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Rodney Summers
Captain

Rodney Summers

Hilton Head Island, United States
Angler's choice
500+ reviews
With over ten years of dedicated experience in the surrounding waters of the Low Country, the world of inshore fishing has become his expertise! Captain Rodney Summers' experiences with teaching and coaching throughout his life have translated into a passion for instructing out at sea. Originally from South Carolina, he began building his love for nature with routine fishing, hunting, and being in the great outdoors. He attended Coastal Carolina University, and was a teacher, and coach for 32 years. In 2016 he moved to Bluffton for the opening of a High School as both a teacher and a Head Football Coach making his new home in the Lowcountry. In 2021 he started integrating his experience into a classroom without walls! Join Captain Rodney today where his goal is to give you a new favorite memory out on the water.

Charter

Rating

5.0
677 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

99%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish

All reviews (677)

Showing 1 – 5 of 677 reviews
  • Shane Dowler
    Shane Dowler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Captain Rodney was great

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore AM • 4 adults

    Fished with Captain Rodney Summers of Southern Summers Charters on November 11 — four of us on his inshore trip. Great boat: clean, comfortable, and plenty of room for four anglers. Rodney really knows these waters — he suggested moving our trip to fish the outgoing tide, and it paid off. Between the four of us, we each caught probably 5–10 fish: redfish, speckled trout, and even a bonnethead shark. He kept us on fish the whole trip, handled all the rigging and bait, and made it easy for everyone. Would absolutely book with him again.

    Response from Captain

    Enjoyed the day on the water with you guys. Thank you for choosing Southern Summers Charters when visiting Hilton Head Island.

  • Austin Foster
    Austin Foster
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    My First Charter

    3 Hour Trip – Inshore AM • 2 adults

    I booked a charter for my wife and I on vacation, it was my first one ever. Rodney is a great captain, professional, personable, got us to the spots in a timely manner and did it all except reel the fish in for us. His knowledge of the area was unbelievable, “cast between these trees between 2 and 6 feet from the shore for redfish, otherwise you’ll catch the pesky pinfish” and sure enough that’s what happened. We caught 9 fish, 6 reds, a spotted trout, a pinfish and an Atlantic sharp nose shark, in a 3 hour charter I felt that was exceptional. Unfortunately the only fish big enough to keep was the spotted trout but Captain Rodney filleted it up for us and even recommended a local place to cook it for us. Next time we’re in Hilton Head we plan to work with him again.

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    Thank you Austin for choosing Southern Summers Charters hope to see you all again in the future.

  • Ana Campbell
    Ana Campbell
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best fishing trip ever!

    2 Hour Trip – Inshore PM • 4 adults • 2 children

    First off, I’ll start by saying our youngest daughter is on the spectrum. I was afraid of her reaction to this trip but when I say she had the absolute best time! We cannot thank Captain Rodney enough. He made it his business to make sure we all caught a fish. Even our six year old got the experience of making her first catch. We (parents) set out to get red fish and maybe a flounder, our girls had other plans. When asked by the captain, they yelled we want a shark. Well, they got their shark and we got our Red. A 26 inch red so big we couldn’t keep him but the experience of it was a memorable moment. Bragging right to say the least. We will absolutely be coming back to fish with Rodney again.

    Reported catch:
    Bonnethead Shark
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    Enjoyed taking you all fishing 🎣 Looking forward to doing it again in the future and having my young captain help me 😝

  • Mark Schuchmann
    Mark Schuchmann
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience.

    5 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore PM • 2 adults

    We had a half day trip and it was so much fun. We went out to the big water caught several sharks and man do the pull. As the tide moved in we ventured back towards the grassy low creek areas and we caught several 28” and 30” reds. Captain Rodney was very knowledgeable about the fishery and the geography of the low country. He kept fresh bait on the line at all times and was very good coaching my wife on how to land these beautiful fish. His gear was top notch, well organized and he definitely enjoys being on the water. We will definitely use Captain Rodney again in the future and I highly recommend him to others.

    Response from Captain

    Appreciate the review and enjoyed taking you two fishing. Thank you for choosing Southern Summers Charters. Hopefully see you again in the future.

