, shallow water.
- Topwater walking baits — best at first light when reds are pushing bait to the surface in calm, protected water.
Lure Colors That Trigger Strikes
Color matters more in clear water than muddy water. As a general rule, use natural, baitfish-matching colors (silver, white, pearl) in clear conditions, and switch to gold, copper, or chartreuse when the water turns murky after rain or wind. In particular, gold and copper reflect light differently than silver, which makes them stand out against tannic, off-color inshore water.
Retrieve Techniques That Get Bit
Bull redfish rarely chase a lure moving in a straight, fast line. Instead, a slow-roll retrieve just above the bottom, paused every few turns of the reel handle, mimics an injured baitfish and triggers reaction strikes. Likewise, a twitch-pause retrieve with a soft jerkbait — twitch, twitch, pause for two seconds — often out-fishes a steady retrieve, especially over grass beds and oyster structure.
How to Fish a Soft Plastic Paddletail for Bull Redfish (Step-by-Step)
- Cast beyond the current seam or drop-off where bull redfish are likely staging, making sure the lure lands past the strike zone so you can work it into position naturally.
- Let the paddletail sink to the bottom for two to three seconds, especially in deeper channels, so it reaches the depth where feeding redfish are actually holding.
- Begin a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses, allowing the paddletail’s tail action to mimic a wounded baitfish and provoke a reaction strike from nearby bull redfish.
- When you feel a thump or steady pressure, resist setting the hook instantly; instead, reel down and sweep the rod sideways to drive the hook home without pulling the lure away from an approaching fish.
- Keep steady pressure and let the drag absorb the fish’s first run, then gradually gain line using a wide sweeping motion rather than short pumps, which helps avoid throwing the hook on a big red.
Rod, Reel, Line, and Leader Setup for Bull Redfish
A medium-heavy to heavy 7-foot rod paired with a 4000–6000 size spinning reel handles most bull redfish comfortably. Spool 20–30 lb braided line for casting distance and sensitivity, then add a 3-foot section of 30–40 lb fluorocarbon leader (a nearly invisible, abrasion-resistant line) to prevent break-offs near oyster beds and structure.
Artificial Lures vs. Live Bait: Which Wins?
Neither option is universally “better” — each has a role. Lures excel when fish are actively feeding, visible, or scattered across large flats, since they let you cover water quickly. In contrast, cut mullet, menhaden, and blue crab pieces tend to out-produce lures in stained water, during slower bite windows, or when fishing deep holes where scent matters more than movement. For a full breakdown of natural bait options, see our guide to selecting the best baits for catching red drum.
How We Catch Bull Redfish on Inshore Charters
Bull redfish are powerful, but they are also predictable once you understand how they feed. Captain Keith blends natural bait presentations, precise anchoring on current seams, heavy tackle built for oversized fish, and quick-release methods that protect the breeding stock — often switching to artificial lures when conditions call for it.
This is hands-on fishing from start to finish. You feel the bite, set the hook, and fight the fish yourself — no experience required, just a willingness to hang on. Want to see it in action before you book? Watch real clients catching bull redfish on video from past North Myrtle Beach trips.
Why Book an Inshore Charter Instead of Fishing on Your Own?
Bull redfish are not easy shoreline fish for most anglers, since timing, tides, and location all matter enormously. Booking a charter gives you local knowledge you cannot Google, proper gear sized for oversized fish, safe navigation through inlets and current, and — as a result — dramatically higher hookup rates.
Above all, Captain Keith’s goal is not just catching fish. It is making sure your trip is memorable, safe, and worth every minute on the water.
Perfect for Families, Couples, and Serious Anglers
Inshore bull redfish trips work well for families with kids, couples looking for a unique outing, first-time anglers, and experienced fishermen chasing a trophy. Calmer inshore water means less motion and more comfort, even for guests who are brand new to fishing.
Bull Redfish Regulations and Conservation
Bull redfish are, by definition, oversized breeding fish, and they must be released to keep this fishery healthy for future seasons. Slot-size red drum, which fall within a specific legal length range, may be harvested instead depending on current regulations. Because rules can change by season and state, always confirm current limits with the NOAA Fisheries red drum species page or your state wildlife agency before keeping any fish.
Proper handling matters just as much as the regulation itself. Therefore, quick-release techniques — minimizing air exposure, supporting the fish horizontally, and reviving it boat-side before letting go — give released bull redfish the best chance of survival.
Book Your Bull Redfish Charter Before the Bite Ends
The bull redfish run does not last forever, and when conditions line up, dates fill quickly. If you want to experience one of the most exciting inshore fisheries on the East Coast, now is the time to book.
Book your inshore fishing charter with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters today and target bull redfish while they are feeding aggressively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bull Redfish Fishing
Are bull redfish good to eat?
Bull redfish are protected breeding fish and must be released. Smaller slot reds are harvested instead, since bull-sized fish are typically tougher and less desirable at the table anyway.
How big do bull redfish get?
Most bull reds range from 20 to 50 pounds and measure 30 to 50-plus inches, with some exceeding that during peak fall runs.
Do I need fishing experience to catch bull redfish?
No. Captain Keith provides instruction and handles all technical aspects, from rigging lures to netting the fish, so beginners land bull redfish just as often as experienced anglers.
Is bull redfish fishing safe for kids?
Yes. Inshore waters are calm, and safety equipment is provided for every guest on board.
What should I bring on a bull redfish charter?
Weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, snacks, drinks, and a camera are all you really need — Captain Keith supplies the tackle and technique.
Can we keep any bull redfish we catch?
Bull reds are strictly catch-and-release. However, other legal species may be kept depending on current regulations and season.
What are the best artificial lures for bull redfish?
Soft plastic paddletails, gold weedless spoons, soft jerkbaits, and topwater walking baits are the most reliable artificial lures for bull redfish, particularly when matched to water clarity and retrieved with a slow, natural action.
Is it better to use live bait or artificial lures for bull redfish?
Both work well. Lures are ideal for covering water and sight-fishing active reds, while live or cut bait typically outperforms lures in murky water or during slower bite windows.
Why Fish With Captain Keith Logan?
Captain Keith Logan is not a seasonal guide. He is a local fisherman raised on these waters, fishing Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Little River, North Myrtle Beach, and the entire Grand Strand.
With over 40 years of experience, he understands tides, weather patterns, and bull redfish behavior in ways only locals do. In short, this knowledge is the difference between hoping and catching.
The Bull Redfish Bite Is On: Final Thoughts
Bull redfish season remains one of the most exciting times to fish the Myrtle Beach area. The fish are here, the bite is strong, and the conditions — from tide timing to lure selection — are lined up in your favor right now. Do not wait until the season passes.
Book your inshore fishing charter with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters today and experience the bull redfish run the way locals do. For a deeper walkthrough of trip options, see our page on Captain Chris Dawson.