5.0(11 Reviews)3 Hour Fishing Trip in Hilton Head
5.0(11 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Threehour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and speckled troutExpert guidance and topnotch equipment provided for all skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum three guests per charter
Looking for a solid half-day on the water without the full commitment of an all-day charter? This 3-hour fishing trip hits the sweet spot for families, couples, or anyone wanting to get their lines wet in Hilton Head's productive inshore waters. Captain Kim knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting you on fish while making sure everyone has a blast. Whether you're a first-timer or you've been fishing these waters for years, this trip delivers the goods without eating up your whole day.
We'll launch from one of Hilton Head's prime boat ramps and head straight to where the fish are biting. Captain Kim reads these waters better than most folks read a newspaper – he knows exactly where to find the honey holes based on tides, weather, and recent fish movement. The boat's rigged with quality gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks. We keep the group small at just 3 anglers max, which means plenty of room to cast and personalized attention from the captain. The pace is relaxed but productive – we're here to catch fish and enjoy ourselves, not rush around like we're in some kind of tournament.
We'll be working the shallow flats, creek mouths, and structure where inshore species love to hang out. Depending on what's biting, we might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics along the bottom, or casting topwater plugs when the fish are aggressive. Captain Kim's got all the tackle dialed in – from the right hook sizes to the perfect leader material for our target species. You'll learn proper casting techniques, how to work different lures, and reading the water like a pro. The captain's not just putting you on fish; he's teaching you the why behind every move so you'll be a better angler when you head home.
"The captain was phenomenal! He didn't just put us on the fish, he educated us on so many levels. I would highly recommend this charter to everyone! I've been taking charters for years now, this simply was the Best Experience I've ever had, we do appreciate the education provided." - Aaron. "I've had the pleasure of fishing with Captain SK Kim several times recently, and every trip has been fantastic. He's thoughtful, kind, and highly professional, with a deep knowledge of where the fish are and how to track them when they move. I've always caught fish with him, so if you're looking for a fun and successful fishing trip, book with "I Love Fishing Charters"—you won't be disappointed!" - Member. "We had such a blast on our 3 hour fishing trip. Captian Kim was so fun, nice, and knew the waters very well. He was a huge help and very patient. We caught a handful of different species. Would highly recommend for new or experienced anglers!" - Alanna.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Hilton Head's inshore fishing scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers fight like freight trains and are available year-round in our waters. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats during high tide or hugging structure when the water drops. Reds between 18-27 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while the bigger bull reds over 27 inches provide rod-bending action before we release them to fight another day. They're suckers for a well-presented shrimp or soft plastic, and watching one blow up on a topwater lure will get your heart pumping every single time.
Sea Trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are another fan favorite that'll test your drag system. These spotted beauties love grass beds and drop-offs, especially during the warmer months from spring through fall. They're notorious for their soft mouths, so you've got to finesse them to the boat without pulling the hook. A quality speck dinner is hard to beat, and these fish are abundant enough that you'll likely boat several during our trip. They're perfect for teaching kids proper fish handling since they're not too big but still put up a respectable fight.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure power and excellent table fare. These bottom dwellers love structure like oyster beds, docks, and creek bends where they root around for crabs and shellfish. The smaller "puppy drum" under 5 pounds are fantastic eating, while the bigger fish can exceed 20 pounds and will test every knot on your rig. They're available year-round but really turn on during the cooler months when they school up in deeper water.
Summer Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal to swim by. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can be tricky to locate, but Captain Kim knows all their favorite hiding spots around Hilton Head. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and a fresh flounder dinner is something special. You'll need to stay alert when bottom fishing for them – their bite can be subtle, but once hooked, they fight surprisingly hard for a flatfish.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped thieves of the inshore world, famous for stealing bait right off your hook. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around docks, pilings, and jetties. They're most active during the cooler months and provide some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. Landing a quality sheepshead requires patience and quick reflexes – they're notorious for picking bait clean without getting hooked, but that's all part of the challenge that makes them so rewarding to catch.
