Guided Shark Fishing Trip in Hilton Head Island, SC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour private shark fishing adventure for up to four guestsTarget multiple shark species including Blacktip, Bull, and Tiger sharksProfessional captain provides expert guidance on scenic May and Cooper Rivers
Looking to tangle with some serious predators in the waters around Hilton Head? Captain James and Marsh Critter Charters LLC have you covered with their top-rated shark fishing experience. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about targeting some of the most respected fish in these coastal waters. Whether you're a first-timer wanting to feel that electric bite or a seasoned angler looking to add another species to your list, this 3-hour adventure puts you right where the sharks are feeding. The May and Cooper Rivers hold some fantastic opportunities, and Captain James knows exactly where to find them.
You'll be fishing from a 1720 Action Craft Fly Fisher, a boat that's built for both comfort and getting into those productive shallow areas where sharks love to hunt. Captain James runs three trips daily – 7:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:30 PM – so you can pick what works best for your schedule. The morning bite can be phenomenal, especially when the water's still cool and baitfish are active. Your group of up to 4 anglers gets the boat to yourselves, which means more personalized instruction and better odds of everyone getting hooked up. The scenic May and Cooper Rivers offer perfect habitat for multiple shark species, with plenty of structure, current breaks, and bait concentrations that draw these apex predators in close to shore.
Shark fishing requires the right approach, and Captain James has it dialed in. You'll be using circle hooks and wire leaders – essential gear when you're dealing with fish that have rows of razor-sharp teeth. The technique involves setting up in areas with good current flow, using fresh bait like mullet, whiting, or blue crab to get their attention. Unlike other inshore species that might hit artificials, sharks rely heavily on scent, so we're talking about soaking baits in prime feeding zones. The 1720 Action Craft gives you the mobility to move between spots quickly, and the shallow draft means accessing areas larger boats can't reach. Captain James will handle the heavy tackle setup, but be ready for some serious arm-burning fights when these fish decide to make their runs.
The Bonnethead Shark might be the most common species you'll encounter, but don't let that fool you – these fish are scrappy fighters that'll give you a workout on medium tackle. They're smaller than their cousins, typically running 2-4 feet, but they're aggressive feeders and great for getting everyone on the boat involved in the action. Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for jumping clear out of the water when hooked. These fish average 3-5 feet around Hilton Head and are some of the most exciting to fight because of their aerial displays and long runs. Tiger Sharks are the heavy hitters – true apex predators that can stretch 8-10 feet and pack serious weight. They're less common but when one shows up, everyone on the boat knows it. Their distinctive stripes and powerful build make them a bucket-list catch for serious anglers.
Lemon Sharks are another world-class target, known for their yellowish coloration and aggressive feeding behavior. They're intelligent hunters that often work in groups, so when you find one, there's a good chance more are nearby. These fish can reach impressive sizes and are known for their tenacious fights. Bull Sharks round out the target list as some of the most powerful fish in these waters. They're stocky, aggressive, and can handle both salt and brackish water, making them perfect residents of the river systems around Hilton Head. A bull shark on the line means you're in for a serious test of strength and endurance.
Bonnethead Sharks are active year-round in Hilton Head waters, but spring through fall offers the most consistent action. These smaller sharks are perfect for beginners because they're manageable size-wise but still give you that authentic shark fishing experience. They feed heavily on crabs and small fish, making them relatively easy to target with the right bait presentation. What makes them special is their unique head shape – they're actually part of the hammerhead family, just smaller and more docile than their larger relatives.
Blacktip Sharks show up in force during warmer months, typically April through October, when baitfish schools are thick along the coast. They're incredibly fast swimmers and known for their spectacular jumps – some anglers say it's like hooking a tarpon with teeth. These sharks are also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within regulations, though many anglers prefer the catch-and-release approach to help maintain healthy populations.
Tiger Sharks are the ultimate prize fish for this type of fishing. They're most active during summer months and are known for their willingness to eat just about anything. These are true apex predators with incredible power and stamina. Landing one is a real achievement and something most anglers remember for years. Their distinctive pattern and massive size make for amazing photos before release.
