Your Guide to the Best Hilton Head Fishing Charters

UPDATED JULY 2026

By Jennifer Jeffcoat 

Jennifer writes for Beachside Getaway, sharing travel tips, top things to do, and the best places to stay to help guests make the most of their Hilton Head Island vacation.

Fishing in Hilton Head is an unforgettable experience, no matter your skill level. From cobia and Spanish mackerel in the warm months to sheepshead and red drum in the cooler ones, the waters surrounding the island offer some of the most productive fishing on the East Coast. Hilton Head fishing charters are the best way to experience it all, whether you're looking for a relaxed inshore trip with the kids or an all-day offshore run chasing big game. 

Below, we've organized the area's best fishing guides by the type of trip they specialize in, so you can find the charter that matches what — and how — you want to fish. Most charters include bait, tackle, and licenses in their rates, saving you the time and expense of gearing up on your own. 

In This Article

• Inshore Fishing Charters in Hilton Head
• Nearshore Fishing Charters for the Whole Family
• Shark Fishing & Big Game Charters
• Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Hilton Head
• Offshore Fishing Charters in Hilton Head
• Kayak Fishing in Hilton Head's Salt Marsh
• What Fish Can You Catch in Hilton Head? A Seasonal Guide
• Book Your Charter, Then Come Home to Your Beachside Getaway
• Frequently Asked Questions

Inshore Fishing Charters in Hilton Head

If you're after a classic Lowcountry fishing experience, casting in the calmer, protected waters of Hilton Head's creeks, marshes, and sounds, an inshore charter is the way to go. These trips tend to be shorter, more accessible for beginners, and great for families.

Off The Hook Fishing Charters

Captain Brian Vaughn has built Off The Hook Fishing Charters into one of Hilton Head's most trusted names for inshore fishing charters. His fleet runs top-quality boats rigged with premium spin and fly tackle, and trips range from two to eight hours, accommodating everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers, plus families, corporate groups, and even wedding parties.

Rates start at $550. Groups larger than four can be split across multiple boats, allowing up to 12 passengers to fish together at once.

Every trip includes:

• Fishing licenses
• Tackle and bait
• Ice and a cooler for your drinks and snacks

Nearshore Fishing Charters for the Whole Family

Nearshore trips split the difference between the calm backwaters and the open ocean, giving you a shot at a wider variety of fish without a long ride out. They're a great fit if you want an authentic, no-frills fishing day.

Mighty Mako Sport Fishing Adventures

Captain Dave Fleming has been guiding nearshore and inshore trips aboard the Mighty Mako—a custom-built, 25-foot center console—since 1991. It's the only boat in his operation, but it's been maintained with one purpose in mind: fishability. With a 9-foot beam, a 10-inch draft, and 360 degrees of casting room, the Mighty Mako handles like a backwater flats boat without sacrificing stability or comfort.

Instead of flashy amenities, Mighty Mako focuses on one thing: using decades of local knowledge, from a captain who's called Hilton Head home for 40 years, to guarantee an unforgettable time on the water.

Rates start at $350, and Captain Dave has introduced multiple generations of the same families to fishing over the years. Book a trip out of Hilton Head's Palmetto Bay Marina and see why so many of his customers keep coming back.

Shark Fishing & Big Game Charters

For anglers chasing something bigger, a big game charter is just the ticket. These trips head nearshore and offshore in search of the ocean's top predators.

Outcast Sport Fishing

Ever wondered what it's like to catch a shark? Outcast Sport Fishing can make it happen. The crew holds the South Carolina state record for the largest fish ever landed—a 16.3-foot great white shark—and they also target grouper, tarpon, and other prized catches on nearshore and offshore trips.

Charters run aboard the Outcast, a 27-foot Glacier Bay Catamaran built for a smooth ride, with a maximum of 5 passengers per trip. Rates start at $1,000 for a 4-hour excursion, and the following are included:

• Fishing license
• Bait and tackle
• Cooler and ice

What to bring: drinks, snacks, sunglasses, and lotion sunscreen (no spray-on sunblock, as it reacts with the boat's seats).

Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Hilton Head

Deep sea charters take you further out for a chance at bigger catches and bigger groups—a great option if you're traveling with an extended family or a group of friends.

Bay Runner Fishing Charters

Captain Joseph Miles Altman brings decades of experience fishing South Carolina's waters to Bay Runner Fishing Charters. Book a trip on the Bay Runner or the Phantom, and choose from 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8-hour charters depending on how much time you have.

Rates start at $395, with fishing equipment included in the price. Their most popular option, the Fin-Atic Calibogue Sound Fishing Charter, can accommodate up to 12 people, making it one of the best choices on the island for larger groups looking for a deep sea fishing charter in Hilton Head, SC.

