Fishing

Although anglers can fish in these waters year-round, in April things start to crank up and in May most boats are heavily booked. May is the season for cobia, especially in Port Royal Sound. In the Gulf Stream you can hook king mackerel, tuna, wahoo, and mahimahi. A fishing license is necessary if you are fishing from a beach, dock, or pier. Licenses aren't necessary on charter fishing boats because they already have their licenses.

Bay Runner Fishing Charters. With more than four decades of experience fishing these waters, Captain Miles Altman takes anglers out for deep-sea fishing trips lasting three to eight hours. Evening shark trips are offered May to August. Shelter Cove Marina, 1 Shelter Cove La., Mid-Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/290–6955; www.bayrunnerfishinghiltonhead.com.

Bulldog Fishing Charters. Captain Christiaan offers his guests 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-hour fishing tours on his 32-foot boat, the Bulldog. 1 Hudson Rd., departs from docks at Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks, North End, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926. 843/422–0887; bulldogfishingcharters.com.

Capt. Hook Party Fishing Boat. For those looking for a fun time out on the water with friends and family, deep-sea fishing tours are available on this large party boat. Public and private offshore fishing charters are also available. The friendly crew can teach kids how to bait hooks and reel in fish. Shelter Cove Marina, 1 Shelter Cove La., Mid-Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/785–1700; www.captainhookhiltonhead.com.

Fishin' Coach Charters. Captain Dan Utley offers a variety of inshore fishing tours on his 22-foot boat to catch redfish and other species year-round. C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing, 2 William Hilton Pkwy., North End, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926. 843/368–2126; www.fishincoach.com.

Hilton Head Charter Fishing. Captain Jeff Kline offers offshore, sport-fishing adventure trips and four-hour family trips on a trio of 30-plus-foot boats, the Gullah Gal, True Grits, and Honey B. Shelter Cove Marina, 1 Shelter Cove La., Mid-Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/422–3430; www.hiltonheadislandcharterfishing.com.

Integrity Charters. The 38-foot Hatteras Sportfisher charter boat Integrity offers offshore and near-shore fishing expeditions with U.S. Coast Guard licensed Master Captain Mike Russo. Broad Creek Marina, 18 Simmons Rd., South End, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/422–1221; www.integritycharterfishing.com.

Palmetto Lagoon Charters. Captain Trent Malphrus takes groups for half- or full-day excursions to the region's placid saltwater lagoons. Redfish, bluefish, flounder, and black drum are some of the most common trophy fish. Shelter Cove Marina, 1 Shelter Cove La., Mid-Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/301–4634; www.palmettolagooncharters.com.

Stray Cat Charters. Whether you want to fish inshore or go offshore into the deep blue to catch fish such as cobia and snapper, Captain Jim Clark offers options for charters on his 27-foot catamaran, The Stray Cat. 2 Hudson Rd., North End, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926. 843/683–5427; www.straycatcharter.com.