Capt Graham Cotter is a full-time fly fishing and light tackle guide operating out of Hilton Head Island, SC with over 20 years of professional experience on the water. The Lowcountry of South Carolina offers a year-round fishery, especially for the shallow water angler looking to make presentations to fish using artificial lures or flies.
Backcountry Hilton Head is that of a Complete Angler meaning different days and times of year may require one approach over another. Redfish are the core focus the majority of the year with late August through February considered the Shallow Water Season, where sight fishing truly shines. The warmer months, April through September, offer more variety with schools of breeder-sized Jack Crevalle and Tarpon frequenting the region.
Each day is dependent on wind and tide and the skill set and desired approach of the angler. Whether you are a novice looking to level up or a seasoned angler looking to check a certain species off your list, Captain Graham and Backcountry Hilton Head can put you in position!
Captain
Graham Cotter
Most popular features:
Rating summary
Photo by reviewers
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
50%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
73%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Morning Half Day Trip on July 24, 2023
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Morning 5 Hour Trip on May 27, 2024
My wife and I had a blast on the water with Graham. Fishing was tough. We watched a lot of reds do some weird things and just seemed like they were just not interested in eating, but that is part of fishing. Despite a tough day on the water, we had fun and will definitely plan to book another trip with Graham next time we are in the area. He is a fun, incredibly personable guide that knows his stuff.
My wife and I had a blast on the water with Graham. Fishing was tough. We watched a lot of reds do some weird things and just seemed like they were just not interested in eating, but that is part of fishing. Despite a tough day on the water, we had fun and will definitely plan to book another trip with Graham next time we are in the area. He is a fun, incredibly personable guide that knows his stuff.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Afternoon Half Day Trip on April 26, 2024
We got skunked, not for lack of effort by the Captain. Mother Nature (and maybe my casting abilities...) weren't on our side. Winds blowing constantly with 10-30mph gusts made finding fish, siting fish and casting to them very difficult. I look forward to another shot at 'em with Graham Cotter next time I'm in the area.
We got skunked, not for lack of effort by the Captain. Mother Nature (and maybe my casting abilities...) weren't on our side. Winds blowing constantly with 10-30mph gusts made finding fish, siting fish and casting to them very difficult. I look forward to another shot at 'em with Graham Cotter next time I'm in the area.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on November 6, 2023
Graham is as good as they come - he is a master at his craft, he knows this water inside and out, and is incredibly knowledgeable about redfish and their habits. He put me on fish and guided me through the whole process start to finish to help me land some giant redfish. Worth every penny - incredible experience!
Graham is as good as they come - he is a master at his craft, he knows this water inside and out, and is incredibly knowledgeable about redfish and their habits. He put me on fish and guided me through the whole process start to finish to help me land some giant redfish. Worth every penny - incredible experience!
Bolivia, NC
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Morning Half Day Trip on July 27, 2023
Perfect father/son half day trip with Graham. We were wanting to do something a little more active and we got just that. Grahams program is perfect for those looking to stay active and hunt for the fish. Great trip and looking forward to the next one.
Perfect father/son half day trip with Graham. We were wanting to do something a little more active and we got just that. Grahams program is perfect for those looking to stay active and hunt for the fish. Great trip and looking forward to the next one.
Backcountry Hilton Head offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Backcountry Hilton Head, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Backcountry Hilton Head include:
Backcountry Hilton Head offers the following types of fishing:
Backcountry Hilton Head offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Backcountry Hilton Head include:
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States
Graham Cotter has been an adventure guide in one way, shape, or form for over 20 years. While he grew up visiting his father in Hilton Head Island he spent the majority of his career in the Florida Keys, South Florida, and the Bahamas. Graham managed private sport fishing operations which required him to learn new fisheries as he traveled to various remote locations - offshore fishing for pelagics, inshore fishing for Bonefish, Snook, and Tarpon as well as diving and spearfishing. But sight fishing the Backcountry flats and creeks was always the favorite. After evacuating the Florida Keys for Hurricane Irma in 2017 he ended up on Hilton Head Island. Graham had found the Backcountry waters he had always been searching for. The endless variety of salt marsh creeks and flats in the Lowcountry are overwhelming and ever-changing with the tide and could never be fully explored. When not on charter Graham is still on the water every day keeping his finger on the pulse & scouting new spots.
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing
Light Tackle
Fly Fishing
GPS
Fishfinder
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Fishing License
Fly Fishing Equipment
Deposit non-refundable
If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.
Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Catch and Release Mandatory
Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.