Catch limit on redfish in South Carolina changes July 1

If you're heading to the South Carolina coast this summer and are planning on going inshore fishing, be aware that the catch limit for redfish will change July 1, 2018. The previous catch limit allowed each angler to keep 3 redfish per day with no limit per boat. The new catch limit allows each angler to keep two fish per day, but only 6 per boat. The slot limit for redfish will remain between 15-23 inches. The South Carolina General Assembly passed the new law earlier this year and it was recently signed by Governor Henry McMaster. The Coastal Conservation Association of South Carolina played a big role in helping the new law pass with bipartisan support. Redfish are also commonly referred to as red drum, spottail bass, and channel bass.

The change was made after a recent study found a decline in the amount of juvenile redfish over the past 10-15 years. The study also found that less redfish were living past the early stages of life, which means less fish making it to maturity. Dr. Joey Ballenger​, assistant marine scientist for redfish research with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, says, “not only are we seeing declines in the annual crop of fish produced by adults, we are seeing that those produced are experiencing higher mortality rates. Over time, this translates to fewer and fewer adult fish being around to produce the next crop, resulting in a feedback loop that continues the process.” The study was not able to conclude what has led to higher mortality in young fish.

Redfish reach maturity around 4 years of age and once that happens they are able to spawn. Slot redfish between 15-23 inches are less than 4 years of age and are usually the ones caught in tidal creeks and rivers. The slot limit is capped at 23 inches to protect the mature fish that spawn. During the fall, redfish spawn and can usually be found off of South Carolina beaches, which makes them a prime target for anglers. In fact, 80% of the redfish caught in South Carolina are released and many of them are the bull reds running the beaches in the fall. Even though they are released, around 8-16% of adult redfish die after being caught due to disease, exhaustion, and vulnerability to predators. Fishing pressure has increased in South Carolina, especially on adult redfish. Here are some important tips to safely catch and release adult redfish: