Located just off the southernmost tip of South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is a popular year-round vacation destination, thanks to its warm climate and abundance of recreational activities. Because of the varying types of water bodies on and surrounding Hilton Head, fishing is a favored island endeavor that appeals to outdoor adventurers of all ages. It can be an intimidating and frustrating experience for first time anglers, so here are a few guidelines if you’re looking to get your feet wet.
Lagoon Fishing
Most of the lagoons on Hilton Head are brackish, meaning they are composed of a combination of fresh and salt water. These lagoons offer a unique fishing experience because of the variety of species you can hook. One of the most popular fishing sites is the 11 mile lagoon system located in the Palmetto Dunes Resort. Don’t let the calm waters fool you; fish can grow to enormous sizes (red drum, or “redfish,” taken here can weigh in at a whopping 50+pounds.) Other fish caught in the lagoons include tarpon, striped bass, black drum, and the occasional blue fish. Live bait like shrimp and finger mullet are your best bets, but they are usually hard to come by unless you catch your own or are fishing off of a private charter boat. Spinning and top water lures fished with a lightweight spin rod are another popular option; experts at any of the numerous local tackle shops can tell you which tackle is “hot.” If you have a few hours to spend on the water, a charter boat will supply you with all the equipment, bait, and know-how needed to land a monster. Check out Palmetto Lagoon Charters for more information.
The two fun thing about surf fishing from the beach are that you never know what you are gonna take out of that big old ocean, and even on your worst fishing days, you’re still spending time on the beach. I’ve spent entire mornings without so much as a nibble, and others reeling in 5 or 6 different kinds of fish. Be forewarned: there are a lot of “junk” fish (skates, rays, small sharks), in the Carolina surf, which can be thrilling to catch for the casual fisherman, but frustrating for those in pursuit of game fish. Red drum, kingfish, and flounder are some of the more prized fish that can be caught . Squid strips, minnows, and bunker chunks are the most common types of bait used in the surf, and can be purchased at any tackle / general stores, along with 2 to 3 ounce sinkers to combat the rough water. Don’t feel like you have to cast halfway to the horizon to catch fish; some of the biggest can be taken right out of the breaking waves while they hunt the smaller fish. The best times to surf fish are early mornings and evenings, when the beach crowds have subsided (no matter how much fun you are having, I guarantee snagging an eight year old boogie boarder will put a damper on your day). The fish tend to be much less active during the hot mid-afternoon hours anyway.
Offshore Fishing
If you are feeling particularly adventurous, and willing to spend a majority of the day surrounded by water, offshore fishing can provide some real thrills. Party boats generally accomodate large numbers of passengers, but private charters are also available (at greater cost). Private charters generally cost at least a few hundred bucks (bait and tackle included), depending on how many hours you will be gone and the number of people in your party. Half and full day trips are typical. These trips generally target fish that are specific to the season, and can include marlin, tuna, and cobia just to name a few. Most offer specialized shark fishing trips year around. Your vessel may travel many miles out to sea, so be sure to have your Dramamine on hand if you are prone to sea-sickness. For an in depth listing of charter boats and guides available on and around Hilton Head, check out this site.
South Carolina law requires that all anglers over the age of 16 have a state fishing license to fish from the surf or water banks. A fourteen day license is $5 for South Carolina residents, and $11 for non-residents. Commercial fishing boats provide all their passengers with licenses. Private plantations and resorts usually restrict fishing to owners and guests, and each is subject to its own set of rules. Go to South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources to purchase a license online and view all other fishing information and restrictions.
Hilton Head Island offers a large variety of fishing, from the calm waters of the creeks and lagoons to the deep sea swells. What you choose to partake in should depend on how much time and money you are willing to invest, and what kind of experience you are looking for. Above all, be respectful and remember to take in the relaxing sights and sounds of nature. And even if you hook nothing but an old shoe, just remember that fishing tales are made to be exaggerated.
Sources:
hhisleinfo.com
South Carolina DNR
Palmetto Lagoon Charters
explorehiltonhead.com
