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Caught a redfish Inshore in Swansboro Hubert
Redfish Fishing in Swansboro
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized game fish along Atlantic coastlines. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail and copper-red coloration.
Fishing Guide by Guide Addison Grantham in August
Meet your Guide Addison Grantham
- Have an 'Unreel' and Epic Fishing Trip in NC!
Summary
Guide Addison Grantham of Unreel Charters NC on Friday July delivered an exceptional inshore fishing experience in Swansboro waters. Using a combination of bottom fishing, live bait, and artificial lures, anglers successfully landed a 16-inch redfish in perfect summer conditions. The guided trip showcased the productive waters around Township of Swansboro, where clearing afternoon skies and ideal water conditions created prime fishing opportunities. This military and first responder discount charter demonstrates why North Carolina's coastal waters remain a top destination for redfish enthusiasts seeking both action and value. With expert local knowledge and top-tier gear provided, anglers of all skill levels can expect memorable catches in these productive inshore waters.
Fishing Charter with Guide Addison Grantham – Rates & Booking
Guide Addison Grantham of Unreel Charters NC on Friday July offers specialized inshore fishing trips with military and first responder discounts. This half-day or full-day charter accommodates up to 4 guests and includes all fishing gear, expert guidance, and access to prime redfish waters around Swansboro. Located at 142 Cedar Point Blvd, the operation provides convenient departure points for exploring the productive flats and backcountry areas where redfish thrive. Licensed guides with extensive local knowledge ensure you're positioned for success whether targeting redfish with bottom rigs, live bait, or artificial lures.
Highlights of Military/First Responder Discount Trip - North Carolina
This charter stands out for its commitment to serving those who serve, offering discounted rates for active military, veterans, and first responders. The trip combines expert guidance with premium equipment, allowing anglers to focus on the fishing rather than logistics. Recent success includes a 16-inch redfish caught using varied techniques in ideal summer conditions. The Township of Swansboro provides excellent habitat for inshore species, with shallow flats, grass beds, and structure that redfish frequent year-round.
Summer fishing in these waters benefits from stable weather patterns and active fish movement. The combination of bottom fishing for structure-oriented fish and sight fishing with artificials gives anglers multiple opportunities throughout the day. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or an experienced angler, the guide adapts techniques to match your skill level and preferences.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Swansboro waters typically range from slot-size fish around 16-20 inches to larger specimens exceeding 30 inches. These copper-colored drum prefer shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Summer months offer excellent sight fishing opportunities as redfish cruise the shallows during incoming tides. The species responds well to both live bait presentations and artificial lures, making them ideal targets for anglers using different techniques. Local redfish show strong seasonal patterns, with summer fish often found in predictable areas during specific tide phases, giving experienced guides like Addison significant advantages in locating active schools.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter includes all necessary fishing equipment, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, ensuring you're properly equipped for inshore success. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with ample space for casting and fighting fish. Departure times are scheduled to take advantage of optimal tide conditions, typically early morning or late afternoon when redfish are most active. Safety equipment and local knowledge are standard, with guides providing instruction on techniques, local regulations, and fish handling. The discount program for military and first responders requires verification but offers significant savings on this premium fishing experience.
Fishing in Swansboro: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic game fish found along the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States, including the productive waters around Swansboro this July. Members of the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, these copper-colored drum are easily identified by their distinctive eyespots near the tail and reddish back that fades to a white belly. Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare, offering light, flaky meat that's perfect for various cooking methods.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore game fish, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs in shallow water. They inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Florida, with North Carolina waters providing some of the most consistent fishing opportunities. These drum species can live over 40 years and grow to impressive sizes, making them both exciting sport fish and important components of coastal ecosystems.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in shallow coastal environments including flats, backcountry areas, nearshore waters, and estuarine systems. They prefer water depths from 1 to 4 feet but can be found in deeper channels and around structure. In Swansboro waters, redfish frequent oyster bars, grass beds, and shallow flats where they feed during moving tides. These fish are well-adapted to varying salinity levels, moving freely between brackish marshes and saltwater environments.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 45 pounds for mature specimens. Slot-size fish around 16-20 inches provide excellent sport and table fare, while larger bull redfish exceeding 30 inches offer trophy potential. The 16-inch redfish caught during recent Swansboro trips represents typical inshore catches that provide both excitement and excellent eating quality.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, small fish, and marine worms. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, creating visible disturbances as they root through bottom sediments. These fish are most active during moving tides, particularly incoming water that brings fresh bait into feeding areas. Redfish exhibit schooling behavior, especially during spawning seasons, making it possible to catch multiple fish from productive areas.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall, typically when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During spawning periods, large schools of adult fish gather in deeper waters, creating spectacular fishing opportunities. Juvenile redfish spend their first years in shallow estuarine waters before moving to deeper areas as they mature, explaining why inshore fishing produces smaller, slot-size fish while offshore fishing targets larger specimens.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish fishing employs various techniques including bottom fishing with cut bait, live bait fishing with shrimp or finger mullet, and casting artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics. Sight fishing with topwater lures during calm conditions can be extremely productive. In July around Swansboro, anglers find success using live shrimp on shallow flats during incoming tides, while artificial lures work well when fish are actively feeding in grass beds and around oyster bars.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish provide excellent table fare with mild, slightly sweet flesh that's low in fat and high in protein. The meat has a firm texture that works well for grilling, blackening, baking, or frying. Slot-size redfish between 16-27 inches typically offer the best eating quality, while larger fish are often released for conservation purposes. The fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provides a healthy, sustainable protein source when harvested within legal limits.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live or fresh dead shrimp, finger mullet, and cut bait work excellently for redfish. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic paddle tails, and topwater plugs are also highly effective, especially when fish are actively feeding.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Swansboro?
A: Redfish frequent shallow flats, oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths around Swansboro. The Township of Swansboro area offers excellent habitat with numerous productive spots accessible by boat.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish are excellent table fare with mild, sweet flesh that's perfect for various cooking methods. Slot-size fish provide the best eating quality and are sustainable when harvested within legal limits.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Redfish bite best during moving tides, particularly incoming water. Early morning and late afternoon often produce the most activity, with summer months offering consistent fishing opportunities in North Carolina waters.
More species you can explore on this trip
Unreel Charters NC Available Trips
Ready for some quality fishing time in North Carolina? We've got you covered with discounted rates for active military, veterans, and first responders. Our expert guides know all the prime inshore spots where the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, we'll set you up with everything you need for a great day on the water. Our comfortable boat has room for up to four guests, so bring along some friends or family. We'll provide top-notch gear and hands-on help to make sure everyone has a chance to reel in something special. It's our way of saying thanks for all you do. So come on out, cast a line, swap some stories, and make some new memories. The fish are waiting, and we can't wait to get you on the water! Just remember, deposits are non-refundable. See you soon for an awesome day of fishing!
