Hilton Head, SC

[VicT]

Has anyone fished at Hilton Head, South Carolina? I am wondering what to expect for redfish, seatrout, or cobia in the last week of March. And whether to fish the beaches or back lagoons.
Has anyone had any experience with Low Country Outfitters as either a guide service or tackle shop? I think Capt. Marty Pingston (sp?) is their guide...any references on him?
Also wondering what lines and flies to bring. Thank you.
VicT

[gregk]

Hi Vic,
I was down there in thew beggining of December this past year for a conference. On Palmetto cove their is a boat/bike rental place where you can get a guided trip for something like $40 1/2 day. "Island sonss" or something like that. Now check this out, its all in the canals fishing for landlocked bluefish and redfish (with a few monster fluke thrown in as well) The canal system goes threw the golf courses and residential areas, weird environment for bluefish, but they are there. Some deep wholes so bring a sinking line, 8wt is plenty. If you want, I'll dig out the # for you.
greg

[Hamptonman]

Greg,

I expect to be visiting my parents in HHI Palmetto Dunes in February. Last year I was there in Feb and made a few hundred non-productive casts into the canals with various spinner baits, jigs etc. I don't think the temp ever got above 40. It was too cold for the Shelter Cove party boats to fish so that was not an option. Were you referring to Palmetto Dunes in your post about boat rentals in the canal with a guide ? I might give it a shot this year. I've never caught Reds but it sounds like that's the most likely catch in the canal system.

Hamptonman (NH that is)

[Vic T]

VicT,

This is going to be interesting ... my user name is Vic T!

Vic T

[Semper Fly]

VicT,
I haven't fished the Hilton Head/ Beaufort SC area for a couple of years, the Marine Corps moved my away and hasn't let me get back there since. --124-3 But from what I've read and heard recently the fishing is still great.

I primarily used a 7-9 wt for all of the inshore stuff. I used my 7wt with a floating line or intermediate and my 8 wt with a sinking line (300 gr) to work the edges and holes. I recommend the floating line if you plan on sight casting up into the spartina. I would go with at least a 10 wt if you want to go after the "Man in the brown suit" - a.k.a. cobia :brow :brow

I haven't ever fished with Capt. Marty, but I have heard great things about him. Here is a link (http://oregoninlet.us/flyfishing/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1225) to a post that Capt Brian Horsley put on his website (Outerbanksflyfishing) concerning Capt Marty and the fishing in the Hilton Head area. Good luck and let us know how you do.

Semper Fly