Lemon Sharks prefer the warmer months and are often found in the same areas as blacktips. They're curious fish and will often investigate the boat, giving everyone great viewing opportunities even when they're not hooked. Their bright coloration makes them easy to identify, and they're known for their intelligence – some anglers swear they can remember being caught and become more wary on subsequent encounters.
Bull Sharks are perhaps the most unpredictable species on this list. They can show up any time of year and in water so shallow you wouldn't expect to find such large predators. They're incredibly strong fighters and known for their determination once hooked. Many consider them pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish in these waters, making them a favorite target for experienced anglers looking for a serious challenge.
The 1720 Action Craft Fly Fisher is your ticket to serious shark action in Hilton Head's productive inshore waters. This 17-foot 2024 motorboat cuts through the May and Cooper Rivers with authority, thanks to its reliable Mercury engine and Action Craft's proven hull design. Built specifically for fishing performance, she handles the choppy conditions where sharks patrol while keeping you comfortable during the fight. The spacious deck gives you and up to 3 fellow anglers plenty of room to work when those Blacktips and Bulls start running. Captain James knows exactly where to position this stable platform for the best shots at Bonnetheads, Lemons, and even Tigers cruising the river channels. Whether you're bringing the family for their first shark encounter or you're a seasoned angler chasing bigger species, this boat delivers the speed to reach the hotspots and the stability to land your catch safely.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks you'll encounter here - these 4-6 foot speedsters are famous for their acrobatic jumps and can launch 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. They're easily spotted by the distinctive black tips on their fins and their preference for patrolling near structure in 30-100 feet of water. Summer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding on mackerel and herring around artificial reefs and channel edges. What guests love most is their explosive strikes and aerial displays - it's pure excitement on every hookup. My go-to technique is using oily bait like fresh mackerel or sardines with a good chum slick. Once you get them fired up, they become aggressive and competitive.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads you'll see around here, easily recognized by their shovel-shaped heads and shy nature. These 3-4 foot sharks are completely harmless and actually pretty curious once they get comfortable. During our warmer months from late spring through early fall, they cruise the shallow flats and creek mouths in schools of 10-15, feeding on crabs and small fish. What makes them fun to target is their surprising fight for their size - they're scrappy and will give you a good tussle on lighter tackle. The secret to hooking one is fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook threaded through a leg. They can't resist it, and you'll often get multiple fish from the same school.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the toughest customers in these waters - thick, muscular sharks that average 8-10 feet and pack serious attitude. What makes them unique is their ability to move between salt and freshwater, so we find them year-round in the rivers, creeks, and nearshore waters around Hilton Head. Summer brings peak action when they're most active in the warmer shallows. Guests target them for the raw power and aggressive strikes - these are bulldogs that will test your drag and endurance like no other local shark. They're opportunistic feeders that respond well to fresh cut bait and chum. My secret weapon is fresh eel - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through multiple runs.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are beautiful yellow-bronze sharks that range from 6-10 feet and are surprisingly common in our coastal waters during warmer months. These stocky sharks prefer sandy flats, creek mouths, and shallow bays where they hunt for stingrays, crabs, and bonefish. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees and they move into the shallows to feed and breed. What makes them appealing to anglers is their strong, steady fight and their willingness to take both live and cut bait. They're also great for families since they're generally docile when handled properly. Fresh stingray or shark strips work magic, but my local trick is using live blue crabs fished right on the bottom near oyster bars where they love to hunt.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators around here, reaching 10-14 feet and known for their distinctive dark stripes that fade with age. These powerful sharks are nomadic hunters that patrol deeper waters but move into the shallows to feed, especially during dawn and dusk. While they're present year-round, late summer and fall bring the best opportunities when they're following bait schools. What makes tigers special is their incredible strength and the sheer size potential - landing one is a true trophy experience that tests both angler and equipment. They're not picky eaters, but fresh tuna, mackerel, or bluefish chunks work best. The key is using heavy tackle with at least 100-pound test and being patient - they're methodical feeders that take their time.
Hilton Head Island, SC