In general, the winter season produces the greatest number of redfish due to their tendency to form large schools (100 or more fish are common) as water temperatures decline below 60 degrees. Winter fishing is done relative to low tide, in open water on shallow flats (often in water less than one foot deep). Under these conditions, flycasters should be comfortable with casting distances in the range of 60 to 80 feet. Optimal equipment for the open flats are 9 foot, six through nine weight rods with weight forward floating line. A variety of patterns are effective, such as McVay gotchas, Clousers, bendbacks, and rattle minnows; however, redfish are especially responsive to gold flash. Gold spoons, plugs, and a variety of soft bodied artificials work well with light and ultra-light spinning tackle.

During the summer months, redfish can be found "tailing" on the high Spartina marsh flats. Again, most fishing is done is waters 12 inches deep (or less). The fish are found by sighting their tails out of the water while the fish root on the bottom for crabs and shrimp. Usually these fish may be more closely approached than on the open water flats. However, fewer fish are seen during a given trip. In general, high tides having elevations of 6 feet or greater are required for "tailing" fish. Patterns such as Chernobyl crabs, salt shrimp, and golden eye shrimp are especially effective for "tailing" fish. Regardless of the pattern selected, weed guards are recommended when fishing the Spartina flats. In addition to sight fishing for redfish, surf fishing along the many barrier island beaches and near-shore bars can produce fish, especially during the spring and fall months. A trip to the Cape Romain area for large redfish (20 to 40 pounds) is a memorable experience.

During the late spring and summer months, schools of large crevalle jack enter Charleston Harbor and its adjacent tidal rivers. In recent years, schools of 25 to 40 pound fish have been seen. There are potential IGFA record fish available for fly and light tackle anglers. Sight casting to "finning" schools is the preferred method of fishing crevalle jacks. Because these fish are strong fighters, nine to eleven weight fly rods with weight forward floating lines are recommended. Large poppers and shallow running deceiver patterns work well.

Sea trout fishing reaches its peak during the early fall and winter months. Sea trout will readily take weighted flies, such as Clouser minnows fished in drop-offs and along structure. Intermediate or slow sinking fly lines work best since sea trout tend to forage deeper in the water column. However, sea trout will also take small poppers especially when fished along Spartina grass edges and oyster reefs.

Spanish mackerel can be found inshore and in tidal inlets during the summer months and can provide plenty of action for both the fly and light tackle angler. King mackerel can be found near the Charleston jetties during late spring and summer.

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