Beaufort County, SC · Atlantic Ocean
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island offers public shoreline access on the Atlantic coast in Beaufort County. Common targets include sheepshead, bluefish, summer flounder, red drum, and spotted seatrout.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Bluefish, Red Drum & Spotted Seatrout — tied at the top (40/100)
3 species tied for best of 5 tracked at Hilton Head Island.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:03 AM | High | 6.9 ft |
| 9:05 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 3:37 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| 9:37 PM | Low | 1.4 ft |
Species at Hilton Head Island
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Bluefish Marginal conditions for Bluefish. In season 40/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — bluefish prefers incoming tide
What's hurting
- 87°F water — above bluefish's active range (60–80°f) — fish move deep
About. Pomatomus saltatrix — Toothy, aggressive pelagic predator. "Snapper blues" invade the lower Bay and coastal bays in summer; bigger choppers along the Atlantic coast. Hits metal jigs, topwater, and cut bait savagely — wire leaders recommended.
Prefers. Water 60–80°F (ideal 70°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–50 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
No minimum size. 5/person/day (7 on for-hire).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Red Drum Marginal conditions for Red Drum. In season 40/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — red drum prefers incoming tide
What's hurting
- 87°F water — above red drum's active range (65–85°f) — fish move deep
About. Sciaenops ocellatus — Also called channel bass, redfish, or (as juveniles) puppy drum. Summer and fall target around the lower Bay shoals and the Eastern Shore coastal bays. Big "bull reds" cruise the surf in fall.
Prefers. Water 65–85°F (ideal 75°F) · incoming tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 15"
- Max size
- 23"
- Daily creel
- 2
15–23" slot, 2/person/day (max 6 per boat).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Spotted Seatrout Marginal conditions for Spotted Seatrout. In season 40/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — spotted seatrout prefers incoming tide
What's hurting
- 87°F water — above spotted seatrout's active range (60–85°f) — fish move deep
About. Cynoscion nebulosus — Popularly called "speckled trout" or "specks." Summer-fall target in the lower Bay grass beds and the Eastern Shore coastal bays. Topwater walkers at dawn and soft plastics on jigheads are standard.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 72°F) · incoming tide · depth 3–15 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 10
14" minimum, 10/person/day.
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#4 Sheepshead Skip the Sheepshead trip today. In season 24/100
What's hurting
- 87°F water — above sheepshead's active range (60–82°f) — fish move deep
- incoming tide — sheepshead prefers slack tide
About. Archosargus probatocephalus — Structure-oriented crustacean eater with famously human-like teeth. VA piers, jetties, and the rocks and pilings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are the classic targets. Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or small pieces of shrimp on a knocker rig right against the structure. Expect to lose tackle.
Prefers. Water 60–82°F (ideal 72°F) · slack tide · depth 5–40 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 10
14" minimum, 10/person/day (max 30 per boat).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#4 Summer Flounder Skip the Summer Flounder trip today. In season 24/100
What's hurting
- 87°F water — above summer flounder's active range (58–75°f) — fish move deep
- incoming tide — summer flounder prefers outgoing tide
About. Paralichthys dentatus — Locally called "fluke." Flatfish that ambushes bait off sandy and mixed bottom. Drifting bucktails tipped with Gulp! or live minnows through Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets is the classic method.
Prefers. Water 58–75°F (ideal 65°F) · outgoing tide · depth 10–100 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 16"
- Daily creel
- 5
Southern flounder: 16" minimum, 5/person/day (max 10 per boat).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Access
Shoreline access
Jurisdiction
South Carolina
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Hilton Head Island: South Carolina DNR fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Hilton Head Island?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Hilton Head Island you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Sheepshead, Bluefish, Summer Flounder, Red Drum, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Hilton Head Island?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Hilton Head Island against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Hilton Head Island have?
Hilton Head Island has shoreline / wading access. There is no pier or boat ramp at this location.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Hilton Head Island?
state agency regulations apply at Hilton Head Island. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Hilton Head Island tidal water?
Yes. Hilton Head Island sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.