4-Hour Morning Fishing Trip in Hilton Head Island
Looking for a solid morning on the water without breaking the bank? This 4-hour inshore fishing charter with Reel Native Fishing Charters delivers exactly what you're hoping for. We'll work the productive waters around Hilton Head Island targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and whatever else is biting. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're just getting started, you'll pick up some new tricks and hopefully land some fish to brag about. The morning bite is often the best part of the day, and we'll make sure you're in the right spots when the fish are feeding.
What to Expect on the Water
We launch early to beat the heat and catch the fish when they're most active. This trip accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching. The boat is rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need - just bring yourself, some snacks, and drinks for the morning. We fish the maze of creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats that make Hilton Head's inshore waters so productive. The scenery is pretty spectacular too, with dolphins often joining us and plenty of bird life to keep things interesting between bites. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll walk you through everything from rigging baits to fighting fish.
Tactics and Techniques
We mix it up depending on what's working best. Live shrimp under popping corks is a go-to setup for trout and redfish, especially around structure and grass edges. When the fish are aggressive, we'll throw artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons to cover more water. I'll teach you how to read the water - looking for current breaks, bait schools, and the subtle signs that fish are around. We target different depths and structure throughout the trip, from shallow oyster bars where redfish cruise to deeper creek mouths where flounder ambush prey. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish want that particular morning.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches and fight like crazy once hooked. They feed year-round but really turn on during spring and fall. You'll find them tailing in shallow water or cruising oyster bars. The way they strip line on that first run gets everyone's heart pumping.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are abundant and great eating. They typically run 14-18 inches with some larger gator trout mixed in. These fish love grass flats and creek mouths, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're perfect for anglers learning to feel light bites.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. Most run 14-20 inches, and they're hands down some of the best eating fish in these waters. Fall is when they really stack up as they head to deeper water. The fight isn't spectacular, but the reward at the dinner table sure is.
Black drum often surprise anglers with their bulldog fighting style. We catch them around oyster bars and structure, usually ranging from keeper size up to impressive bulls over 30 inches. They're year-round residents but really feed heavily during cooler months. The bigger ones will test your drag and your patience.
Bonnethead sharks add some excitement to any trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family are abundant in our shallow waters and put up a great fight on light tackle. They're completely safe to handle and make for awesome photos before release.
When conditions are right, we'll encounter blacktip sharks, especially during warmer months. These acrobatic fighters often jump repeatedly when hooked, creating memories that last long after the trip ends. They're typically 2-4 feet long and absolutely electric on the end of the line.
Spanish mackerel show up seasonally and provide non-stop action when they're around. These speed demons hit fast and fight harder than their size suggests. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly.
Cobia are the wild cards - you never know when one might cruise by. These brown sharks as some call them can reach impressive sizes and are considered among the best eating fish in the ocean. Spotting one free-swimming is always exciting.
King mackerel occasionally venture into our inshore waters, especially during spring and fall migrations. When we connect with kings, it's usually a memorable battle with screaming runs and aerial displays.
Time to Book Your Spot
This trip offers serious value for anglers who want a top-rated Hilton Head fishing experience without the full-day commitment. The morning bite is often the most productive anyway, and you'll still have your afternoon free for other activities. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn or an experienced angler wanting to explore new water, this charter delivers. The diverse fishery around Hilton Head means we're rarely without options, and the chance to catch multiple species keeps things interesting all morning long. Book your spot and let's see what's biting in these world-class inshore waters.
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Hilton Head Island
Target redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in productive inshore waters
