Nearshore fishing
Close to home, calmer water and steady action. A favorite for families and mixed-skill groups.
Hilton Head Island · Sea Pines · Harbour Town
Private fishing charters out of Harbour Town Yacht Basin
Fish the Lowcountry with Captain Ian Parker, a Hilton Head native, aboard a comfortable 32-foot Regulator. Nearshore to offshore, families to serious anglers, every season of the year.
Up to 6 guests, private
Onboard head & shade
Gear & licenses included
We fish year-round
Private, up to sixYour boat, your group, never shared
Gear and licenses on usJust bring food and drinks
Built for comfortShade, seating and an onboard head
Every seasonSomething is always biting here
Welcome aboard
A relaxed, well-run day on the water
Southern Hook is a small, owner-operated charter. When you book, you fish with Ian himself, not a rotating crew.
Ian grew up on Hilton Head Island and has spent his life learning these tides, creeks and offshore ledges. That local knowledge is the difference between a boat ride and a great day of fishing. He runs private trips only, so the boat, the plan and the pace are built around your group.
New to fishing? You are in good hands, and so are the kids. Chasing a personal best offshore? The Regulator has the range and Ian has the spots. Tell him what you are hoping for and he will point you toward the right trip.
Ways to fish
Pick the trip that fits your crew
From calm nearshore mornings with the family to a full day chasing fish offshore, here is how we fish around Hilton Head.
Offshore fishing
Run to the ledges and bluewater for reef fish, bottom species and hard-pulling gamefish.
Shark fishing
A genuine thrill and a great story. Popular with kids and first-timers alike.
Wreck fishing
Fish the structure that concentrates fish, from sea bass to bigger surprises.
Trolling
Cover water and stay on the move for fast, migratory fish when they are around.
Bottom fishing
Drop over reefs and ledges for steady bites the whole boat can enjoy.
The boats
Two Regulators in the Southern Hook fleet
A comfortable 32-foot Regulator is our everyday charter boat, with a larger 41-foot Regulator for bigger offshore days by request.
Regulator 32 FS
Regulators are known for a smooth, dry ride, and this one is set up to fish. There is plenty of seating, real shade for hot afternoons and an onboard head, so a longer trip stays comfortable for everyone, including younger anglers. It handles a calm nearshore morning and a run offshore equally well.
- Up to six guests on a private charter
- Onboard head, generous shade and seating
- Nearshore comfort with true offshore capability
Larger offshore option
The 41-foot Regulator
For bigger offshore days, a larger 41-foot Regulator is available by request. As shown on our current listings, it adds a grill, advanced fishing electronics and a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer for a smoother ride, with ice included. Pricing is provided on request.
Trips and rates
Straightforward pricing, private every time
Trips run from three to eight hours on the 32-foot Regulator. Pick the length that suits your group, and we will match it to the right water and the day's conditions.
3 hours
$625
5 hours
$900
8 hours
$1,700
Available time options are provided when you book, once you choose your date. A larger 41-foot Regulator is offered for offshore trips by request.
Great with kids
Family trips that hook the next generation
A private boat means the day moves at your family's speed. With shade, seating, an onboard head and all the gear supplied, it is an easy, low-stress first fishing trip. Ian is patient with new anglers and loves seeing a kid land the biggest fish of the day.
Have young children in the group? Reach out and Ian will help you pick a trip length and a plan that works for their ages.
Plan a family fishing trip
A crowd favorite
Shark fishing off Hilton Head
Few things get a reaction like a shark coming to the boat. It is exciting, hands-on and safe under Ian's guidance, which makes it a hit with kids and adults who want a story to take home. Depending on the season and conditions, local waters can hold blacktips, bonnetheads and other sharks.
We handle sharks with care and release them to fight another day.
Learn about shark tripsWhat's biting
Fishing changes with the seasons, and that is the fun of it
We fish all year. Target species and techniques shift with water temperature, migration and conditions. Here is the short version.
Spring
Water warms and things wake up. Cobia and Spanish mackerel show, and inshore fish get active.
Summer
Peak season. Shark action heats up, tarpon roam the sounds and offshore trips shine.
Fall
Bull redfish school up, trout and flounder fish well, and the bite can be outstanding.
Winter
Redfish take center stage inshore and offshore, with sheepshead and black drum around.
Where you'll fish from
Departing Harbour Town, inside The Sea Pines Resort
Your charter leaves from Harbour Town Yacht Basin, the iconic marina beneath the red-and-white striped Harbour Town Lighthouse. It is one of the prettiest places to start a day of fishing on the East Coast, and it puts the Atlantic within easy reach.
Staying in Sea Pines? You are practically there already. Coming from elsewhere on Hilton Head? We make directions and parking simple, and the rest of the family can enjoy Harbour Town while you fish.
Groups and companies
A standout small-group corporate outing
Entertaining clients, rewarding a team or adding something memorable to a golf trip? A private charter for up to six is an easy win. Bring food and drinks, enjoy the ride and let Ian handle the fishing.
Corporate and group outingsFrom the boat
Recent catches
A quick look at what comes over the rail. Follow along on Instagram at @southernhookchartershhi for the latest.
Recent 5-star Google reviews
What guests are saying
Captain Ian was fantastic! Captain Ian was great with the kids ... We caught around a dozen fish, multiple species, and had a blast!
Benjamin WickmanGoogle Review
We had an absolute blast, he had us on sharks all morning ... My family and I will be back.
Donny HornerGoogle Review
Ian was friendly and fun! The boat was very clean, comfortable, and a lot of room. Highly recommend!
Haley SizemoreGoogle Review
Frequently asked questions
Where do Southern Hook charters depart from?
Every trip leaves from Harbour Town Yacht Basin at 160 Lighthouse Road, inside The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC. See our directions and parking page for maps and where to meet Captain Ian.
How many people can come?
Up to six guests on the 32-foot Regulator. Every trip is private, so it is just your group aboard.
Do I need a fishing license, and is gear included?
No separate license is needed for guests on the charter, and Ian supplies the rods, reels, tackle and gear. Just bring what you want to eat and drink.
Can I bring food, drinks and alcohol?
Yes. You are welcome to bring whatever food, drinks and alcohol you would like for your group.
What time do trips leave?
There is no single fixed departure time. Available time options are provided when you book, after you choose your date, so start times can suit your plans and the day's conditions.
Is the boat good for kids?
Very. Shade, seating, an onboard head and a patient captain make it a great first trip. For younger children, reach out and Ian will help you choose the right trip.
Ready to get on the water?
Send a quick request with your preferred dates and group size. Ian will follow up to confirm the details and lock in your trip.