What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for the first time?

Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in Hilton Head Island

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Deleted User
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with deleted charter 31281 on May 27, 2024
If you are an experience angler, try to get a trip on a flood tide. You can get way up in the shallows and work reds that are tailing. It truly is like a spot and stalk hunt, much more exciting than blind casting or floating mullet down a grass line

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Misty Bass
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Southern Summers Charters on February 9, 2024
Definitely dress appropriately! It was 65 degrees the day we went out and if I hadn’t had a windbreaker I woulda froze lol. You WILL catch fish! Fishing is fishing though and you may or may not catch fish right away! The scenery alone is worth going on a trip in my opinion. The fishing was more of a fast paced style fishing. Like crappie or bass fishing.

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Keith Thompson
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Hilton Head Inshore Charters on February 1, 2024
Base your expectations on the season. We targeted red drum and sheepshead because that's what we knew we'd be able to catch at the end of January early February and that's exactly what we caught. In abundance!

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Jim Pressley
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pole Cat Charters on November 24, 2023
I suppose it's the same any month - you are somewhat at the mercy of the weather and the tides. Had we fished during a different period that day, our catch might have been much different. We had fun and made memories for a lifetime. That's a good day in my book.

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Kevin Kinser
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Gone Fishing Charters on October 11, 2023
Craig was wonderful, knowledgeable, and helpful with our group. He made our fun experience even more fun. We had a blast and hope we made his day a little more fun as well. Don’t miss out on one of the best excursions in the Hilton Head area

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Chris Ford
Bluffton, South Carolina
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Sonrise Fishing Charters on August 7, 2023
Our Captain indicated that August can be tough especially lately with the warm water and tides. We didn’t have a great deal of luck on our trip, but that’s fishing. We understood that there was no guarantee to catch fish. We had a great time regardless.

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Daniel Mcmahan
Richmond, KY
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Reel McCoy Charters on July 3, 2023
Fishing Hilton Head in July can be great but you should definitely be prepared for the heat and a ton of people. Not everyone on the water knows boating etiquette. Fishing can be hot or cold in July depending on many factors.

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Elena McCollum
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Family Shark Fishing & Dolphin Discoveries 1 on June 3, 2023
We had a really good time. I think there was little confusion as to what type of fish we will be fishing for. On the website we read the types of fish we thought we were going out for, but the particular boat we were on was equipped for shark fishing.

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Lucy Sams
Charlotte, NC
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pole Cat Charters on April 6, 2023
This is right at the beginning of the season, so many fish will be catch-release due to being babies & not meeting the minimum length/weight. For beginners or tourist, this is a great way to get your feet wet and learn what deep sea fishing techniques work best for you.

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David Scharpenburg
Overland Park, Kansas
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fins Up Adventure Charters on June 3, 2021
If you expect rough waters take bonine ahead of time. We had a thunderstorm rolling in and two of my kids that didn't take it got pretty seasick as the waters were rough. The ones that took it were fine and had no issues.

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Cathy Brickel
Birch Run, MI
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Hilton Head Gullah Gal Fishing on March 1, 2020
We had ad a great time! It was a successful day of catching fish that were in season. Do your research before planning your trip. I knew when I booked that it wasn't the right season for catching sharks or bigger fish. If that is your goal, plan your trip accordingly. The captain and the experience get 5 stars - the fishing in March gets 4 because it is off-season.

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Terence Karshagen
Winder, GA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Black Skimmer Charters on July 23, 2019
While Spring and Fall are probably better seasons for fishing, if you are taking your kids for the first time, and want a learning experience, there is nothing better than a trip off HHI - will always get Shark...

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Ryan Hale
Danville, IL
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Rainmaker Fishing Charters on June 20, 2019
Don't expect anything other than being somewhere other than work, we caught 1 fish in the first 2 1/2 hours, when we moved to the final spot we had a fantastic time, everyone caught multiple sharks of substantial size.

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Tri Toad
Katy, TX
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Hilton Head True Grits Fishing on June 21, 2019
Hire Hilton Head Sport Fishing LLC. These guys will put you on the fish, teach you proper rigging and baiting, and where to find the fish around the area. They are experienced and passionate about fishing.

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David Osborne
Goodfield, Illinois
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Hilton Head True Grits Fishing on April 10, 2019
Do a great deal of homework and be very clear of the trips expectations before leaving the dock. The captain explained to us the fish move and everything changes in April. Fishing can be terrible and we spent a lot of money for nothing.

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Botts Smith
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Hilton Head True Grits Fishing on March 23, 2019
It’s considered one of the slower months but it was fantastic for us March 23 at on the boat beautiful day great wake up great departure from the dock and a fantastic catch eaten the wonderful black Seabass for dinner tonight fresh fresh as it comes thank you captain and thank you first mate over and out.

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Andy Shelton
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with I Love Fishing Charters on November 24, 2025
Listen to your captains and take all advice you can from them. It was a great experience we are already booked again.

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Erik Johnson
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drifter Excursions – Ricochet on November 19, 2025
The whiting are small within the sound but once in a good spot you can catch a lot really quick. Also, bobbing rod up and down slow helps reset and makes it much more desirable given the current.

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Matt Jacobs
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with I Love Fishing Charters on November 13, 2025
Dress warm and have layers as the day gets warmer! Be patient as you wait for schools of fish to start feeding.

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Steve Willetts
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Buddy’s Outdoor Adventures on November 24, 2025
Check weather condition for very choppy seas to evaluate if trip should be canceled

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Daniel Schoendorfer
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Reel Easy Charters on October 31, 2025
Yes, an inshore (3) hour trip would be great for any ages and any level of fishing experience

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Douglas Canter
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Southern Summers Charters on October 29, 2025
Be preparred for the weather, we werent dressed for the cold rain. But still enjoyed!

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David Ray
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Southern Summers Charters on October 8, 2025
We did an inshore trip for 4 hours and caught a bunch of bull reds. Rodney was a great captain. Highly recommended

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Rick Homan
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fins and Feathers Guide Service on September 25, 2025
Fishing later in the fall will improve water clarity and increase the opportunity to catch fish according to Mike.

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Ryan Woodman
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Pole Cat Charters on September 23, 2025
Bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Also if the charter offers to clean the fish and you have to travel a distance back home (several hours) not a bad idea to bring a food sealer

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Jim Hovanec
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Sara Mads Sport Fishing on September 14, 2025
We fished in the bay because of the high winds. It would have been better if we could have fished the wrecks off shore. But that’s fishing!

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Rachel Vallance
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Reel McCoy Charters on August 21, 2025
Sun protection. We wore Merrell Aqau Mocs- Crocs would work too. Wear quick drying clothing. Bring sunglasses and a hat.

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Gabe Lawson
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fins Up Adventure Charters on August 12, 2025
I would recommend finding the right charter. It’s about the captain and effort they put in. If they give you the best opportunity to catch fish that is all that matters.

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Brian Cox
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Fins Up Adventure Charters on August 2, 2025
Fins Up provided a great experience for everyone. 4 of 5 were first timers and they all have the fever now. We will be back.

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Kevin Wieszczecinski
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Reel Easy Charters on July 31, 2025
Get to know your captain! They will give you a lot of information about the area attractions and great choices places to eat!