When black sea bass are off Hilton Head Island
Black sea bass fishing out of Hilton Head Island runs in fall and spring, per the Hilton Head Island guide. FishingBooker puts the reef bite in cold months as its strongest stretch. Ramps, inlets and conditions are covered in the Hilton Head Island port guide, so this page sticks to the fish and the grounds. The black sea bass species guide explains why these fish move and bite with the seasons. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the wider Atlantic Southeast guide.
How far boats run from Hilton Head Island
Water from this port breaks into three bands, at about 5, 20 and 50 miles. Pick the band that fits your boat and the day.
About 1.5 to 5 miles: Hilton Head Reef
Hilton Head Reef (PA-49) sits about 1.5 to 5 miles out in about 50 ft. It is the shortest run to a named reef in this guide.
About 18 to 20 miles: Betsy Ross Reef
Betsy Ross Reef (PA-44) sits about 18 to 20 miles out in 90 ft. Compared with Hilton Head Reef:
- Distance: about 1.5 to 5 miles versus about 18 to 20 miles
- Depth: 50 ft versus 90 ft
- Rig: at 90 ft, Tale Hunter’s spec is 6 oz on 80 lb braid, detailed below
The tradeoff is the longer run against the deeper water.
Up to about 50 miles: natural ledges
Salty Mistress runs bottom trips to natural ledges up to about 50 miles out, in a 2002 Rampage 38 Express with twin Caterpillar diesels. Use it as a reference point for range.
Reefs and wrecks that hold sea bass
The reefs below carry SCDNR artificial reef PA designations. DNR gives coordinates only for Beaufort 45 Reef.
| Reef | PA number | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Reef | PA-49 | 50 ft |
| Betsy Ross Reef | PA-44 | 90 ft |
| Eagle’s Nest Reef | PA-48 | 60 ft |
| Beaufort 45 Reef | PA-42 | 45 ft |
| White Water Reef | PA-47 | 30 ft |
| General Gordon Reef (wreck) | PA-41 | 18 ft |
| Fish America Reef | PA-45 | 9 ft |
| Gaskins Bank Wreck | – | 10 ft |
Chart layers are not for navigation. Other bottom species share this structure, and the reef fish guides cover them.
Hilton Head Reef (PA-49)
Hilton Head Reef sits in 50 ft, about 1.5 to 5 miles out, and is the nearest named reef in this guide.
Betsy Ross Reef (PA-44)
Betsy Ross Reef sits in 90 ft, about 18 to 20 miles out. Tale Hunter’s rig spec was written for this reef and is covered in the methods section below.
Eagle’s Nest Reef (PA-48)
Eagle’s Nest Reef sits in 60 ft.
Beaufort 45 Reef (PA-42)
Beaufort 45 Reef sits in 45 ft. DNR gives coordinates only for this reef.
Shallow structure: White Water, General Gordon, Fish America, Gaskins Bank
These four sit in the shallowest water on the list:
- White Water Reef (PA-47), 30 ft
- General Gordon Reef (PA-41), a wreck, 18 ft
- Fish America Reef (PA-45), 9 ft
- Gaskins Bank Wreck, 10 ft
How black sea bass are fished here
The local method is heavy bottom rigs with circle hooks. For bottom fishing at Betsy Ross, Tale Hunter describes 6-ounce weights and 6/0 to 8/0 circle hooks on 80-pound braid.
That spec is built for Betsy Ross in 90 ft; Hilton Head Reef sits in about 50 ft. The rig breaks down like this:
- Rig: heavy bottom rig
- Hook: 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook
- Weight: 6 oz
- Line: 80 lb braid
Who fishes for them out of this port
Three local operations list black sea bass.
Tale Hunter Hilton Head Fishing Charters
Tale Hunter Hilton Head Fishing Charters names Capt. Joe Smith on its Betsy Ross Reef article, the source of the 6 oz, 6/0 to 8/0 and 80 lb braid spec above.
Tail Tamer Fishing Charters
Tail Tamer Fishing Charters is run by Capt. Terry Hall, with daily trips from the company dock at Broad Creek Marina.
Above and Below Charters (Salty Mistress Sport Fishing)
Above and Below Charters (Salty Mistress Sport Fishing) runs a 2002 Rampage 38 Express with twin Caterpillar diesels, on bottom trips to natural ledges up to about 50 miles out.
FAQ on black sea bass fishing out of Hilton Head Island
When is the best season for black sea bass off Hilton Head Island?
Fall and spring, per the Hilton Head Island guide. FishingBooker describes the reef bottom bite as strongest in the cold months.
How far is Betsy Ross Reef from Hilton Head Island?
Betsy Ross Reef (PA-44) sits about 18 to 20 miles out in 90 ft.
How deep is Hilton Head Reef and how far out is it?
Hilton Head Reef (PA-49) sits in about 50 ft, about 1.5 to 5 miles out.
What rig and weight do local captains use?
Heavy bottom rigs with circle hooks. Tale Hunter describes 6 oz weights and 6/0 to 8/0 circle hooks on 80 lb braid at Betsy Ross, which sits in 90 ft.
Where can I check tides for Hilton Head?
NOAA tide station 8669167 at Port Royal Plantation, Hilton Head, per US Harbors. It is a tide station, so use it for tide height and timing.
Where are the black sea bass rules for this port?
SCDNR sets them. See South Carolina fishing regulations above and check them before you fish.
