6-Hour Afternoon Fishing Trip in Hilton Head Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing charter accommodates up to four guestsAll fishing equipment and bait provided by experienced local guidesTarget multiple fish species in Hilton Head's coastal waters
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water around Hilton Head? This 6-hour inshore fishing charter with Reel Native Fishing Charters puts you right in the heart of some of South Carolina's best fishing grounds. With Captain and crew handling all the details, you'll spend your time focused on what matters most – putting fish in the boat. The Lowcountry's intricate maze of tidal creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats creates the perfect hunting ground for everything from hard-fighting redfish to sneaky sheepshead. You'll fish waters that have been producing quality catches for generations, with modern techniques and local knowledge that only comes from running these waters day in and day out.
This afternoon charter runs you through Hilton Head's prime inshore fishing territory, targeting the structure and current breaks where fish love to hang out. The boat launches right into the Port Royal Sound system, giving you access to miles of productive water without burning half your trip running to the fishing grounds. You'll work everything from shallow grass beds where redfish cruise looking for crabs, to deeper channel edges where cobia patrol during their seasonal runs. The crew provides all your rods, reels, and bait – they know exactly what's working and when to switch tactics based on what the fish are telling them. If you've got your own lucky rod or preferred tackle setup, bring it along. Four anglers max means everyone gets plenty of room to fish and personal attention from the captain when it's time to land that fish of a day.
The inshore game around Hilton Head calls for versatile setups that can handle everything from finicky sheepshead around dock pilings to bulldogging black drum in the deep holes. You'll typically fish medium to medium-heavy spinning gear spooled with 15-20 pound braided line – perfect for feeling those subtle bites while having enough backbone to turn fish away from structure. Live and cut baits rule these waters, with fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, and finger mullet being go-to options depending on what's biting. The captain reads the tides like a book, positioning the boat to take advantage of moving water that triggers feeding activity. You might find yourself sight fishing shallow flats one hour, then dropping baits near channel markers the next. Bottom fishing, free-lining baits in the current, and working artificial lures around structure all come into play depending on conditions and target species.
Black drum around Hilton Head are absolute bruisers, especially the bigger ones that patrol deeper channels and creek mouths. These fish hit hard and pull steady, often running 15-30 pounds with some real giants mixed in during peak season from fall through early spring. They love fresh shrimp and blue crab, and once you hook one, you know it – they make long, powerful runs that test your drag and patience. What makes black drum special here is they're year-round residents, though they get more active when water temperatures drop below 70 degrees.
Sheepshead fishing around Hilton Head's abundant dock structures and oyster bars is some of the best you'll find anywhere. These fish are notorious bait stealers with their small mouths and human-like teeth, but once you get the hang of their subtle bite, you're in for consistent action. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they school up around hard structure. Fiddler crabs and small pieces of fresh shrimp work best, and you need to set the hook at the first tap – hesitate and they'll clean your hook without you ever knowing they were there.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Hilton Head inshore fishing, cruising grass flats and creek mouths year-round. Slot-sized fish in the 18-27 inch range provide fantastic sport on medium tackle, with their characteristic head-shaking runs and dogged fights. Spring and fall bring the best action when reds move shallow to feed on fiddlers and mud minnows. Bulls over 27 inches show up regularly too – catch and release fish that can stretch over 40 inches and give you a workout you won't forget. Fresh cut mullet and live shrimp are deadly baits, especially when presented near oyster bars during moving tides.
Bonnethead sharks are year-round residents that provide steady action, especially during warmer months. These smaller members of the hammerhead family rarely exceed 3-4 feet but they're scrappy fighters that hit fresh shrimp and small crabs readily. They're perfect for younger anglers or anyone who wants to experience shark fishing without dealing with massive fish that can be tough to handle safely.
Blacktip sharks patrol these waters seasonally, typically showing up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. These are legitimate sport fish that can reach 4-6 feet and provide heart-pounding runs when hooked. They're most active around creek mouths and channel edges where baitfish congregate. Fresh cut bait works best, and when you hook one, clear the other lines because you're in for a fight that might take you around the boat a few times.