Offshore Fishing Charters in Hilton Head

Ready to head further out into the Atlantic? Offshore charters give you a shot at species you simply won't find inshore, from amberjack to snapper and grouper. 

Runaway Fishing Charter

The Runaway is a 31-foot custom-built vessel capable of handling up to six passengers on trips through Port Royal Sound and beyond. Captain Jackson Larson took the helm in 2018 after purchasing the boat from longtime Captain Bill Parker, who mentored him for years before retiring after 33 years on the water. Jackson and his mate know exactly where the fish are biting, inshore or offshore, depending on the season.

Rates start at $625 for a 3-hour charter, and every trip includes ice, bait, tackle, and licenses. A few things worth knowing before you book:

• The Runaway is docked at the North End Charter Fleet and can reach deep water quickly, without losing time to no-wake zones.
• It's a pet-friendly boat.
• Mate gratuity isn't included in the rate. 15–20% is customary.

Kayak Fishing in Hilton Head's Salt Marsh

Prefer something a little more low-key and up close to the water? Kayak fishing lets you paddle right into the tidal marsh for a quieter, more immersive way to fish.

Outside Hilton Head Kayak Fishing

Outside Hilton Head runs guided kayak fishing excursions out of Shelter Cove, using specialized Hobie Mirage Passport pedal-drive kayaks (weight limit 250 lbs). Their guides are passionate anglers themselves, sharing tips and techniques as you fish the tidal salt marsh.

Trips run 3 hours and are limited to just three guests plus an interpretive naturalist guide, making it one of the more personal ways to fish in Hilton Head. The minimum age to participate is 12. Included in your trip:

• Your guide
• Bait and tackle
• Kayak rental

We recommend wearing clothing appropriate for water activities and bringing water, snacks, and sunscreen. 

What Fish Can You Catch in Hilton Head?

One of the best parts of fishing in Hilton Head is the sheer variety of species you can target throughout the year. Here's a general breakdown of what tends to be biting, season by season.

May through October, warmer waters bring in some of the area's most sought-after catches, including:

• Cobia
• Spanish mackerel
• Kingfish
• Sharks
• Tarpon
• Barracuda
• Snapper
• Grouper
• Amberjack
• Triggerfish
• Spadefish

November through April, as the water cools, the lineup shifts to species like:

• Black sea bass
• Sheepshead
• Black drum
• Red drum
• Flounder
• Sea trout
• Snapper
• Grouper
• Triggerfish

Keep in mind that fish behavior can shift from year to year depending on water temperature and conditions, so your captain is always your best source for what's biting during your specific trip. Many of the charters above fish year-round, adjusting their approach with the seasons to help you find the right catch no matter when you visit.

Book Your Charter, Then Come Home to Your Beachside Getaway

Featured Property: 9 Promontory | 5 Bed/5 Bath | Fish in the lagoon from the comfort of your private dock

A day on the water is even better when you've got the perfect place to come home to. Discover the ultimate vacation experience in Hilton Head with our diverse range of rental properties. Whether you're looking for the serene vibes of Bluffton, the family-friendly atmosphere of Folly Field, or the luxurious resorts in Palmetto Dunes, we've got you covered.

Our portfolio includes private homes complete with in-ground pools, fire pits, and luxury amenities, as well as cozy condos. For those who can't get enough of the ocean, we offer stunning oceanview and oceanfront rentals in prime locations like Sea Pines, Shipyard, Singleton Beach, and South Forest Beach. We also offer pet-friendly stays, so the whole family can enjoy the trip together.

Book your Hilton Head fishing charter, then elevate your getaway with the perfect home-away-from-home. Browse our vacation rentals and start planning your trip today.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best time of year to fish in Hilton Head?

Hilton Head offers good fishing nearly year-round. Warmer months (May–October) bring in cobia, tarpon, and sharks, while cooler months (November–April) are prime for red drum, sheepshead, and flounder.

Do I need a fishing license for a Hilton Head charter?

No, every charter listed above includes fishing licenses in the price, so there's nothing extra to arrange before you go.

Which charter is best for beginners or families?

Inshore and nearshore trips, like those with Off The Hook or Mighty Mako, tend to be shorter and better suited to first-timers and families with kids.

What should I bring on a fishing charter?

Most charters recommend drinks, snacks, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 

Can I go shark fishing in Hilton Head?

Yes. Outcast Sport Fishing specializes in shark fishing and holds the South Carolina state record for the largest fish ever landed, a 16.3-foot great white shark.

Is kayak fishing available in Hilton Head?

Yes. Outside Hilton Head offers guided kayak fishing trips through the tidal salt marsh out of Shelter Cove, with a minimum age of 12. 

How much do Hilton Head fishing charters cost?

Rates vary by trip type and length, starting as low as $350 for a nearshore trip and ranging up to $1,000 or more for specialized big game and shark fishing charters.