Whether you’re a beginner or an avid angler, Hilton Head fishing is for everyone! Are you ready to reel in your greatest catch yet? Here in Hilton Head, we have plenty of spots to fish on shore, with an experienced charter, or by kayak! So, grab your favorite rods and reels and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime.
Read on for more local insight about the best fishing in the area!
South Carolina Regulations for Fishing in Hilton Head
South Carolina has rules and regulations you need to know before you cast your line in our waters.
Here are just a few things to keep in mind:
- You need a fishing license. Before fishing in the waters off the coast of South Carolina, you’ll need a fishing license. Anglers 16 and over must have a license for recreational fishing. If you’re fishing with a charter, ask ahead of time because they may provide you with one. If you’re fishing on your own, you can purchase one online ahead of time.
- There are illegal species, size, and bag limits. South Carolina fishing regulations apply within three miles of Hilton Head Island’s shores. Once you’re past the three-mile line, federal fishing regulations go into effect. Check out regulations before you go to be safe!
- Never pollute the waters. Help us protect the integrity of our wildlife and beautiful landscapes while you’re here. Do your best to clean up after yourself.
- You must follow shore guidelines. You cannot fish for sharks or stingrays while shore fishing at any time. If you catch one by accident, just let it go quickly.
What You’ll Catch Fishing in Hilton Head
Fall & Winter
It’s no secret that cooler waters bring more fish to the top for feeding. Fall and winter are the peak seasons to catch Redfish, Trout, and Flounder.
Spring
We recommend spring fishing in the Port Royal Sound and Broad River. This season’s top catches often include Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, and Blue Fish.
Summer
In the summer, you can expect to encounter Tarpon, King Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, and Redfish. Surrounding creeks, the Port Royal Sound, and local marshes are the places to be.
Top 3 Ways To Enjoy Fishing in Hilton Head Island
With A Fishing Charter
Deep-sea fishing can be intimidating if you’re new to the sport. That’s why it’s worth it to hire an experienced guide to show you the ropes! Whether or not you’re new to fishing, Hilton Head charters offer a variety of fishing trips so you can customize your time on the water for the type of boat, species of fish, duration, and much more.
Beyond that, they often take care of all the logistics, and you even get to keep a portion of your catch! Take it home to your Beach Properties vacation rental for a true fresh-catch feast!
While there are plenty of Hilton Head fishing tours to choose from, here are some of our top picks to help you narrow it down:
Off the Hook Fishing Charters
Perfect for all skill levels, this Hilton Head Island fishing charter offers inshore, light tackle, and fly-fishing adventures. Enjoy two to eight hours on the water with everything from your fishing license to your bait, tackle, cooler, and ice included.
- 18’ Hells Bay Pro – Spin or Fly Fishing: 3 hours for $500
- 22’ Pathfinder Bay – Spin fishing: 2 Hours for $425
- 25’ Hells Bay Estero – Spin or Fly Fishing: 3 hours for $550
Tail Tamer Fishing Charters
With Tail Tamer Fishing Charters, you’ll experience the beauty of the Lowcountry while catching an array of fish near shore, in the sounds, and over the wrecks. If you’re a little more adventurous, try Lowcountry Shark Fishing!
- 3 Hour Fishing Charter: $525 – Perfect for families with small children, this fishing trip sticks to calm water in the Calibogue Sound and May River
- 4 Hour Fishing Charter: $625 – 5 miles offshore and choice of targeting shark or redfish, trout, jacks, and other varieties
- 5 Hour Fishing Charter: $800 (Most popular), just enough time to get good variety
- 6 Hour Fishing Charter: $900 – Great option if you’re looking to hook big sharks
- 7 Hour Fishing Charter: $1000 – 15 miles offshore to two fertile artificial reefs
- 8 Hour Fishing Charter: $1500 – Cast a line in 85’ deep water for the chance to hook massive fish
- All Day Fishing Charter: $3500 – Leave before sunrise, back by dark with coolers full of everything from mahi to tuna (weather-dependent)
Hilton Head Fishing Adventures
Enjoy a day of light tackle fishing on the waters around Hilton with inshore fishing guides at Hilton Head Fishing Adventures. You’ll have the opportunity to fish the calm shallows for redfish, black drum, speckled sea trout, and flounder. Depending on the weather, you may fish in the deeper waters of the Port Royal Sounds or nearshore wrecks for tarpon, bull redfish, cobia, shark, and mackerel! With a rich variety of saltwater fish available in Hilton Head, you’re sure to hook a memorable catch.
- 2-Hour: $300 – Up to two adults and two children (Summer shar and family fishing)
- 3-Hour: $400 – Up to two adults and two children (Summer shark and family fishing)
- 4-Hour: $500 – One to three passengers (Inshore and Nearshore fishing)
Rainmaker Fishing Charters
Rainmaker Fishing Charters offers full-service tours in the coastal and offshore waters of Hilton Head. You'll have an unforgettable experience learning about the local ecosystem and finding the fishing grounds fast with the fully equipped boats and technology they offer! Whether you’re sport fishing in the deep or taking it easy in the shallows, you’re guaranteed to have a blast.