  • Jeffrey Cain
    Jeffrey Cain
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Family Friendly Charter!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore AM • 3 adults • 1 child

    We had an excellent experience with Southern Summers Charters and Captain Rodney. From the moment we arrived, he was personable, patient, and incredibly hospitable. He struck the perfect balance of being friendly and helpful without being intrusive, allowing our family to enjoy quality time together while still benefiting from his expertise. The boat was beautiful, clean, and well-maintained. We also had a last-minute change to our group size when our son became sick at summer camp and had to come home early. Rodney was extremely accommodating and flexible, making the adjustment without any issues, which we greatly appreciated. His knowledge of the local waters, fish species, and the best fishing locations was impressive. Thanks to his guidance, we caught several sharks, a stingray, and a few drum. We even had bites from flounder, although we didn’t manage to land one this trip. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and we highly recommend Southern Summers Charters. We will definitely be booking another trip with Captain Rodney in the future!

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    Enjoyed the morning with you all on the water today. Thank you for choosing Southern Summers Charters. Hope to see you again in the future.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Two adult anglers fishing from the bow of a center-console boat in a scenic coastal marsh channel.
    Paul S.
    Paul S.
    Captain Rodney was great. He used his expertise to get us in areas that we had the opportunity to catch fish. We were able to try different methods for the best results. We caught trout, redfish, sheepshead, croaker and even a small sting ray. He had shrimp and small minnows as bait. We had wind, but it didnt stop the fishing.
  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Angler holding a spotted seatrout over calm inshore waters from a small fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Speckled Trout
    Shane D.
    Shane D.
    Fished with Captain Rodney Summers of Southern Summers Charters on November 11 — four of us on his inshore trip. Great boat: clean, comfortable, and plenty of room for four anglers. Rodney really knows these waters — he suggested moving our trip to fish the outgoing tide, and it paid off. Between the four of us, we each caught probably 5–10 fish: redfish, speckled trout, and even a bonnethead shark. He kept us on fish the whole trip, handled all the rigging and bait, and made it easy for everyone. Would absolutely book with him again.
  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Angler proudly holding a large red drum, or redfish, aboard a boat in a calm inshore marsh environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Frank G.
    Frank G.
    Captain Rodney was great. We had 2 inexperienced fisherman on board and he took care of all of us. We caught many Red Drum and hooked a huge bonnet shark to end the trip. Can’t wait to go out again next year when back in Hilton Head.
  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    A hooked snook hangs beside the boat during an active inshore fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Speckled Trout
    Ken M.
    Ken M.
    Captain Summers was great! we caught some nice fish. Boat is a great one! My son and i had a blast!! Highly recommend him!
  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Waterfront scene viewed from the water, featuring a red-and-white lighthouse and shoreline buildings; no fish, people, or charter boat are clearly visible.
    Jeff C.
    Jeff C.
    Capt Summers worked hard to put me on fish and we caught approx. 9 fish (6 reds and 3 trout). He was patient and very friendly. I went by myself on a "3 hour trip". Next time, I'll charter him for a longer trip - it went by very fast!
  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Adult angler holding a large shark aboard a shallow-water fishing boat on a sunny coastal bay.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Bonnethead Shark
    Robert L.
    Robert L.
    Great capt. knows where the fish are and how to catch them. Excellent boat and equipment. Been thru a lot of captains, this ones a keeper.
  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    An angler proudly displaying a Redfish while standing on a boat in a scenic marsh environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Nick F.
    Nick F.
    Captain Rodney was fantastic. He made the novice anglers at ease, and had patience to make their experience top notch. He put us on fish and we caught multiple species. Very professional. Highly recommend his services, I assuredly will book again without hesitation! Thanks again Captain Rodney
  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Adult angler proudly holding a large redfish on the bow of a fishing boat over coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    John R.
    John R.
    Caught alot of fish!! Captain was great, boat very clean and nice gear!! Would definitely recommend for others wanting a top notch experience.
  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Angler proudly displaying a Redfish caught during a serene fishing trip in a coastal waterway.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Redfish
    Austin F.
    Austin F.
    I booked a charter for my wife and I on vacation, it was my first one ever. Rodney is a great captain, professional, personable, got us to the spots in a timely manner and did it all except reel the fish in for us. His knowledge of the area was unbelievable, “cast between these trees between 2 and 6 feet from the shore for redfish, otherwise you’ll catch the pesky pinfish” and sure enough that’s what happened. We caught 9 fish, 6 reds, a spotted trout, a pinfish and an Atlantic sharp nose shark, in a 3 hour charter I felt that was exceptional. Unfortunately the only fish big enough to keep was the spotted trout but Captain Rodney filleted it up for us and even recommended a local place to cook it for us. Next time we’re in Hilton Head we plan to work with him again.
  • Southern Summers Charters
    Southern Summers ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Adult angler holding a large redfish aboard a center-console boat in a scenic coastal marsh.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    John C.
    John C.
    Captain Rodney worked hard and got us on large Reds. Just a wonderful day of fishing, I highly recommend Captain Rodney. We will definitely be back.

