Hilton Head Island

ocuyler · #1 01-24-2004, 06:07 PM

We're planning to spend Easter week on Hilton Head Island again this year. Last year I took the 11' Whaler. This year, I'll have the 16' Dauntless (I know, it's no SeaCraft).

I've familiar with Beaufort to Savannah, but will travel further. Does anyone have any suggestions for fishing. All I have is light tackle. Species and location...

Mark · #2 01-24-2004, 06:38 PM

Otto,

There are always plenty of redfish there nearly regardless of time of year. You will need to get up near the grass flats on the high tides. I primarily fish them with a fly, but there are plenty of other ways to fish them with spinning or casting gear.

It's probably a hair early for the big jacks to be in the Savannah River but you may get lucky and come across a few. I suggest either a sturdy outfit or a LOT of line on your reels for these if they are anywhere near shallow water and can run. These generally run from 20-35#'s (smallest I've ever caught there was 24#s).

You can probably catch a few spanish outside a bit, but all the ones I have caught in that area are pretty small.

Make sure you have a tide chart if you go after redfish. I have seen more than one boat end up 1/4 mile from water when the tide fell [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Michael Vezzosi · #3 01-24-2004, 10:21 PM

Otto, I think Easter is the 11th? A bit early for the cobia run, but with some warm days and some quick rising water temps we might get lucky. Depending on the tide, we usually Spring Turkey hunt and then fish the afternoon, and vice-versa. Yes, the family loves it, but its only a FEW short weeks. My brother has an '86 18', and I have a '79 20'. April being the best weather month a lot of family visiting, Snowbirds doing the one nighters on there way north, its pretty hectic. Reds should be pretty active too. We work the Fire Dept. 24hours on, 72 off, so even if its blowin, should find plenty of time to check out the SC's and, as they say down here, Drink us some " Cold Beers". A lot of miles on that Whaler Trailer, lookin to replace my galvanize for aluminum Float On for my 15'. About $1100 best I've found so far. Nice to only be quarter mile from landing. Keep in touch.

ocuyler · #4 01-24-2004, 11:35 PM

Vezo,

Thanks for the reply. We should hook-up. We'll be there the 10th through the 16th. I launch at the State launch on 278 at the ICW near you. The Boaters World in Blufton is one of my favorites. Your station must be in there somewhere. Are you a golfer? We can do that too...

Michael Vezzosi · #5 01-25-2004, 08:30 AM

Otto I work for Bluffton F.D. (mainland before you cross bridge to State Ramp). My brother Tommy works for H.H.I.F.D.. We do not golf, but have connections around. Ever golfed H.H. National, just after McDonalds in Bluffton? Also may be able to get you into H.H.Plantation? You'll like the ramp by my house, about 8 minutes farther but quiet. Better for chasing reds. If brownies are here we'll use the bridges. Don't know where you are staying but you're welcome to leave the Whaler in my yard. we'll check it out. Going home this morning, be back 8a.m. Tuesday. Later.