- Inshore Shallows Trip: 4-6 hours from $600-$800 (only offered October – April)
- Inshore/Nearshore: 3-hour tour - $550 (additional options for longer trips)
- Offshore Fishing: 5-Hour tour - $900 (additional options for longer trips)
With A Kayak
Did you know you can rent a kayak for fishing? If you’re looking for a unique fishing experience, consider this option. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of the tidal salt marsh with a guided fishing excursion!
From the Shore
If you prefer to spend quiet time fishing alone or with a few close friends or family members, don’t worry. There are plenty of great fishing spots you can find on your own. All you’ll need is some fishing poles, bait, and good luck!
Surf fishing in Hilton Head, shore fishing, pier fishing, and boat fishing are some of the options you’ll have to choose from at some of the following destinations:
- Sea Pines Lagoon
- Palmetto Dunes Lagoon
- Jarvis Creek State Park
- Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier
- Daufuskie Island
- The Calibogue Sound
- Fish America Reef
- Betsy Ross Reef
If you stay in one of our properties within the Sea Pines or Palmetto Dunes communities, you’ll have easy access to the bodies of water located on their grounds.
For Guest Renting inside Sea Pines:
Sea Pines CSA Fishing permits are required for rental guests and may be obtained from the Sea Pines CSA Administration Building located at 175 Greenwood Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm. A valid Sea Pines rental guest pass and a $5 fee are required to obtain a fishing permit which will only be valid during the time frame noted on the rental guest pass provided.
Important Safety Tips Regarding Alligators in Sea Pines:
- Assume every body of water contains an alligator
- Stay at least 60 feet (4 car lengths) away from alligators
- Alligators are ambush predators and can move faster than you or your pets
- Keep pets and children away from water’s edge
- Swimming or wading is prohibited in Sea Pines’ waterways
- Feeding or harassing alligators is dangerous and illegal
- When fishing or crabbing, do not throw used bait or fish parts into the water
Bait & Tackle Shops on the Island
Shrimp, shellfish, cut bait, baitfish, paddle tails, bucktails, lures, poppers, jerks, and more. Knowing the best bait to use for whatever it is you’re trying to catch is essential. Make your way to one of the local bait and tackle shops, and if you’re lucky, one of the shop owners or another local fisherman who might be shopping there could pass along some helpful advice! You can also purchase everything else you might need, such as a rod and reel, fishing line, nets, wire cutters, and more.
Here are some of the best local tackle shops to check out during your visit:
Make the Most of Your Hilton Head Getaway When You Stay with Beach Properties
If you’re planning to spend your vacation on Hilton Head fishing, you’ll need to choose accommodations for your home base. Live like a local instead of a tourist! Beach Properties of Hilton Head offers an impressive selection of properties across the island. No matter how large or small your group is, we’ve got the right vacation home for you. You’ll also have access to a wide variety of amenities, including top-notch community features.
Book your stay today!
Is fishing good in Hilton Head?
Yes! Whether you’re casting a line from a fishing pier in Hilton Head, SC, surf fishing, or heading out on a charter, our waters are brimming with variety. Species include flounder, sheepshead, speckled trout, black drum, cobia, red drum, tarpon, seabass, king mackerel, red fish, sharks, sailfish, amberjack, mahi… and the list goes on. Thanks to our diverse waterways, your fishing options are limitless!
What is the best month to fish in Hilton Head?
The best month for fishing in Hilton Head depends on the kind of fish you’re after. In winter (January – March), sheepshead, seabass, Spanish mackerel, dogfish, and tarpon are most common. Spring fishing (April – June) brings a chance for black drum, bluefish, sharks, sea bass, and amberjack. Summer (July – September) is best for flounder, tripletail, speckled trout, mackerel, ladyfish, and redfish. And in fall (October – December), you’ll find weakfish, barracuda, mahi mahi, red drum, and different shark varieties.
What fish are biting in Hilton Head now?
With warm temperatures still dominating the forecast, the waters in Hilton Head are ripe for amberjack, barracuda, bluefish, king mackerel, mahi, sailfish, and much more. Check the fishing forecast before heading out to see what varieties others are catching.
How much is a fishing license in Hilton Head, SC?
Nonresidents of South Carolina can purchase a 1-day or 7-day saltwater fishing license for $10 or $35. A 14-day freshwater license for nonresidents is $11. In-state residents can expect lower rates. Licenses can be purchased online at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Where can I fish in Hilton Head?
There are lots of opportunities to find unique Hilton Head fishing spots. Check out Jarvis Creek State Park, local fishing piers, Palmetto Dunes, Sea Pines, shore fishing on the beach, the sounds, or book an offshore charter to get into some of the deep waters of the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway.