Ready for some rod-bending action in the heart of the Lowcountry? Our 3-hour inshore fishing trip in Hilton Head is the perfect way to get your feet wet and your line in the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, this trip offers a taste of what makes fishing these waters so special. We'll cruise through the scenic waterways, targeting some of the area's most sought-after species like redfish and speckled trout. It's a quick hit of fishing fun that fits easily into any vacation schedule.
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build. The salt air, the gentle rocking of the boat, and the anticipation of what might be lurking beneath the surface – it's all part of the experience. We'll hit some of my favorite spots where the fish have been biting. I'll get you set up with top-notch gear and show you the ropes if you're new to this. For the more experienced folks, we can talk strategy and try out different techniques. We might drift along grass lines for redfish or work some deeper holes for flounder. The beauty of Hilton Head's inshore waters is that you never know what you might catch next.
On this trip, we'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. I'll show you how to read the water, spot tell-tale signs of fish activity, and present your bait just right. We might do some sight casting if conditions are good – there's nothing quite like watching a redfish chase down your lure in clear, shallow water. If the bite is slow, we'll change it up and try different spots. That's the beauty of a private charter – we can adapt on the fly to make sure you have the best shot at tight lines and bent rods.
"I had an incredible fishing trip with my daughter and Captain SK! We landed some big fish, making it an unforgettable and special experience for us." - Member
"I've had the pleasure of fishing with Captain SK Kim several times recently, and every trip has been fantastic. He's thoughtful, kind, and highly professional, with a deep knowledge of where the fish are and how to track them when they move. I've always caught fish with him, so if you're looking for a fun and successful fishing trip, book with "I Love Fishing Charters"—you won't be disappointed!" - Member
"Great Experience! Had a fantastic time with Captain Kim. Caught plenty of fish and will definitely be back. Highly recommend!" - Member
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the rock stars of Hilton Head inshore fishing. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish (also called red drum) put up a great fight and can be found year-round. In the fall, big bull reds move into the shallows, offering the chance at a real trophy catch. They love to hang around oyster beds and grass flats, often revealing their presence with a tell-tale 'tailing' behavior as they root for crabs in shallow water.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. Specks are known for their delicate bite and acrobatic jumps when hooked. We'll target them around drop-offs, creek mouths, and structure using both artificial lures and live bait. The 'speck' bite can be fast and furious when you find a school, making for non-stop action.
Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottom. Summer flounder, also known as fluke, are the most common species we'll encounter. They love to ambush their prey, so we'll focus on areas with current and structure where they can lie in wait. Catching a flounder requires a bit of finesse – you'll need to be patient and attentive to detect their subtle bite.
Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum are another hard-fighting species we might encounter. They can grow to impressive sizes, with some real giants lurking in deeper holes and around bridge pilings. Black drum are bottom feeders, so we'll use natural baits like shrimp or crab to entice them. They're known for their powerful, thumping bite and strong initial run when hooked.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, these fish are as fun to catch as they are to look at. Sheepshead are structure-oriented, often found around docks, pilings, and oyster beds. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one requires quick reflexes and a bit of luck. But once you get the hang of it, catching sheepshead can be addictive. They're most active in the cooler months and provide excellent table fare.
There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of Hilton Head. Maybe it's the way the marsh grass glows golden in the early morning light, or the thrill of watching a redfish tail in skinny water. Could be the satisfaction of learning new techniques and applying them successfully, or simply the peace that comes from being out on the water. Whatever it is, folks tend to get hooked (pun intended) after their first trip.
This 3-hour adventure is perfect for families looking to share a unique experience, friends wanting to add some excitement to their vacation, or solo travelers eager to tap into local knowledge. It's long enough to get a real taste of the action, but short enough to fit into a busy itinerary. Plus, with a max of 3 guests, you're guaranteed personalized attention and plenty of time with a rod in your hands.
Whether you're dreaming of your first catch or looking to add another species to your list, this 3-hour trip is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Hilton Head has to offer. We provide all the gear, know-how, and local insight – you just bring your sense of adventure. With the fish biting year-round and the scenery always stunning, there's never a bad time to get out on the water. So why wait? Book your trip now and get ready to create some fish tales of your own. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be glad you did. See you on the boat!
June 8, 2024
I've had the pleasure of fishing with Captain SK Kim several times recently, and every trip has been fantastic. He’s thoughtful, kind, and highly professional, with a deep knowledge of where the fish are and how to track them when they move. I've always caught fish with him, so if you're looking for a fun and successful fishing trip, book with "I Love Fishing Charters"—you won’t be disappointed!
