Hilton Head Island, SC Fishing: Exceptional Angling on the Top South Carolina Island

Hilton Head Island, simply Hilton Head, is a resort destination and barrier island located in Beaufort County, South Carolina. In 1663 while sailing on the ship Adventure, Captain William Hilton was able to identify the headland near the entry to Port Royal Sound. Later on, the island was named Hilton Head, after Captain Hilton.

Golf is also the main attraction in Hilton Head. Hilton Head hosts the annual RBC Heritage, South Carolina's sole PGA golf tournament, and the island has hosted it since 1969. Aside from golf, Hilton Head Island offers a unique number of cultural opportunities for a community its size. The island is one of the best vacation destinations globally, known for its astonishing beaches and superb golf courses. Hilton Head Island is rich in culture; aside from its shores, sightseers can visit museums that showcase the history and culture of the area. Bike rentals, parks, picnic areas, and watersports. The island is home to a vast array of wildlife, mainly due to its connection to the Atlantic Ocean.

Aside from beach trips and golf matches, fishing is, undoubtedly, one of the most sought-after activities on Hilton Head Island. First-time or seasoned professional anglers wanting to fish in Hilton Head Island waters will surely experience a memorable one. 

Hilton Head Island Fishing

Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for a vacation. Some tourists come to see the beaches, while others are after the golf courses. But it cannot deny that they visit the island because of fishing. Hilton Head Island fishing is one of the best in South Carolina.

It is essential to know the best spots to fish on the island. Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier is the perfect spot to start your fishing trip in Hilton Head. It is a pier with a boat ramp and is an excellent location to fish for redfish, whiting, a small variety of sharks, and blue crab. Jarvis Creek Park is one of the best sites for bass fishing. Largemouth bass and bluegill are available in this area. Jervis Creek Park only allows catch-and-release fishing. Are you spotting for trophy redfish? Then the Calibogue Sound is the place to catch them. Anglers can also find spanish mackerel, jacks, tarpon, and cobia out and about in the area.

Anglers can also try their luck fishing in the closest reef to the island, the Fish America Reef. The reef attracts a wide variety of fish. Sheepshead, bluefish, and speckled seatrout are commonly caught in the area. King and spanish mackerel are also seen in the reef. Betsy Ross Reef is another sought-after fishing spot in Hilton Head. It is the largest artificial reef located in South Carolina. Bottom-dwelling fish like red snapper, black sea bass, grouper, barracuda, and king mackerel are commonly caught in this reef.

Those who like challenging fishing activities can fish in the Gulf Stream. Big fish such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and even marlin are the main target of anglers fishing in this spot. If the fishing in the Gulf Stream is not enough for you, you can try angling in the Atlantic Ocean. The redfish is a common fish to catch in the Atlantic Ocean. Kingfish, spanish, king mackerel, black bass, bluefish, sea trout, and black drum are just some species to catch in the Atlantic Ocean.

Apart from the renowned fishing spots in Hilton Head, anglers are also allowed to fish in plantations found across the island. Sea Pines Lagoon and Palmetto Dunes Lagoon are home to several fish, including redfish, trout, tarpon, black drum, and flounder. 

Fishing in the areas such as the Gulf Stream, Fish America Reef, Betsy Ross Reef, and the Atlantic Ocean requires a big boat and, of course, a chartered captain. Fishing charters across Hilton Head Island offer deep-sea fishing expeditions for seasoned anglers. Drift fishing is a common technique used by anglers. Beginner anglers going after inshore species can also try kayak fishing. Surf casting, spinning, baitcasting, and handline fishing are prevalent techniques used by anglers in Hilton Head Island. Angling at designated swimming areas on the beaches is prohibited, so it is vital to take note of these areas.

Anglers aged 16 and above must possess a license for recreational fishing, and they can purchase a permit online from the South Carolina Department of Resources. All sport fishing licenses are needed, regardless of where you fish. Most fishing charters on the island include a fishing license for guest anglers. It's best to always review the state's fishing regulations before heading out to fish.

Top 10 Fish Species in Hilton Head Island, SC

The top 10 fish species to catch in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, are largemouth bass, black drum, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, sheepshead, bluefish, cobia, summer flounder, and Atlantic sharpnose shark.

Seasonal Fishing

The weather in Hilton Head Island is why the island is a prime fishing destination year-round. Seasonality is crucial if you’re looking for a specific type of fish. Largemouth bass can be captured any time of the year while catching red drum is best done during September. Their spawning period takes place between August and November. Spring is the prime time to go after the black drum. It is also the time when their breeding season starts. It is good to go after spotted seatrout during wintertime. Fishing for summer flounder is best done during the late spring and summer months. They start their spawning season in October and end in November. Summer is the excellent season to fish for tarpon. They spawn offshore from April until July. Sheepshead can also be captured all year, but they are easily caught from December until April. Their spawning happens in February and March; summertime is the best time for bluefish angling. Bluefish spawn numerous times in the spring and summer seasons; spring is for South Carolina cobia anglers. Their spawning occurs from May to August; the fishing season for Atlantic sharpnose shark is open year-round. These shark species spawn between mid-May and mid-July.

Explore the Best Activities in Hilton Head Island, SC

Hilton Head Island is a place you wouldn't want to miss. From its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and fishing spots, the island is the ideal place that offers everything you need for the ultimate vacation.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Anglers might want to explore the reefs and fishing spots further from the coast of Hilton Head Island and experience authentic fishing trips. Such trips require huge boats and a season boat captain. Fishing charters available across the island can hire so that anglers can go beyond the coastline and catch a wider variety of trophy fish. Fishing equipment and baits are also available for rent in numerous shops. Planning your fishing trips ahead of time is best done with these fishing charters' help.

2. Beach Tours and Watersports

Relaxing on the beach is an excellent way to spend a day in Hilton Head Island. Tourists can enjoy their vacations by basking under the sun and going for a dip in the ocean. If you want to experience unforgettable outdoor adventure, Outside Hilton Head is what you need. Outside Hilton Head offers boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking adventures. 

3. Delve Into Gullah’s History and Culture

Never let your vacation wrap up without learning the culture and history of Gullah. The Gullah Heritage Trail Tours offers tours to different historical places on the island like the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head, Santa Elena History Center, York W. Bailey Museum at The Penn Center, and Coastal Discovery Museum.