September Fishing Forecast – Hilton Head, SC

By this time of the year the water temperature has warmed up significantly and the fishing season is in full swing. July fishing can be summed up in two words, “mixed bag”. There is so much to catch this time of year and the days are so long you may never find yourself at home. Weather is less of a factor inshore, and we will still be looking for calm days to venture out towards open water.

This months feature is Tarpon Fishing

 The largest and most powerful sport fish migrating through our inshore waters is the mighty silver king. These magnificent fish are sought after world wide for their explosive bites, acrobatic leaps and hard runs. Tarpon are long lived fish, some of the older fish being over 60 years old. Average low country tarpon run in the one hundred plus pound range so when you hook into one of these bruisers I would suggest hanging on for the ride.

Inshore Fishing

If you’re looking to catch a trophy fish this is the time of year to do it. Our inshore waters are holding good numbers of big sharks and tarpon. Look to catch tarpon in the 100 to 150 pound range, these bruisers fight hard and put on a powerful aerial show. This is also a great month to fish the flats for tailing redfish and to work the creek mouths for sea trout and ladyfish. Near shore we have huge schools of spanish mackerel, blue fish and jacks which can be seen from great distances as they push glass minnows to the surface. These fisheries create a good opportunity for those of you who like to toss flies at big fish. Finally, shrimp season has arrived…if you enjoy eating shrimp, try eating them on the same day that you caught them.

Offshore Wreck Fishing

The offshore wrecks are still holding quite a few cobia and king mackerel. Along with cobia and kings expect to catch sharks (some exceeding 200 plus pounds), jacks and various bottom fish. Due to the fact that these wrecks are located in open water we generally look for light winds and calm seas to go offshore.