Get ready to chase Redfish and Speckled Trout around Hilton Head's prime inshore waters! Our 17-foot Bulls Bay 1700 is the perfect fishing machine for up to three anglers. Powered by a reliable 90hp Yamaha 4-stroke, she'll cruise at 30 mph to get you to the hotspots fast, then switch to whisper-quiet mode with the wireless trolling motor when it's time to sneak up on those fish. The shallow draft design lets us access those hidden backwater honey holes where the big ones hang out. Everything's onboard to make your 3-hour adventure smooth sailing – GPS to find the fish, fish finder to see what's below, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this bay boat handles like a dream and gives you the perfect platform for casting lines and making memories on Hilton Head's beautiful coastal waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruiser fish hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black powerhouses love hanging around oyster beds and shallow muddy flats where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we target them most. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make underwater, plus they're serious fighters that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster bars. They're picky eaters, so when you feel that subtle tap, set the hook hard and get ready for a tug-of-war.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species around Hilton Head, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and that black spot near their tail. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Size ranges from schooling 18-inch fish to big single "bull" reds over 30 inches. Spring through fall gives you consistent action, but they bite year-round here. What guests love most is watching these fish cruise the shallows and that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures. They're also excellent eating in the slot-size range. The sight-fishing aspect really gets people excited - you can actually see them tailing in inches of water. My go-to tip: cast past the fish and work your lure back toward them. Don't land it right on their head or you'll spook them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are beautiful silver fish covered in dark spots that love our grass flats and shallow waters. Most run 14-18 inches and put up a scrappy fight for their size. Early morning and evening are prime time, especially during spring and fall when they're feeding actively in 2-6 feet of water. What makes them special is that delicate, flaky white meat - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're willing biters that'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. You'll find them around oyster bars, creek mouths, and anywhere there's moving water with grass nearby. Night fishing can be dynamite too when they come into really shallow water to feed. Local tip: work your lure slow and steady - trout don't like erratic movements. A popping cork with live shrimp underneath is hard to beat around here.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with those distinctive black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth. These 1-8 pound structure lovers hang tight around dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars where they munch on barnacles and small crabs. Spring months are your best bet when they're most active and feeding heavily. Guests get a kick out of their unique look and the fact they're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble your shrimp right off the hook if you're not paying attention. The reward is sweet, white meat that's tough to beat on the dinner table. Here's the key: get your bait as close to structure as possible and when you feel them picking at it, set the hook aggressively. They've got strong mouths, so don't hesitate.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, changing colors to match their surroundings perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall months from September through November give you the best shot at hooking up. What guests love is their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They fight smart rather than hard, using that flat body to their advantage. You'll find them in 10-30 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Pro tip: when using live baitfish, hook them through the lips and use just enough weight to stay on bottom. Be patient - flounder will often grab the tail first, so count to three before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0The captain was phenomenal! He didn’t just put us on the fish, he educated us on so many levels. I would highly recommend this ch...
I had an incredible fishing trip with my daughter and Captain SK! We landed some big fish, making it an unforgettable and special ...
I've had the pleasure of fishing with Captain SK Kim several times recently, and every trip has been fantastic. He’s thoughtful, k...
A Captain Who Cares! Captain Kim truly puts his customers first. He goes the extra mile, moving to different spots to find the be...
Great Experience! Had a fantastic time with Captain Kim. Caught plenty of fish and will definitely be back. Highly recommend!
Great Experience! Had a fantastic time with Captain Kim. Caught plenty of fish and will definitely be back. Highly recommend!
Half-Day Trip in the Low Country We landed massive bull reds, all over 20+ inches! Captain Kim put us right on the sweet spot, an...
Awesome Night of Fishing! Captain Kim did an excellent job putting us on the fish! We caught five different species, including so...
Excellent Guide! Captain Kim worked hard to put us on the fish. Once I find a great guide, I stick with them—and he’s definitely ...
First-Time Fishing Adventure We had an amazing first fishing trip with Captain Kim! He taught us proper casting techniques and ho...
I had a wonderful trip for my father's birthday. Captain Kim was very knowledgeable and super friendly. We caught our limit of red...
We had such a blast on our 3 hour fishing trip. Captian Kim was so fun, nice, and knew the waters very well. He was a huge help an...
Hilton Head Island, SC, USA