Spanish mackerel fishing out of Hilton Head Island centers on three places: White Water Reef, Fish America Reef and Port Royal Sound. This port reference is for anglers running their own boat. It lists named structure, depths and the local method so you can decide where to look. The reefs are SCDNR artificial reefs numbered PA-41 to PA-49.
When Spanish mackerel are around Hilton Head Island
Spring and summer are the season here, per the Hilton Head Island guide. For the coast-wide migration picture, see Spanish mackerel along the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide).
The two seasons at this port:
- Spring: Spanish mackerel fishing starts the season.
- Summer: Spanish mackerel stay in the mix with king mackerel, tarpon and sharks.
Where boats run from Hilton Head
Boats run to three places for Spanish mackerel: White Water Reef, Fish America Reef and Port Royal Sound. The first two are SCDNR artificial reefs.
| Destination | Type | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| White Water Reef (PA-47) | SCDNR artificial reef | 30 ft |
| Fish America Reef (PA-45) | SCDNR artificial reef | 9 ft |
| Port Royal Sound | Sound | Not listed |
White Water Reef (PA-47)
White Water Reef sits in 30 ft, which matches the roughly 30 ft where Spanish mackerel are fished locally. SCDNR says trolling there is productive, so it is the first place to look.
Fish America Reef (PA-45)
Fish America Reef is SCDNR site PA-45, listed at 9 ft. Boats run to it for Spanish mackerel.
Port Royal Sound
Port Royal Sound is one of the places boats fish for Spanish mackerel from this port.
Reefs and wrecks near Hilton Head Island
The named structure near the island ranges from 9 ft to 90 ft. The table lists it from shallowest to deepest.
| Reef | PA number | Depth (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Fish America Reef | PA-45 | 9 |
| Gaskins Bank Wreck | 10 | |
| General Gordon Reef (wreck) | PA-41 | 18 |
| White Water Reef | PA-47 | 30 |
| Beaufort 45 Reef | PA-42 | 45 |
| Hilton Head Reef | PA-49 | 50 |
| Eagle’s Nest Reef | PA-48 | 60 |
| Betsy Ross Reef | PA-44 | 90 |
White Water Reef is the listed site at the roughly 30 ft trolling depth. Mark the PA reefs as waypoints before the run, since chart layers are not meant for navigation.
How Spanish mackerel are fished out of Hilton Head
For leaders, lures and biology, see Spanish mackerel tackle and behavior. This section covers only what is local to the port.
Trolling around 30 ft
Trolling is the method used locally, at about 30 ft. White Water Reef (PA-47) sits at that depth, and SCDNR says trolling there is productive.
Reading the tide at station 8669167
NOAA tide station 8669167 is at Port Royal Plantation, Hilton Head. Check its water level reading before the run. A tide station reports water level only, so use the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period.
Who fishes for Spanish mackerel out of Hilton Head
These local charters list Spanish mackerel.
A Live One (Live Oac Adventures)
The vessel is the Freeman 29 catamaran A Live One. Details are on the Live Oac Adventures offshore fishing page.
Tale Hunter Hilton Head Fishing Charters
Capt. Joe Smith is named on Tale Hunter’s Betsy Ross article, which covers Betsy Ross Reef.
Above and Below Charters (Salty Mistress Sport Fishing)
The vessel is a 2002 Rampage 38 Express with twin Caterpillar diesels.
FAQ about Spanish mackerel fishing out of Hilton Head
When are Spanish mackerel around Hilton Head Island?
Spring and summer. Spanish mackerel fishing out of Hilton Head Island runs through both seasons.
Which reef matches the local trolling depth?
White Water Reef (PA-47), at 30 ft. SCDNR says trolling there is productive, and about 30 ft is the depth fished locally.
How deep is Betsy Ross Reef?
90 ft. It is SCDNR site PA-44, and Tale Hunter has an article on it.
What tide reference should I check before the run?
NOAA tide station 8669167 at Port Royal Plantation. It reports water level only, so pair it with the official marine forecast for sea state.
What else is trolled nearby, and are there charters?
Three charters list Spanish mackerel: A Live One, Tale Hunter and Above and Below Charters. For other species, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
