Hilton Head Island is the place to go to get outdoors and enjoy the sun. This is the summertime home of almost 3,000,000 people, after all. Some come for the beaches. Others for the golf courses. But the thing that draws many people back is the fishing. Hilton Head fishing is some of the best in the state. And in South Carolina, that’s saying a lot.
There are so many ways to fish Hilton Head Island that it can be tough to know where to start. What do you catch, how do you do it, and where do you go? In this article, we cover all these questions, as well as local tournaments, regulations, and much more. In short, here’s all you need to know about the island’s angling.
Best Fish to Catch in Hilton Head Island
Let’s start with the basics. Every place has its signature catches. The ones that get locals excited and visitors returning year after year. In Hilton Head, you can encounter inshore, nearshore, and offshore trophy catches. From Redfish and Tarpon to Cobia, Snappers, and numerous Sharks, there’s plenty on offer. Read on to find out why these are the stars of the show.
Redfish
Redfish is the perfect inshore species. Known locally as “Spot-Tail Bass,” they grow big, fight hard, and taste great. There are two types of Redfish in Hilton Head, the small “Puppies” and the big “Bulls.” Puppy Drum are around all year long, while the Bull Reds show up in the fall and winter.
Whenever you fish, Redfish won’t be the only species taking your bait. Speckled Trout and Flounder also live here year-round. They both taste great, and Trout put up enough of a fight to make them worthy of their name. All together, they’ll give you hours of excitement among shallow sea grasses and sounds.
Tarpon
Nicknamed “The Silver King,” these guys are real sportfishing royalty – huge, wary, and seriously strong. Once hooked, Tarpon jump clear out of the water and shake their heads with enough strength to snap your rod, let along your line. Inshore fishing doesn’t get tougher than this.
As you can expect, Tarpon have become an obsession for anglers all over the world. They’re particularly popular among fly fishers. If you want the best chance of hooking one, visit during the heat of summer. Tarpon start to show up in late May, and usually move off at the beginning of September.
Cobia
Speaking of summer favorites, nothing gets local anglers talking like the anticipation of Cobia season. Cobia explode onto the scene in May, bringing with them three months of awesome angling. If you’re looking for big, tasty fish, you’ve got to give them a try.
Cobia like to hang out in deep sounds and around nearshore reefs. They’re the opposite of shy, and may even come to investigate what all the noise is about when you arrive. They’ll happily take live and dead baits, as well as metal jigs and spoons. Cobia aren’t fussy, but they are tough.
Red Snapper
Who doesn’t like Snapper? Big, colorful, incredibly tasty – there’s a lot to love about these world-famous food fish. The best time to look for Red Snapper in Hilton Head is in winter. This is when they move closer to shore and hole up around nearby wrecks and reefs.
They won’t be alone, mind you. The local reefs come alive during the cold months. Expect to come across Triggerfish, Black Seabass, and Grouper. You can also catch Red Snapper’s small-but-tasty cousin, Vermilion Snapper. A day of bottom fishing is sure to earn you a fishy feast around here.
Sharks
There are no guarantees when it comes to catching fish, but the Shark fishing Hilton Head has on its doorstep is about as close as things get. The island is surrounded by dozens of Shark species, from the shallow waters of the sounds to the remote depths of the Atlantic. They vary hugely in size, but they all put up a good fight.
Inshore waters hold small Blacktips and Bonnetheads which the little ones are sure to love. You can also catch bigger fish like Bull and Lemon Sharks close to shore. Head to deeper waters, and you start to see the real terrors of the seas: Hammerheads, Tigers, and Makos all hunt offshore.
How to Go Fishing in Hilton Head Island
As you might expect, there are a number of ways to wet a line in Hilton Head. We won’t go into the nitty-gritty of every technique and tackle setup. Instead, here are the main styles of fishing you can enjoy, and what makes each one special.
Hilton Head Fishing Boars
Boats are hands down the best way to get the most out of these waters. They open up the whole Atlantic and all the fish in it. You can carry loads of equipment and use a wide range of techniques to tempt fish onto the hook. Fishing on a boat also lets you escape the crowds and fish more remote, productive spots.
If you don’t own a boat, your main options are to rent one or to go on a fishing trip with a local charter captain. If you want to have access to a boat for the whole of your time in Hilton Head, you can get some great deals on multi-day boat rentals. However, you need to bring all your own gear and bait. You also need to know where to fish – and how to pilot a boat.
On a charter, things are much simpler. The captain provides all the equipment and takes you straight to the best fishing spots. They also cover all the necessary permits. And here’s the thing: Charters cost about the same as a single-day boat rental. Shared “party boat” trips can actually be cheaper, although you won’t get as much help from the crew.