August 21, 2024
A Captain Who Cares! Captain Kim truly puts his customers first. He goes the extra mile, moving to different spots to find the best fishing opportunities, and his excitement when we catch fish is contagious! Even when our time is up, he still takes the time to ensure we have a great experience. It’s clear he gives his all to make every trip special. With his deep knowledge of the Hilton Head waters and years of fishing experience, Captain Kim’s passion for fishing shines through. I highly recommend booking a trip with him!
January 7, 2025
Great Experience! Had a fantastic time with Captain Kim. Caught plenty of fish and will definitely be back. Highly recommend!
January 16, 2025
Great Experience! Had a fantastic time with Captain Kim. Caught plenty of fish and will definitely be back. Highly recommend!
January 16, 2025
Half-Day Trip in the Low Country We landed massive bull reds, all over 20+ inches! Captain Kim put us right on the sweet spot, and the action was non-stop. An unforgettable experience!
February 15, 2025
Awesome Night of Fishing! Captain Kim did an excellent job putting us on the fish! We caught five different species, including some nice Reds, trout, flounder, and black drum. Thanks for an unforgettable night on the water!
March 3, 2025
Excellent Guide! Captain Kim worked hard to put us on the fish. Once I find a great guide, I stick with them—and he’s definitely one of the best. Highly recommend!
March 19, 2025
First-Time Fishing Adventure We had an amazing first fishing trip with Captain Kim! He taught us proper casting techniques and how to work the lures effectively. His knowledge of the currents, tides, and best fishing spots was truly impressive. By the end of our trip, we had caught 8 redfish and had an absolute blast. What a fun and memorable afternoon!
February 3, 2025
I had a wonderful trip for my father's birthday. Captain Kim was very knowledgeable and super friendly. We caught our limit of redfish in the first hour. Then went on to target other species. Terrific service. I would highly recommend! A beautiful day on the water.
March 27, 2025
Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders that'll give you a real workout. These guys can grow up to 90 pounds, but we usually catch 'em in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and near inlets. They love structure, so pilings and bridges are good spots too. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Folks love targeting Black Drum for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The meat's sweet and tender on those. They've got powerful jaws made for crushing shellfish, so use sturdy tackle. Here's a local tip: Try using fresh crab for bait. Drum can't resist it, and it tends to stay on the hook better than other baits. Just make sure you've got a good set when you feel that telltale thump – these fish have tough mouths and can be tricky to hook sometimes.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular targets. They're easily recognized by that black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but bull reds over 40 inches aren't uncommon offshore. You'll find these guys in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are out of the water. They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Reds are known for their strong fights and excellent table fare. They'll hit just about anything when they're feeding, from live bait to artificial lures. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows. Here's a tip: when you're working a topwater lure for reds, don't set the hook on the first splash. Often, they'll swat at it first before coming back to eat it. Wait until you feel the weight of the fish before setting the hook.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. They're sleek, silvery fish with spots all over and usually run 14-24 inches. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. These fish are here year-round, but winter's when they school up in deeper holes. They're fun to catch on light tackle and make for some good eating too. The meat's mild and flaky, perfect for a fish fry. Trout are aggressive feeders but can be picky. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat, but artificial lures work great too. Try topwater plugs early in the morning for some exciting strikes. One local trick: when you're working a lure, mix up your retrieve. Sometimes a slow, steady pace works best, other times they want it erratic. Let the fish tell you what they want.
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with their distinctive black and white stripes. They usually weigh 1-8 pounds, but monsters up to 20 pounds do show up. Look for them around any structure – docks, bridges, reefs – anywhere barnacles grow. These fish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. Their white, sweet meat is a local favorite. They're craftier than they look, though. Those human-like teeth aren't just for show – they're expert bait stealers. Spring's the best time to target them, especially February to April when they spawn. Use light tackle and small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead like to crush their food first, so give them time to get the bait in their mouth.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. They're flat fish with both eyes on the left side, lying on the seafloor waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but trophies over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find these guys in estuaries and along the coast, often in sandy or muddy areas. They move inshore in spring and summer, making those our peak seasons. Flounder are popular for their mild, delicate flavor and the challenge of catching them. These fish are aggressive predators but can be finicky biters. They're known for short strikes, so patience is key. Try using a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or fish. Move it slowly along the bottom with little hops – that's when you'll feel that distinctive flounder thump. Set the hook hard, as their mouths are tough.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: 90hp Yamaha 4stroke
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
I had an incredible fishing trip with my daughter and Captain SK! We landed some big fish, making it an unforgettable and special experience for us.