Hilton Head Fly Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fly fishing trips around Hilton Head IslandLight tackle fishing for redfish and local speciesExperienced guides provide tailored trips for all skill levels
Picture this: you're standing on the bow of a skiff, fly rod in hand, watching a school of redfish tailing in the shallow grass flats as the sun breaks over the Lowcountry horizon. That's what awaits you on our 4-hour inshore fishing adventures around Hilton Head Island and Beaufort. We're Local Knowledge Guide Service, and we've been putting anglers on fish in these pristine waters for years. Whether you're a seasoned fly caster or picking up a rod for the first time, we'll tailor every trip to match your skill level and fishing goals. These waters hold some of the best inshore action on the East Coast, and we can't wait to show you why.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the water is glass calm. We'll meet at the marina before sunrise, load up the gear, and head out to our first spot while the marsh comes alive around us. The beauty of fishing around Hilton Head and Beaufort is the variety. One minute you're sight-casting to redfish cruising the spartina grass edges, the next you're working a creek mouth where sea trout are ambushing bait. Our shallow-draft boats let us access places the big charter boats can't reach – those backwater honey holes where the fish feel safe and feed aggressively. Each 4-hour trip covers plenty of water, but we're not just running and gunning. When we find active fish, we'll work them thoroughly. That's the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. The Lowcountry backdrop is just a bonus – though you'll definitely want to bring a camera for those golden hour shots.
We specialize in light tackle and fly fishing because that's where the real fun happens. There's nothing like the heart-pounding moment when a redfish crashes a topwater plug in two feet of water, or when you strip-set into a cobia that's been following your fly. Our tackle selection includes everything from 7-weight fly rods perfect for redfish to spinning gear loaded with 15-pound braid for those bigger cobia. We'll match the gear to the conditions and target species for the day. Fly fishing newbies shouldn't worry – we'll start you with simple casts and work up your confidence. The key techniques we use include sight-casting to individual fish, working structure like oyster bars and docks, and reading the tides to position ourselves where the fish will be feeding. During stronger tides, we might anchor up and let the current bring bait – and fish – to us. When it's calm, we're poling the flats looking for that telltale wake or tail that gets every angler's heart racing.
Summer flounder are the masters of disguise in our waters. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms near creek mouths and channel edges, waiting to ambush unsuspecting bait. They're most active during moving water, especially on the first two hours of incoming tide. What makes them exciting is their aggressive strike – they'll absolutely hammer a well-presented jig or fly. Most of our fluke run 16 to 22 inches, perfect eating size, and they fight harder than you'd expect once hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish showing up in September and October as they fatten up before their offshore migration.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Lowcountry inshore fishing. These beautiful fish patrol grass flats, creek mouths, and deeper holes throughout our fishing grounds. They're year-round residents, though they're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are in that sweet spot. Trout are perfect fly rod targets – they'll eat everything from small shrimp patterns to flashy streamers. The best part? They're willing biters. Even on slower days, you can usually count on a few trout to keep the action going. They average 14 to 18 inches in our waters, with the occasional 20-plus inch "gator trout" that'll test your drag system.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery. These copper-colored bruisers are built for the shallow water game, and watching one eat a topwater lure in knee-deep water never gets old. They're year-round residents that form schools in cooler months and spread out to feed individually during summer. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat artificial lures and flies, plus their incredible fighting ability. They'll make long runs, test your knots, and keep you guessing right up to the net. Our typical reds run 22 to 28 inches – perfect slot fish that are great on the table or even better released to fight another day.
Crevalle jack might not win any beauty contests, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. These silver bulldogs show up in schools, often pushing bait to the surface in feeding frenzies that you can see from hundreds of yards away. When you find a school of jacks, it's game on – they'll eat almost anything you throw at them, and they fight like fish twice their size. They're most common during warmer months, and while they're not great table fare, they're perfect for anglers who want to feel their drag screaming and see their rod doubled over.
Cobia are the bonus fish that can make any trip legendary. These brown sharks – as they're sometimes called – are curious fish that will often approach the boat to investigate. They're ambush predators that love structure, and they're absolute freight trains when hooked. Most of our cobia run 25 to 40 inches, though the occasional 50-inch fish shows up to test your tackle and technique. They're most common from late spring through early fall, and they're fantastic on the table. Landing a cobia on fly gear is a bucket-list experience that every angler should try
Our 17-foot Beavertail Skiff is built for serious flats fishing around Hilton Head and Beaufort. This 2020 shallow-draft boat gets you into those skinny waters where redfish love to hang out. The 40HP Yamaha pushes us along at 30 knots, but when we're stalking fish, the wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper quiet. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space and personalized attention from your guide. The GPS keeps us on productive spots while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper channels. Perfect for fly fishing or light tackle work, this nimble skiff lets us slip into backcountry creeks and oyster bars that bigger boats can't reach. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working structure for trout, this boat puts you right where the action is in Lowcountry waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these chocolate-colored fish cruise alone and can reach impressive sizes, with adults averaging 30-50 pounds. They're curious fish that hang around structure like buoys, channel markers, and wrecks in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June offers prime opportunities when they move through our area heading north. What makes cobia special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their powerful fights - they're like underwater bulldogs. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that rivals grouper. Since they're usually solo, each fish is a prize. Here's what works: when you spot one cruising near structure, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slowly. These fish are curious and will often investigate before deciding to strike.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bullies of the flats - aggressive, powerful fish that'll test your drag system and your arms. These brassy-green fighters typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, though we hook into some real bruisers pushing 30+ inches. Look for them around grass beds, structure, and especially under diving birds where they're corralling baitfish. They're active year-round in our waters, but summer brings the best action. What guests love is the raw power - pound for pound, jacks are some of the strongest fish in the ocean. They'll make blistering runs and fight dirty. While not the best table fare, they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. Pro tip: when you see birds working, cast beyond the school and burn your lure back through fast. Jacks love the chase and aggressive retrieves trigger violent strikes.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Lowcountry fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-30 inches around here, with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. You'll find them in skinny water - sometimes so shallow their backs are showing - cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active. What makes reds special is their power and stubbornness once hooked - they'll make long runs and use every oyster bar to try breaking you off. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, mild meat. Here's a local tip: when sight fishing for tailing reds, lead them by at least 3 feet and let your bait settle before they get there. Spook one and the whole school disappears.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 14-24 inches with beautiful silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. These fish love our grass flats and creek mouths, especially in 2-8 feet of water around oyster bars and structure. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but they really turn on during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What guests love about trout is their willingness to hit topwater lures and flies, plus they're scrappy fighters that make multiple runs. They're also excellent eating with tender, flaky meat that's perfect on the grill. One local trick that works great here: when working grass flats, slow down your retrieve and let your lure sink into the pockets between grass patches. Trout often hold in these little ambush spots waiting for shrimp and baitfish.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish lie on sandy bottoms with both eyes on one side, changing colors to match their surroundings perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch some real doormat-sized ones pushing 5+ pounds. They're ambush predators that love our grass flats and channel edges in 6-15 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up before moving offshore. What makes them special is the surprise factor - you never know when that gentle tap is actually a big flounder. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you feel that soft bite, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around in their mouth. Patience pays off with these crafty bottom dwellers.
Hilton Head Island