Hilton Head Fishing Report - February/March
February is one of the most underrated months to fish around Hilton Head. The crowds are light, the boat traffic is minimal, and several of our best inshore species settle into really predictable winter patterns.
If you don’t mind a light jacket in the mornings, this can be some of the most consistent fishing of the entire year.
Here’s what we’ve been seeing lately and what to expect as we head toward spring.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead fishing has been the highlight lately. We’ve been targeting dock pilings, rocks, and bridge structure with live fiddler crabs and the bite has been steady almost every trip.
When you find them, you usually find a whole group stacked up. They’re known for stealing bait, but once you get the feel for the bite it turns into a really fun and hands-on style of fishing. Plus, they’re excellent table fare.
This pattern should continue for a while, so expect the sheepshead bite to stay strong through late winter and into early spring.
Redfish
Redfish are still doing their classic winter thing — schooled up tight on the flats.
On the right tides, we’re finding groups cruising shallow mud and grass edges, which makes for some fun sight fishing. Soft plastics, live shrimp, and cut bait have all been producing.
As water temperatures climb into the upper 50s and low 60s, these fish are starting to spread out and get more active. The bite should only improve over the next few weeks.
Redfish are always a great option for families and anglers of all skill levels because there’s usually steady action.
If you’re looking to experience this bite yourself, book a trip with Southern Roots Fishing Charters, a Hilton Head fishing charter based out of Harbour Town.
Black Drum
We’re also seeing plenty of black drum mixed in around the same structure as the sheepshead.
They love shrimp and crabs and are a great bonus catch on most trips this time of year. Some days it feels like every drop gets a bite.
They pull hard and are perfect for kids or beginners since the bite is simple and consistent.
Speckled Trout (Sea Trout)
The sea trout bite has been slowly improving as the water warms.
We’re starting to see more fish holding in deeper holes and creek mouths, especially on moving tides. Soft plastics on jig heads and live shrimp under corks have been working well.
If the warming trend continues, trout fishing should really turn on heading into March.
Looking Ahead
With the water warming up, we’re right on the edge of the spring transition.
Over the next month, expect:
Strong sheepshead and black drum fishing around structure
Redfish spreading out and feeding more aggressively
Trout fishing improving week by week
The first sharks of the season starting to show up soon
Things only get better from here.
If you’re thinking about getting on the water, late winter is a great time to beat the spring rush and enjoy some consistent fishing with fewer boats around.
If you’d like to plan a trip, check availability and come spend a day on the water with us.
