Aiken area anglers are preparing for prime redfish opportunities in the flooded spartina marshes, particularly during high tides around the full moon, which will occur on September 2, 2026. These shallow, twisty creek areas with soft, muddy bottoms and abundant spartina grass provide an ideal feeding ground for redfish.
During these specific high tides, redfish move into the flats to feed on the millions of fiddler crabs that typically inhabit these areas. The water is exceptionally shallow, allowing anglers to spot the fish by their visible tails or backs as they actively feed. Experienced anglers often use shallow-draft skiffs, poling them onto the flats to stalk the fish, then transitioning to wade-fishing as the water rises.
The technique involves presenting crab imitation flies, rigged to swim hook-upwards to avoid fouling, a few feet in front of a moving redfish. The retrieve mimics a struggling crab, enticing the fish to strike. One notable catch from a similar marsh in 1999 involved a 35-inch tailing redfish, highlighting the potential for significant catches in these environments. The fight often involves carefully maneuvering the fish back to firmer ground to avoid sinking into the soft mud banks.
After a successful catch, anglers prioritize the fish’s recovery, gently supporting it in the water until it regains strength before releasing it back into the deeper creek channels. This practice helps ensure the fish can continue to contribute to the redfish population.