What's biting with Southern Summers Charters in Hilton Head Island

This is the best time to catch some eating fish! In the sound and on the wrecks you can target Bull Redfish, or stay closer to shore and fish for Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Shrimp.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Three anglers proudly displaying a large Black Drum caught during a fishing trip, with clear blue skies in the background.

March Madness Monsters

Mar 3, 2026 • Hilton Head Island
Its that time of year when we get a chance to target some monster Black Drum. Who’s going to be the next one to reel in one these giants?
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A young boy and a woman proudly displaying a large Redfish while enjoying a fishing trip on a boat.

Dog Days of Summer

Jun 23, 2024 • Hilton Head Island
The dog days of Summer are among us. The redfish bite has slowed down but we are still finding some chewing along with flounder and speckled trout. Looking forward to hooking up with some tarpon and finding the crevalle jacks soon. Always a treat during the Summer months. Some cobia are still being caught as well as different types of shark species. When booking think about the tide schedule and ask which tide would be best for different species.
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Angler proudly holding a large redfish in a shallow coastal marsh environment.

Winter Fishing

Jan 17, 2024 • Hilton Head Island
The winter bite has been incredible lately! Lots and lots of reds are eating good with some sheepshead, trout, and black drum mixed in! Most fish are being caught with live shrimp, frozen shrimp, or mud minnows on the bottom and popping cork! Instant book today!
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Logo of Southern Summers Charters, established in 2021, featuring a boat silhouette.

Early Spring Weather Bite

Mar 1, 2023 • Hilton Head Island
The end of February and start of March has seen warm weather. The trout bite this past week was on fire on the incoming tide with clients catching some really nice trout ranging from 18"-20" each. The redfish bite was just as good with most ranging in the 16"- 18" range. Cooler weather is expected to come back so we will see how that effects the bite, but make no mistakes that Spring is right around the corner and it's always a great time to get out on the water and get those rods bent.
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A proud angler holding a large Redfish on a boat, showcasing a successful catch during a fishing trip.

Fall Fishing and Transitioning into Wint

Nov 26, 2022 • Hilton Head Island
The Bull Reds were chomping from October into November, and the creek fishing has been hot through November. The trout bite has been heating up as well. Can't wait to see what December, January, and February fishing has in store for Southern Summers Charters. I expect the Sheepshead bite will be picking up. Contact Southern Summers Charters and book your next inshore fishing trip. There is never a bad time to go fishing in the Low Country.
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Speckled Trout while fishing on a calm waterway.

Fishy February Finish

Feb 27, 2022 • Hilton Head Island
This past weekend produced some great catches. On Saturday February 26th we had a 10 yr old angler catch his first ever Redfish at 26" on the outgoing tide. Then we went on to catch seven more Redfish in slot and three Spotted Sea Trout at 18" each. The next day did not disappoint either with clients catching ten Redfish with three of those measuring 25", 23", and 22" absolute hogs. The bite has been best two hours before and the two hours after low tide with most action coming from using popping corks and live mud minnows. It's only expected to get better come March. Book your trip with Southern Summers Charters and let's go fishing!
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