Hey there, anglers! Ready to hit the sweet spots of Hilton Head's inshore waters? Capt. Allick here, and I'm itching to get you on some of the hottest fishing action South Carolina has to offer. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-fighting reds or aiming to fill the cooler with tasty flounder, our 4-hour private trip is your ticket to an epic day on the water. Let's dive into what makes fishing these waters so darn special.
Picture this: You're cruising the pristine waters of the May River, rod in hand, as the sun paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. That's how we kick off our mornings here in Hilton Head. Our 4-hour trip is the perfect mix of action and relaxation. We'll hit multiple spots, targeting everything from the backwater haunts of redfish to the deeper haunts where cobia lurk. And don't worry if you're new to fishing – I'll be right there to help you land that trophy catch. We keep things laid-back and fun, but trust me, when that line starts singing, you'll feel the rush that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be using a mix of light tackle and live bait to entice our finned friends. Depending on the tide and what's biting, we might start off sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or drifting live shrimp along oyster beds for trout. As the day heats up, we could switch gears and drop some cut bait near structure for sheepshead or flounder. And if the tarpon are rolling or the sharks are cruising, hold onto your hats – we might just hook into something that'll test your drag and your biceps. The beauty of Hilton Head's inshore waters is the variety – one minute you're finessing a speckled trout, the next you could be locked in battle with a bull red. It's all about reading the water and adapting, and that's where my local know-how comes in handy.
Don't just take my word for it – here's what some of our recent guests had to say about their time on the water:
"Book now and get ready for a good time! Captain Allick was so knowledgeable and made sure everyone had fun. He was so family friendly- our little guy even caught fish, and he's only two! We caught several different species. We'll be back!" - Christine
"Chartered yesterday with Allick and we were blown away! He was excellent from start to finish. He took us to several different spots for different species of fish. We caught tons of fish. He taught us a lot about the local environment and had tons of information on all the different wildlife and local area. We will 100% be back with Allick in the future!" - Pete
"This was the best experience with my family. Captain Allick was very knowledgeable, professional, and helped my kids so much with their fishing experience. We will definitely book with him next time we are in Hilton Head." - Janet
Let's break down some of the all-stars you might tangle with on our trip:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Hilton Head's inshore scene. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail, reds can be found tailing in the shallows or hanging around oyster beds. They're a blast on light tackle and put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but we catch 'em year-round.
Speckled Trout: Don't let their size fool you – these spotted beauties are some of the wiliest fish in the marsh. They've got a soft mouth, so finesse is key when reeling them in. We target specks around grass lines and drop-offs, especially in the cooler months. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the sound of a trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Flounder: Ah, the Southern Flounder – the ultimate "sandwich fish." These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. We catch 'em by dragging baits slowly along the bottom near structure. They might not pull as hard as some other species, but they're a favorite for the dinner table. Late summer and early fall is when the big doormat-sized flounder start showing up.
Tarpon: Now we're talking about some serious game fish. The "Silver King" migrates through our waters in the heat of summer, typically July through September. Hooking into one of these acrobatic giants is like trying to land a Volkswagen with a fishing pole. They're catch-and-release only, but the memories of a tarpon leaping six feet out of the water will last a lifetime.
Cobia: These curious fish start showing up in May (heck, we even call 'em "May Ling" sometimes). Cobia are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. They love structure, so we often find them around buoys or following big rays. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they fight like champions and taste even better.
Folks, fishing in Hilton Head isn't just about filling the cooler (though we do plenty of that). It's about connecting with nature, feeling the salt spray on your face, and experiencing the thrill of the catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, there's something magical about these waters that keeps people coming back year after year.
On our trips, we're not just fishing – we're creating memories. You might see dolphins playing in our wake, spot ospreys diving for their lunch, or witness a spectacular Lowcountry sunset. And let's not forget the camaraderie. There's nothing like swapping stories and laughs while waiting for that next big bite.
I'm all about sustainable fishing, too. We practice catch-and-release for many species, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same quality fishing we do today. It's about respecting the resource and preserving the ecosystem that makes Hilton Head such a special place to fish.
Alright, I've talked your ear off about what makes fishing in Hilton Head so darn special. Now it's time for you to experience it firsthand. Our 4-hour private trip is perfect for families, groups of friends, or even solo anglers looking to hone their skills. We provide all the gear, bait, and know-how – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch).
