The state regulates fishing up to three miles offshore. Beyond that, federal regulations apply.
All anglers 16 years or older fishing in the salt water, whether from the shore or a boat, require a state license. However, a license is not required when on a paid charter
with a licensed captain, as the captain’s license also covers his or her customers.
Types of fishing include:
- Inshore; referring to creeks, coves and estuaries.
- Nearshore; referring to open ocean fishing within a few miles of a shore, still within sight of land.
- Offshore ; referring to ocean fishing farther from the coast.
Charter captains will offer one or more of these types of fishing, depending on the size and
capabilities of their vessel. Most private charters are limited by law to six or fewer passengers,
(excluding the captain and mate). There are a few exceptions; the Hobo, for example, can take up to
16 passengers. Some smaller vessels may limit the number of passengers due to space considerations.
Private charters are single-party charters where the fee is for the entire boat and the services
of the captain, who will give the anglers all of the supplies and assistance they need. This is different
than larger boats known as “party” or “head” boats, where customers are charged individually and go out with larger numbers of people.
Captains will either still fish, using live or dead bait while the boat is not moving, or troll, by dragging
live or artificial bait behind a moving boat. Inshore fishing is typically done near shorelines or landforms
such as creek mouths or deep holes, while nearshore or offshore fishing is often done around reefs which are known
to hold fish. Captains will fillet edible, legal-sized fish for customers who wish to bring something home.
Shark fishing is very popular around Hilton Head. These fish are targeted mainly for sport value rather than
for eating, so this type of fishing is usually catch-and-release.
Fishing conditions, namely the wind, weather and size of the waves, also dictate the type of fishing captains may
opt for on any given day. Blue Water captains know where to go at different times of the year and what species of fish may be caught.
To find out more about what type of fishing trip might be right for you, visit Blue Water Tackle Shop or call 843-671-3060.
