Hilton Head Fishing Charters
Hilton Head fishing charters offer direct access to Lowcountry inshore creeks, deep sea ledges, and nearshore reefs for redfish, cobia, tarpon, and king mackerel.
Top Rated Charters in Hilton Head
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Hilton Head, SC Fishing Guide
Hilton Head’s fishery is built around a mix of rich inshore marshes, productive nearshore wrecks, and deep offshore drop-offs. Most Hilton Head fishing charters run half-day or 3/4-day inshore trips targeting redfish, trout, and flounder, but full-day offshore runs to the Gulf Stream are available in season for mahi, tuna, and billfish. Inshore trips usually depart from Broad Creek Marina, Shelter Cove, or Harbour Town, with runs to nearby creeks and grass flats rarely exceeding 10–15 minutes.
The inshore fishery centers around the Intracoastal and surrounding estuaries—shallow marsh flats with shell banks, oyster mounds, and cuts where redfish tail on flood tides and stack up in deeper holes on the drop. Light spinning tackle, popping corks, live shrimp, and mud minnows are common, especially in spring and summer. Sight fishing with artificial lures or fly is also an option on clear water days, particularly during the cooler months when the water clarity improves.
Nearshore reefs 3 to 15 miles out offer steady action for sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, and spadefish, with summer bringing chances at cobia and tarpon near buoys and bait pods. Offshore trips require longer runs—40 to 70 miles out—but reward anglers with pelagic action when the Gulf Stream pushes in closer.
Hilton Head’s seasons shift slowly, and the mild winters mean there’s always something biting. Charter captains in the area know how to work the tides and weather windows to make the most of every trip, whether it’s a quick inshore morning or a full-day bluewater haul.
Fishing Seasons in Hilton Head
Spring
Spring fishing around Hilton Head kicks off in March with warming water and an uptick in redfish and speckled trout activity inshore. Sheepshead begin staging around pilings and docks, and flounder start moving back into creeks. This is also when cobia begin showing nearshore, especially in May. Baitfish return in waves, bringing with them Spanish mackerel and the first signs of tarpon along the beaches. Most guides focus on live bait under popping corks or jig heads tipped with soft plastics.
Summer
Summer brings the full spread of inshore and nearshore action. Redfish school tighter on early morning tides and head for the grass on high water, where fly and spinning anglers can sight-cast. Tarpon arrive in force, especially along the beachfront and sound entrances. Nearshore reefs offer Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, and spadefish. Offshore trips aim for mahi, wahoo, and the occasional billfish if sea conditions allow. It’s a great time for families and casual anglers, with steady bite windows and warm conditions.
Fall
Fall is prime time for redfish, with aggressive schools blitzing bait in the sounds and pushing into skinny water. Speckled trout turn on with dropping temps, especially around oyster points and creek mouths. Bull redfish stack up around sandbars and deeper ledges in September and October, drawing heavy tackle action. Inshore trips stay consistent well into November, and cobia may linger nearshore depending on water temps. It’s also a good window for flounder and sheepshead before winter slows things down.
Winter
Winter fishing in Hilton Head is underrated. Redfish form large schools in the back marshes and can be sight-fished on clear days with minimal boat pressure. Speckled trout stay active in deeper holes, especially around sunny afternoons. The nearshore bite shifts to sheepshead on reefs and black drum near jetties. Most captains switch to finesse tactics—slow presentations with soft plastics, shrimp, or crab baits. While offshore trips are limited by weather, inshore charters still offer steady, technical action for experienced anglers.
Gamefish in Hilton Head
- Redfish – 2–35 lbs Found year-round inshore. Sight-fished on flood tides or targeted in deeper creeks and holes using cut mullet, live shrimp, or soft plastics.
- Speckled Trout – 1–5 lbs Targeted near creek mouths, grass edges, and oyster bars. Caught on popping corks with shrimp or soft plastics on jig heads.
- Flounder – 1–6 lbs Caught in creeks and sandy pockets, especially near docks and drop-offs. Best on live mud minnows, finger mullet, or jigs bounced slowly.
- Tarpon – 50–150+ lbs Present mid-summer through early fall along beaches, sound entrances, and near bait schools. Fished with live mullet, menhaden, or crabs.
- Cobia – 20–60 lbs Targeted nearshore in spring and early summer, especially around buoys, structure, or bait pods. Live eels, crabs, or jigs used.
- Sheepshead – 2–10 lbs Caught around pilings, jetties, and nearshore reefs using fiddler crabs or shrimp on small jigs or knocker rigs.
- Spanish Mackerel – 1–5 lbs Abundant spring through summer near beaches and reefs. Hit small spoons, jigs, or drifted glass minnows.
- King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs Found offshore and nearshore in summer. Trolled with live bait or spoons around structure and bait schools.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–40+ pounds Found offshore in the Gulf Stream, especially from April to September. Trolled with ballyhoo or lures near weedlines and temperature breaks.
Hilton HeadFishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in Hilton Head?
Hilton Head fishing charters include inshore, nearshore, and offshore options. Most trips are half-day or 3/4-day targeting redfish, trout, or cobia, but full-day offshore runs for mahi and tuna are also available.
When is the best time to fish Hilton Head?
The fishing stays productive year-round, but fall and spring are especially good for inshore redfish and trout, while summer brings peak action for tarpon, cobia, and pelagics offshore.
Where do most Hilton Head fishing charters launch from?
Most charters depart from marinas like Broad Creek Marina, Shelter Cove, Skull Creek, and Harbour Town, with quick runs to nearby creeks, sounds, or the Atlantic.
Are fishing licenses included in Hilton Head charter trips?
Yes, all Hilton Head charter boats carry a blanket license that covers all anglers onboard, so you won’t need to purchase one yourself.
What should I bring on a Hilton Head fishing charter?
Bring sun protection, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and any snacks or drinks. Gear, bait, and licenses are provided by the captain.
Can kids join Hilton Head fishing charters?
Absolutely. Many charters in Hilton Head are family-friendly and cater to kids with calm inshore waters and easy-to-use light tackle setups.
How far offshore do Hilton Head deep sea trips go?
Offshore trips usually run 40–70 miles out, depending on the target species and sea conditions. These trips are full-day and weather-dependent.
Is fly fishing an option in Hilton Head?
Yes, fly fishing is popular on flood tides when redfish push into the grass. Sight casting to winter schools in clear water is also a solid fly opportunity.
What species are most common on inshore trips in this area?
Inshore trips around Hilton Head typically target redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead depending on the season.
