BackCountry Light Tackle & Fly Fishing in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Redfish is the staple, year-round fish in the South Carolina Lowcountry and has proved to be the perfect gamefish. They can be sight fished on the fly or artificial lure on flood tide grass flats, mud and sand flats, or up tidal creeks at lower water levels. They can also be fished using live or cut bait. Other common species caught include Black Drum, Speckled Sea Trout and Flounder. Throughout the year some species are in more abundance than others and some seasons hold different surprises as migratory fish move through the area. ​ Winter in the Lowcountry is special because the water can become gin-clear due to the lack of nutrients in the water with water temperatures in the upper 40s and 50s. Redfish will school up in large numbers and provide anglers with excellent sight fishing opportunities at lower tides ​ As the water temperature begins to warm in the Spring baitfish begin to move into the interior waters. The food source becomes slightly more abundant and schools start to break up and spread out to more zones.  In April and May, the Cobia begin to show up to spawn in this estuary. The Cobia can be taken on the fly or artificial on the surface when weather and sea conditions line up. ​ Summer months afford the angler the most variety.  In addition to Redfish, Black Drum, Sea Trout, and Flounder other species frequent a variety of scenarios. Ladyfish, Tripletail, Spanish Mackeral are all fun species to target on light tackle and fly but the big schools of large Jack Crevalle are high on the list of gamefish to be hunted this time of year when the sea conditions are calm enough. Tarpon also visit our water during Summer but are generally on the bottom in deeper water. ​ Once the Fall season comes into play, we see relief from Summer temperatures, the baitfish mature, and the shrimp move into the creeks. It seems like everything gets fired up! Bull Redfish have a tendency to move back into estuarine waters to feed. When the water is calm enough Bull Reds can be targeted on the surface out in nearshore waters where they are spawning this time of year. So no matter what time of year there is always something buzzing aboard Captain Graham Skiff! It comes loaded with everything you could possibly need for success, so all you need to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks, and Captain Graham will show you what Hilton Head fishing is all about! Read More