Welcome to the May 2025 Beaufort, SC Fishing Report Forecast! As we roll into May, the Lowcountry is wide awake. The water’s warm, the days are long, and just about everything with fins is on the move. From tailing redfish in flooded grass to a few early-season tarpon, this month offers something for every angler, whether you’re chasing the thrill of a topwater strike or easing into a calm evening of sight-fishing on the flats.
Weather & Conditions Forecast: What to Expect
- Average Air Temp: 70-85°F
- Average Water Temp: 75-80°F
- Tide Swing: ~7ft
- Average Wind: 10-12mph
Don’t trust the weather forecast days out. I check the weather the night before and again early in the morning to make the final call. Sometimes, a “bad” forecast turns into the best fishing day of the week.
Fish Behavior: Who’s Showing Up in the Beaufort, SC Waters?
- Inshore: Redfish, Trout, Sharks
- Nearshore/Migration: Tarpon, Cobia, Tripletail, Jacks
Redfish and trout will still be hanging around shallow water. Sharks are here and provide tons of rod-bending fun. As for tarpon and cobia, May is when you see more of an abundance—you might even get lucky and spot a tripletail floating nearby.
The May Bite: Timing is Everything
If you want to stay ahead of the game, fish early. The best bite this time of year happens when the light is low—sunrise, sunset, or even overcast conditions can make all the difference. Redfish and trout are most active in these windows, especially before the sun gets too high and warms the shallows.
Flood tides in the late afternoon open up perfect opportunities for sight fishing tailing reds in the grass. It’s one of the most visually rewarding ways to fish, and it only gets better as the month rolls on. Just remember—conditions change quickly, and the weather forecast isn’t always your friend.
What’s Working: Local Flies That Hook Up
The best flies this month are dark—think black or deep purple. These patterns maintain their contrast in stained water and low-light conditions, which is exactly when redfish are most active.
If you want flies built for these exact situations (and tied right here in the Lowcountry), check out my buddy @grantsflies on Instagram. Shopping locally benefits skilled anglers and small businesses, which help to keep the Lowcountry fishing community strong.
If you are doing light tackle fishing, one of my go-to baits right now is the Rapala Saltwater Skitter Walk.
May Challenge: Handle With Honor
This month’s challenge is simple: handle fish with care. Trout, in particular, are vulnerable—they lack scales and depend on a protective slime coat to stay healthy. Use a dehooker to release your catch without touching it. The less contact you make, the better the fish’s chance of survival, especially in warmer water.
No dehooker? Start by getting your hands wet. Dry hands can strip away the fish’s protective slime coat, which helps guard against infection and disease. Wet hands reduce damage and stress, giving the fish a better chance of survival after release. It’s a small move that makes a big difference.
Remember- Catch and release doesn’t mean much if we don’t do it right.
Want to protect our fishery and give trout a better shot at surviving? Learn how to handle and release your catch the right way. Visit 👉 ReleaseOver20.org
Thanks for reading the May 2025 Beaufort SC Fishing Report Forecast
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Tight Lines,
Zach Markow