Hilton Head - Beaufort, SC Fishing Report on 18th Jun, 2025

Inshore fishing around Hilton Head is in full swing this June, with warm water temps pushing baitfish into the estuaries and drawing in hungry game fish. Anglers targeting the salt marshes, oyster beds, and grass lines are finding plenty of action on both live bait and artificials.

Redfish are active and aggressive, especially around the higher tides. Sight fishing for tailing reds has been productive in the flooded grass, while low tide exposes pods of slot-size fish cruising along the mud flats and oyster edges. Cut mullet, live shrimp, and soft plastic paddle tails are all getting hits.

Speckled sea trout are holding strong in the deeper bends and current seams, with early morning being the sweet spot. Live shrimp under popping corks are the go-to, but MirrOlures and small soft plastics in natural colors are working well on calmer days. Expect trout in the 14–20” range, with a few bigger fish mixed in.

Flounder are becoming more consistent as they move into the creeks and sandy drop-offs. Fishing live mud minnows or finger mullet on a Carolina rig has been especially productive around structure and current breaks.

Keep an eye out for tarpon—a few early arrivals have been spotted rolling near the deeper holes and river mouths. While the main run is still a few weeks out, it’s a promising sign for those looking to hook into something bigger soon.

Hilton Head’s inshore waters are alive right now, and with clean water and good tides, it's a prime time to fish the Lowcountry.