5.0(4 Reviews)4 Hours Inshore Fishing Trip in Hilton Head
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing adventure in Hilton Head watersSmall group experience with maximum three guests aboardProfessional charter targeting backcountry fishing spots
Get ready for a top-rated half-day adventure exploring Hilton Head's most productive backcountry waters with Captain SK Kim and I Love Fishing Charters. This 4-hour inshore fishing trip takes you deep into the maze of creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats where redfish, sea trout, and summer flounder call home. You'll fish with a seasoned local captain who knows exactly where the fish are holding and when they're most likely to bite. With room for up to 3 anglers, this trip offers the perfect balance of personalized attention and productive fishing action that keeps guests coming back season after season.
Captain Kim will pick you up and head straight into the heart of Hilton Head's backcountry waters, where the real fishing happens. These protected creeks and flats are where local fish feed, spawn, and shelter – far from the crowded tourist spots. You'll watch your captain read the water like a book, positioning the boat perfectly along oyster bars during falling tides or working grass edges when the water's rising. The approach is all about finesse and local knowledge rather than just luck. Captain Kim even casts his own net for live shrimp bait, ensuring you're fishing with the freshest offerings possible. The boat stays in motion, hitting multiple proven spots throughout the trip until you find where the fish are actively feeding.
This inshore fishing experience focuses on light tackle techniques that maximize your fight-to-fish ratio. You'll primarily use live shrimp under popping corks, which creates just enough commotion to attract attention without spooking wary fish in shallow water. Captain Kim also employs cut bait techniques for targeting larger redfish and uses artificial lures like soft plastics when fish are actively feeding. The boat is equipped with quality spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test line – strong enough to handle trophy fish but light enough to feel every nibble. You'll learn to work the tides, reading how fish behavior changes as water moves in and out of the creeks. The captain handles all the technical aspects like anchoring in current and selecting the right bait for conditions while teaching you the subtle art of detecting bites and setting hooks properly.
"Unforgettable Half-Day Trip with Captain SK Kim Captain Kim is a natural-born fisherman! We almost felt bad for the redfish and sea bass with him on the hunt. Kate reeled in a redfish big enough to feed us both—and it was delicious! From the moment we set out, it was clear that Captain Kim's top priority was making sure we caught fish—and he delivered! He even cast for shrimp to use as bait and took us to hidden fishing spots we never knew existed. His knowledge, skill, and friendly nature made the experience even better. This was our first fishing charter, and thanks to Captain Kim, we might be spoiled for any other!" - Kate and Russ Keep. "An Unbelievable Day on the Water! I still can't believe I landed 35 Redfish, all between 18-24 inches! My shoulder was sore from reeling them in! Captain Sangkyun truly knows the Lowcountry backwaters and exactly where to find the fish. Thank you, my friend, for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience!" - Larry Pytilk. "Amazing Fishing Trip! Captain Kim was fantastic! His deep knowledge of different fish species and the best times and places to catch them made the trip well worth it. Plus, I landed two big Redfish—28" and 30"!" - Wayne.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Hilton Head's inshore waters and the primary target on most trips. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-sized 18-24 inch fish perfect for dinner to oversized bulls pushing 30+ inches that'll test your drag system. Reds feed aggressively on falling tides when shrimp and crabs get flushed out of the grass, making them relatively easy to hook once you locate a school. They're famous for their powerful initial runs and stubborn fights in shallow water. What makes catching redfish so addictive is their willingness to eat – they're not picky about bait presentation like some species, but they fight like they mean it every single time.
Summer Flounder, locally called fluke, are the masters of camouflage hiding in sandy channels and creek mouths. These flatfish ambush prey from the bottom, which means your bait presentation needs to be spot-on. They typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with occasional doormat-sized fish over 24 inches that'll surprise even experienced anglers. Flounder fishing requires patience and a keen sense of feel since their bite is often just a subtle weight on your line. But once hooked, they provide steady pressure and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat.
Sea Trout are the most abundant species you'll encounter, schooling in grass flats and creek bends throughout the area. These spotted beauties average 12-16 inches but can reach 20+ inches during peak season. They're extremely willing biters, especially on live shrimp, making them perfect confidence-builders for first-time charter guests. Sea trout have a softer mouth than redfish, so the fight is more about finesse than raw power. They're also one of the best eating fish in the lowcountry when prepared fresh, with delicate white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
This customer-favorite 4-hour inshore trip with I Love Fishing Charters delivers consistent action in some of South Carolina's most productive fishing waters. Captain Kim's proven track record speaks for itself – from first-time anglers landing their personal best to
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our nimble 17-foot Bulls Bay 1700, perfectly designed for navigating Hilton Head's backcountry waters. This shallow-draft bay boat draws just enough water to slip into those hidden creeks and flats where the fish love to hang out. The reliable 90hp Yamaha 4-stroke gets you there efficiently, cruising at 30 mph when you need to cover water quickly between spots. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without getting tangled up. The wireless trolling motor lets us ghost into skinny water without spooking wary redfish and trout. Our fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, while the GPS keeps us on productive honey holes. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. Whether we're sight-casting to tailing reds in the grass or working oyster bars for trout, this boat handles the diverse inshore terrain around Hilton Head like a champ.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout, as we call them locally, are beautiful spotted fish that cruise our grass flats and creek edges. They typically run 14-18 inches with some pushing 24 inches and 5 pounds. You'll find them in 2-8 feet over grass beds, especially around deeper potholes and creek mouths. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but they bite year-round. Summer nights under lights can be magic. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the table. They're scrappy fighters for their size too. My go-to technique: work a soft plastic shrimp slowly along the grass edges during moving water. The key is keeping it just above the grass - too deep and you'll hang up constantly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Hilton Head flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails love shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. They average 20-30 inches but can push 40-plus pounds. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially on moving tides. What guests love most is the explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights. They're also fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. Here's a local secret: look for nervous baitfish or "muds" - cloudy water where they're rooting around feeding. Throw a gold spoon or live shrimp just ahead of the disturbance and hang on.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. Around Hilton Head, you'll find them in 3-15 feet of water near structure and drop-offs. They average 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're actively feeding before moving offshore. What makes them special is their incredible camouflage ability and the way they hit bait sideways. They're excellent table fare with mild, white meat. My tip: use a circle hook with live finger mullet and let them run with it a few seconds before setting - they need time to turn that bait around in their sideways mouth. Patience pays off with these "door mats."
5.0 out of 5.0Unforgettable Half-Day Trip with Captain SK Kim Captain Kim is a natural-born fisherman! We almost felt bad for the redfish and s...
An Unbelievable Day on the Water! I still can’t believe I landed 35 Redfish, all between 18-24 inches! My shoulder was sore from ...
Unforgettable Fishing Trip with Captain Kim! My son and I had a fantastic time fishing with Captain Kim. He worked hard to find t...
Amazing Fishing Trip! Captain Kim was fantastic! His deep knowledge of different fish species and the best times and places to ca...
Hilton Head Island, SC, USA