Cobia are the wildcards of Hilton Head inshore fishing, showing up when you least expect them but providing some of the most exciting fishing of the year. These brown sharks lookalikes cruise shallow water from late spring through early fall, often following rays and other bottom feeders. They're curious fish that will follow the boat and inspect baits, sometimes requiring a quick cast with a jig or live bait to seal the deal. When you hook a 30-40 pound cobia in shallow water, hold on tight – they make long runs and aren't shy about jumping.
Six hours on Hilton Head's inshore waters gives you serious time to work different spots and target multiple species as conditions change throughout the day. The afternoon timing is perfect – you
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious anglers targeting Hilton Head's inshore waters. This charter boat comes loaded with everything you need to find and catch fish - from advanced GPS navigation to pinpoint the best fishing spots, to sonar fish finders that show you exactly what's swimming below. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position the boat silently without spooking fish in shallow flats and creeks. Between bites, you'll appreciate the onboard multimedia system for tunes while you wait for that next strike. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without tangling lines. All fishing gear and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your favorite rods if you prefer. Perfect for exploring Hilton Head's productive inshore waters where redfish, trout, and flounder are waiting.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love our oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow creeks around Hilton Head. They're bottom feeders with crusher jaws built for crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What makes them special is the pure pulling power; they'll test your drag like few other fish. For eating, stick with the smaller ones under 15 pounds - the meat's much better. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster structure. These fish are bulldogs that'll give you a workout.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps and those distinctive black-tipped fins. These 4-6 foot sharks patrol our nearshore waters, especially around structure and bait schools. Summer and early fall bring the most consistent action when they're feeding aggressively on everything from mackerel to menhaden. What makes them exciting is the aerial show - they'll jump and spin when hooked, sometimes clearing the water completely. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag and give you a real workout. Most folks catch and release these beauties since they're not the best table fare. Pro tip: set up a chum slick with cut bait or fish scraps to draw them in, then use circle hooks with fresh cut bait. Heavy braided line is a must since they can be unpredictable once hooked.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are the gentle giants of our local shark scene, averaging 3-4 feet long with that unique shovel-shaped head. These smaller hammerheads travel in schools through our shallow bays and grass flats during the warmer months. They're completely harmless to people - actually pretty shy - but they'll put up a scrappy fight once hooked. Summer brings the best action when they're cruising the flats looking for crabs and small fish. What guests enjoy is catching their first shark without the intimidation factor of bigger species. They're fun on light tackle and make great photo opportunities for kids. While some folks eat them, most prefer the catch-and-release experience. My tip: use fresh cut blue crab on a circle hook and fish around grass beds during moving water. They're bottom feeders, so keep your bait down.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown submarines of our offshore scene, averaging 20-50 pounds with some pushing 100+. These solitary hunters cruise around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months offer the best shots when they're moving through our area. What makes cobia special is they're often spotted cruising just under the surface, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. They hit bucktail jigs hard and fight like freight trains with long, powerful runs. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. They're prized table fare that's expensive in restaurants since they're rarely commercial. My trick: look for them following rays or sharks on the surface, then drop a 6-8 oz bucktail jig right in front of their nose. Color doesn't matter much, but the presentation does.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of our shallow water fishing here, running 5-15 pounds on average with that distinctive black spot and copper-bronze color. These guys cruise our grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing. Fall and spring offer the best shots when they're feeding aggressively. What makes redfish so popular is their willingness to hit topwater lures and the visual aspect of sight fishing in clear, shallow water. They're solid fighters that make long runs and taste great on the table. The meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Here's my local trick: look for nervous water or "waking" fish on calm mornings, then cast a gold spoon or topwater plug ahead of their path. Let them come to the bait rather than chasing them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're master bait thieves with human-like teeth. These 1-8 pound fighters hang tight around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that rivals grouper. Peak season runs spring through early summer when they're feeding heavily on fiddler crabs and barnacles. What guests love is the challenge - sheepshead require finesse and quick hooksets since they'll steal your bait clean off the hook. They can be frustrating but rewarding when you dial in the technique. Pro tip: get your bait as close to the structure as possible and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They've got tough mouths, so don't be shy.
Hilton Head Island