Remember, the fish are always biting, but my calendar fills up fast. Don't miss out on your chance to create some unforgettable fishing memories. Whether you're after your personal best redfish, want to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, or just need a relaxing day on the water, I've got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? The tides are right, the fish are calling, and adventure is just a click away. Book your trip now, and let's make some waves together in the beautiful waters of Hilton Head. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!
April 19, 2025
Chartered yesterday with Allick and we were blown away! He was excellent from start to finish. He took us to several different spots for different species of fish. We caught tons of fish. He taught us a lot about the local environment and had tons of information on all the different wildlife and local area. We will 100% be back with Allick in the future!
November 1, 2024
The owner was able to accommodate us on short notice, and my boys had a blast!
September 6, 2024
This was the best experience with my family. Captain Allick was very knowledgeable, professional, and helped my kids so much with their fishing experience. We will definitely book with him next time we are in Hilton Head.
November 4, 2024
We booked a 3 hour family charter last minute, and Captain Allick had no problem accommodating us. We brought our 5 and 7 year old girls, and they both had a blast! Captain Allick was very friendly and was great with the kids. Within the first hour, we threw a couple nets out for shrimp, and then reeled in and caught three sharks! We then went exploring for dolphins and discovered a whole pod. After hanging out with the dolphins, we went to a sandbar to search for shark teeth - each of the kids found about 10! It was a great mix of fishing and exploring wildlife, which was perfect for the kids. Highly recommended, we would absolutely come back!
September 13, 2024
We had a lot of fun! Caught a few different species of fish. Our captain was really good with out 10 year old son. Nice relaxing morning.
August 2, 2024
Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, known for their acrobatic jumps and bulldogging fights. Adults typically run 4-5 feet long and 80-100 pounds, but giants over 200 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them rolling and gulping air in coastal waters, especially around bridges and passes. These prehistoric-looking fish migrate through our waters from late spring to early fall. They're not great eating, but the thrill of the catch more than makes up for it. Tarpon will hit everything from live bait to flies, but be ready for a long battle - these fish don't give up easily. To target tarpon, you'll want heavy gear and a lot of patience. They can be finicky, so stealth is key. My local tip? Watch for "laid up" fish resting in shallow water on calm days. Quietly position your boat upwind and make a long cast with a live crab or mullet. When that silver missile erupts from the water, hang on tight!
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are inshore favorites that'll keep your rod bent all day. Most run 14-24 inches, but trophy "gator" trout can push 30 inches and 10 pounds. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and deeper channels, especially at dawn and dusk. These silver-sided beauties are known for their spotted patterns and delicate mouths. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are moderate. Trout love live shrimp under a popping cork, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs work great too. Anglers prize sea trout for their light, flaky meat and challenging fight. To up your catch, focus on moving tides and areas with good current flow. My go-to trick? Fish a suspending twitch bait very slowly with long pauses - the trout can't resist it. Just remember to set the hook gently, or you'll pull it right out of their paper-thin mouths.
Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your patience. These solitary fish can grow up to 6 feet long and top 100 pounds, with most adults in the 30-50 pound range. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water during their spring spawning run. They love structure, so target rip lines and current breaks. Sight fishing is your best bet - scan the surface for their distinctive shark-like dorsal fin. These fish put up a heck of a fight and taste great on the table. Their firm, white meat is prized by anglers and chefs alike. To land one, try bucktail jigs in the 4-8 oz range. Color doesn't matter much, but make sure you've got stout gear - cobia will test your drag system. My top tip? Chum the water with cut bait to bring them in close, then cast a live eel or crab right in front of their nose. Be ready for an explosive strike and a battle royale.
Redfish are shallow water specialists that'll make your reel sing. Most adults run 28-33 inches, but they can grow over 45 inches and push 50 pounds. Look for them in super skinny water - sometimes their backs are above the surface! They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mud bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive tail spot and hard-pulling fights. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Redfish aren't picky eaters - they'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live bait. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing fish in clear shallows. Redfish make excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor. To boost your odds, fish early mornings on moving tides. My local secret? Look for diving birds - they'll lead you right to feeding reds. Once you find 'em, a gold spoon or scented soft plastic usually does the trick.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Book now and get ready for a good time! Captain Allick was so knowledgeable and made sure everyone had fun. He was so family friendly- our little guy even caught fish, and he’s only two! We caught several different species. We’ll be back!