What's biting
Hilton Head fishing by season
We fish year-round, and the fishing has a rhythm. Here is a season-by-season look at what the Lowcountry tends to offer, so you can plan your trip.
Yes, you can fish Hilton Head year-round. What you target shifts with water temperature, migration and conditions: redfish and sheepshead shine in the cooler months, while summer brings shark action, tarpon and strong offshore fishing.
The notes below describe how the seasons generally play out in local waters. They are a guide, not a guarantee, since weather and conditions move fish around. For the most current picture, check the fishing reports or just ask Ian when you book.
Spring (March to May)
Water warms and the fishery wakes up. Redfish, trout, black drum and sheepshead are active close to home, cobia move through, and Spanish mackerel and bluefish show as things heat up. Shark action begins to build.
Summer (June to August)
Peak season. Shark fishing is often at its best, tarpon roam the sounds, and offshore bottom fishing and trolling can be excellent. A great time for families and groups.
Fall (September to November)
Many anglers' favorite. Bull redfish school up, trout and flounder fish well, migratory fish are still around, and offshore bottom fishing stays productive as crowds thin out.
Winter (December to February)
Redfish take center stage, both inshore on the flats and in schools nearshore, with sheepshead and black drum around structure. A quieter, rewarding time to fish.
Depending on the season and conditions, local waters can hold many of the species listed on our fish we catch page. No trip can guarantee a specific fish.
Month by month
A Hilton Head what's-biting calendar
A typical picture of what tends to be around each month in local waters. This is a regional guide, not a guarantee, and the seasons and limits set by regulators change from year to year.
| Species | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish (red drum) | ● | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ● | ● | ● |
| Spotted sea trout | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ● | ● | ● | ○ |
| Flounder | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ● | ● | ○ | |||
| Sheepshead | ● | ● | ● | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ||||
| Black drum | ● | ● | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ● |
| Spanish mackerel | ○ | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ○ | |||||
| Cobia | ○ | ● | ● | ○ | ||||||||
| King mackerel | ○ | ○ | ● | ● | ● | ● | ○ | |||||
| Tarpon | ○ | ● | ● | ○ | ||||||||
| Sharks | ○ | ○ | ● | ● | ● | ○ | ○ | |||||
| Black sea bass & bottom fish | ● | ● | ● | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ● | ● |
Peak Often around A blank month means it is not usually targeted then. Ian fishes what is open and biting.
Match the trip to the season
Fish the right water at the right time
Part of the value of a local captain is knowing when to change the plan. Ian lines up the trip style with the season and the day's conditions, whether that is chasing schooling reds in the fall or running offshore on a flat summer morning.
Keep exploring
When should you fish?
Tell Ian when you are in town and what you would love to catch. He will tell you what is realistic and plan around it.