Hilton Head Kayak Fishing
Don’t like boats but want to keep your angling options open? Fishing on a kayak could be just the ticket. Kayaks can be super cheap to rent, whether it’s for a couple of hours or a whole week. And unlike boats, you don’t need a license to pilot one. You still need a fishing license, though.
The beauty of kayak fishing is in its simplicity. Launch from the beach, or from wherever you rent it. Hit the local bays and sounds to reel in a variety of fish. Beginners should stick to inshore species like Redfish and Flounder. More experienced anglers can head to deeper water in search of Cobia and even Snapper.
The main problem with kayaks is that you need to bring or rent all your own equipment. You’re also quite limited when it comes to space and the techniques you can use. Finally, you should be aware that kayak fishing is a real workout – don’t head out alone, especially if you’re new to the sport.
Hilton Head Surf Fishing
If you’re not worried about filling the cooler or reeling in a monster, you can have plenty of fun fishing from dry land. Hilton Head Island is famous for its beaches, so surf fishing is a no-brainer. You can also try wade fishing or heading to a pier if you want more variety.
Redfish and Bluefish are the main targets in the surf, along with the occasional Jack or Tarpon when in season. Trout, Flounder, and Sheepshead are all common in some spots. Head to the local parks, and you can even enjoy freshwater fishing for Bass and various Sunfish.
The one thing you can’t catch is a Shark. Shark fishing from shore is illegal on Hilton Head Island. Catching small ones is pretty much unavoidable, but you can’t actively target them. This is the case for all land-based angling, whether you’re on a beach, a fishing pier, or anywhere else.
Hilton Head Island Fishing Spots
You’ve chosen your target and decided how to catch it, but where should you go? You can’t really go far wrong wherever you cast your line, but there are a few places that tend to produce good fish. These aren’t secret honey holes, just well-known and well-loved fishing spots.
- Charles C. Haigh, Jr. Fishing Pier. A pier and boat ramp next to Karl Bowers Bridge on Pinckney Island. It’s a little basic (no restrooms or lighting) but it’s a nice spot to fish for Redfish, Whiting, and the inevitable small Sharks, as well as Blue Crab.
- Jarvis Creek Park. One of the best spots for Bass fishing on Hilton Head. The lake here is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Bluegill, which you can catch from the bank or from a small floating pier. Fishing here is catch and release only.
- The Calibogue Sound. An area of deep water at the toe of the island, between Hilton Head and Daufuskie. This is a great spot to target Big Redfish and Trout from a kayak. You can also find Spanish Mackerel, Jacks, Tarpon, and Cobia farther out.
- Fish America Reef. The closest reef to Hilton Head, just 2.5 miles east of the island. You can find Sheepshead, Bluefish, and Speckled Trout here, as well as King and Spanish Mackerel. However, being so close to town, it can get crowded during the summer.
- Betsy Ross Reef. The largest artificial reef in South Carolina, roughly 18 miles offshore from Hilton Head. This is one of the best places to target bottom fish like Red Snapper, Black Seabass, and Grouper, as well as Barracuda, King Mackerel, and more.
- The Gulf Stream. If you’re after proper deep sea fishing, this is where to find it. Think Mahi Mahi , Wahoo, Tuna, and even Marlin. The Gulf Stream is roughly 70 miles out, so only head there on a large boat with an experienced captain at the helm.
Hilton Head Island Fishing Regulations
You’re almost set for that perfect angling adventure. Before you go, here are a couple of notes on important regulations and events to make sure you enjoy your time in Hilton Head to the fullest.
Everyone aged 16 and over needs a license to fish in South Carolina. This is the case for freshwater and saltwater. There are some exceptions, though. In saltwater, you don’t need a license if you’re on a fishing charter or a licensed fishing pier (Charles C. Haigh, Jr. Pier isn’t licensed). In freshwater, you don’t need one to fish on private property, such as Hilton Head’s resorts.
As we’ve mentioned already, it’s illegal to target Sharks from shore. Another species worth mentioning is Cobia, which is closed for harvest throughout the month of May in state waters around Hilton Head. Striped Bass are off-limits from mid-June through the end of September, and saltwater Catfishes are protected year-round. Lastly, you can’t gig for Redfish and Seatrout from December through to the end of February.
Hilton Head Fishing: Lots of Fish, Tons of Fun
There are endless ways to enjoy Hilton Head’s nature, but none of them compare to fishing. Whether it’s your kids reeling in their first fish or you fighting that catch of a lifetime, this sunny Lowcountry island will give you memories that you’ll look back on and smile for years to come. That, and a load of fish to eat while you’re here. Come and see for yourself what all the fuss is about!
And now over to you! Have you ever been fishing in Hilton Head? Got any stories you’d like to share? We love hearing from you in the comments below!
