If you love fishing, then a trip to Hilton Head Island is calling your name! Picture yourself relaxing on the shore, casting your line into the ocean for a day of surf fishing. Or perhaps you want the ease of pier fishing, where you only need a little patience and a fishing pole. If you are an adventure seeker, you will love climbing aboard a chartered fishing boat and setting out onto the water to test your luck with a rod and reel. Whichever method you prefer, we’ve compiled this handy guide to fishing on Hilton Head Island for you.
Want to learn about everything that Hilton Head and Island Getaway Rentals have to offer? Then sign up for our newsletter!
Island GetaIsland Getaway Rentals Newsletter
Fishing on Hilton Head Island
Welcome to Hilton Head Island, where the fishing is excellent! Why? Well, that's because of its location. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Calibogue Sound, and the Intracoastal Waterway, all of which attract numerous fish species. And once you're here, you can try multiple methods of fishing! There’s surf fishing, pier fishing, or charter fishing. Each of these has their own benefits that we will touch on in this post.
Do I Need a Fishing License?
Yes, if you are over 16, you need a fishing license in South Carolina. It’s very easy to purchase these licenses online. The exception is if you are onboard a fishing charter. These boats have licenses that cover all the anglers onboard, so all you need to do is show up!
What Kinds of Fish Can I Catch on Hilton Head?
The types of fish you can catch change with the season! You can find these species, and more:
Winter: black drum, black sea bass, red drum, red snapper, sheepshead, speckled trout
Spring: bluefish, cobia, flounder, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel
Summer: king mackerel, mahi mahi, sharks, tarpon
Fall: black seabass, bull redfish, snapper, grouper
Surf Fishing on Hilton Head Island
Surf fishing is a type of fishing you can do from the beach. Anglers cast their lines into the surf and catch near-shore fish such as redfish, bluefish, flounder, speckled trout, and more. This is a great way to fish for both beginner and expert anglers. On Hilton Head, there are miles and miles of beachfront for you to set up your gear. Start your fishing adventure just steps away from our oceanfront vacation rentals!
What Do I Need to Start Surf Fishing?
To start surf fishing, you just need the beach and some basic equipment, such as:
- Surf rod and reel
- Sand spike
- Fishing line
- Hooks
- Sinkers/weights
- Bait or lures
- Pliers
- A cooler for your catch
Pier Fishing on Hilton Head Island
Pier fishing allows anglers to fish in deeper water without needing a boat, making it accessible for everyone! Since piers often jut out fairly far into the water, there’s a great variety of fish, providing you with ample opportunities to reel in a catch. Pier fishing also offers a great vantage point, allowing anglers to spot schools of fish from a greater height. Last but not least, pier fishing is very family-friendly, and allows kiddos to get in on the action easily.
Where Can I Pier Fish on Hilton Head?
We recommend the Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier, which is free!
Location: 1640 Fording Island Rd, Hilton Head Island (Highway 278), across from Pinckney Island.
Charter Fishing
If you want to test your fishing skills, why not hop on one of the excellent fishing charters in Hilton Head? These private boats come with knowledgeable captains and guides who will take you out on the water to catch fish that swim in deeper waters such as cobia, redfish, and sharks. You can go fishing inshore, around the Calibogue Sound and other waterways, or head offshore where the open ocean awaits. Depending on where you go, you'll have the chance to catch various fish, and the experience can change based on the location. Inshore fishing offers calmer waters, perfect for a relaxing day, while the offshore adventure comes with excitement from the waves and surf. The charters supply all of your equipment, as well as a fishing license, so all you need to bring is a small cooler for your catch. What a fun way to procure dinner! (If you're interested in other types of boat rentals, read our blog on the Best Hilton Head Boat Rentals.)
What are Some Recommended Fishing Charters on Hilton Head?
There are multiple great fishing charters on Hilton Head Island! Here are a handful that we recommend:
Hilton Head Fishing Charters
- Details: Prices start at $450 for a 2-hour trip and go up to $1,250 for 8 hours. The maximum number of people is 6. Passengers 5 and 6 must pay a $75 additional fee, per person.
- Phone: 843-806-2424
Off The Hook Charters
- Details: Prices start at $425 for a 2-hour trip and go up to $1,300 for an 8-hour journey. The maximum number of people is 5 passengers.
- Phone: Please use the contact form on the website.
Captain Hook Party Boat
- Details: Prices start at $75 per person for a 5.5-hour fishing charter. This boat is a party boat, so it can take multiple groups of people at once.
- Phone: 843-905-2710
Book Your Fishing Adventure to Hilton Head!
Featured Rental: 2 Brigantine
After a long day of fishing, imagine returning to your home away from home, a beautiful vacation rental from Island Getaway Rentals. We offer a diverse selection of homes, villas, and condos for you to choose from! Our properties include oceanfront rentals, making it easy to enjoy surf fishing just steps from your home. We also provide pet-friendly homes so you can bring your best friend along on your travels!
To make things even better, our entirely local team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to help you if you need anything at all. We put in the extra hours so that you can relax!
No matter which home you choose, Island Getaway Rentals will surely leave you with memories that will last forever. Book your next beach vacation today.