Hilton Head Island, SC Fishing Trip — May

Your Hilton Head Island, SC Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip
High 82°F / Low 70°F6.5" rain · 15 rainy daysWarm with frequent rain — pack a rain jacket and quick-dry clothes.

What’s Biting in May

8 species
King MackerelExcellent
King Mackerel
Various
RedfishExcellent
Redfish
Bottom fishing · Trolling
Spanish MackerelExcellent
Spanish Mackerel
Casting · Trolling
CobiaExcellent
Cobia
Various
Black Sea BassExcellent
Black Sea Bass
Bottom Fishing · Jigging
Spotted SeatroutExcellent
Spotted Seatrout
Various
SheepsheadExcellent
Sheepshead
Various
FlounderExcellent
Flounder
Various

May Weather in Hilton Head Island

82°F
Avg High
70°F
Avg Low
6.5"
Rainfall
15
Rainy Days

Warm with frequent rain — pack a rain jacket and quick-dry clothes.

46 Guides Matched

View all guides
View all 46 guides

Prepare for Your Trip

Gear recommendations and packing list for your trip. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Bring

Check with your guide about gear. Here's a recommended packing list:

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Polarized sunglasses
Hat or visor
Weather-appropriate clothing
Non-marking shoes or deck shoes
Water and drinks (stay hydrated)
Snacks or lunch
Cooler for your catch
Motion sickness medication (if needed)
Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)
Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)
Light rain jacket
$910
Estimated total for 2 people
$455
per person
Charter $500
Tip $100
Licenses $60
Food $100
Lodging $150

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

Things to Do in Hilton Head Island

Activities for your non-fishing days

South Carolina Fishing License

License Cost
Resident$10
Non-Resident$35
Requirements

Required for ages 16+. Freshwater and saltwater licenses sold separately.

Buy License Online — South Carolina

Species Regulations

King Mackerel
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:3 per person per day
Size Limit:24-inch fork length minimum

Vessel limit is the number of persons legally fishing from the boat, or 10, whichever is greater.

Redfish
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:3 per person per day
Size Limit:15–23 inch slot limit

Only allowed to possess one over 23 inches with a valid SCDNR issued Red Drum Tag.

Spanish Mackerel
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:15 per person per day
Size Limit:12-inch fork length minimum
Cobia
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:1 per person per day, 3 per boat per day
Size Limit:36-inch fork length minimum

From January 1 to the last day of February, cobia fishing is only allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A harvest tag is required for each cobia kept.

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