Species guide
Fish we catch around Hilton Head
From tailing redfish in the marsh to snapper on the ledges, Lowcountry waters hold a rewarding variety. Here is a look at what you might tangle with.
Depending on the season and conditions, waters around Hilton Head can hold redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, tarpon, red snapper, black sea bass, triggerfish, grouper and several coastal sharks, among others.
Below is a general guide to the local cast of characters. Which fish are around depends on the time of year, so pair this with the seasonal guide, and remember that no trip can guarantee a specific catch.
Inshore and nearshore
Redfish (red drum)
A Lowcountry favorite, from slot fish in the creeks to big bull reds that school up nearshore, especially in fall.
Spotted sea trout
Fun, willing and great on light tackle around grass and structure.
Flounder
An ambush predator that rewards a well-worked bait along the bottom.
Sheepshead
Structure-loving and famously tricky to hook, with excellent table quality.
Black drum
From small "puppy" drum to bruisers, a strong, steady pull.
Spanish mackerel & bluefish
Fast and aggressive, they show when the water warms and are a blast on light gear.
Offshore, reef and bottom
Red snapper
Hard-pulling and beautiful, a prize from the ledges when seasons allow.
Black sea bass
A reliable, tasty reef fish that keeps the whole boat busy.
Triggerfish
Tough, clever bites over structure and outstanding eating.
Grouper
Bulldogging fighters that live tight to the bottom.
Cobia
A spring and early-summer favorite, powerful and prized.
King & Spanish mackerel
Speedsters worth trolling for when they are running.
Big-game and sharks
Tarpon can roam the sounds and beaches in the warmer months, offering a shot at a true giant and an unforgettable fight, usually released. Sharks are a summer highlight and a favorite with families; depending on conditions, local waters can hold blacktips, bonnetheads and other coastal species, which we handle carefully and release.
Keep exploring
Chase your target species
Have a fish on your bucket list? Tell Ian, and he will plan the best shot at it for your dates.