I will be in Beaufort for a few days. Where are some decent places to surf fish? Is shark fishing legal in Beaufort/ Hilton head? How are the drums,and trout biting etc?
edit : apparently its not legal to shark fish here? can someone confirm that?
You can fish for sharks anywhere…but if going offshore beyond 3 nautical miles (federal waters), a HMS permit is required in addition to a SC recreational saltwater license.
When fishing in federal waters (greater than 3 nautical miles offshore), anglers who fish recreationally for sharks are required to have a Federal Highly Migratory Species angling permit, and a S.C. Saltwater Recreational Fishing License if the sharks are landed in S.C. When fishing only within state waters (up to 3 nautical miles offshore), recreational anglers are required to have a S.C. Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. Owners of vessels used to fish commercially for Atlantic sharks or who intend to sell sharks are required to obtain a shark limited access commercial permit from the National Marine Fishery Service, and a South Carolina Commercial Shark Permit from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) if they intend to fish in state waters or land sharks in S.C.
Here’s a link to abbreviated saltwater regs, just scroll down to sharks. Be aware of the limits & regs. Possession of several species is prohibited.
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/saltwaterfish.html
Here’s a link to complete PDF regs:
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/saltfishing.pdf
As far as where…anywhere you can get to the surf. Hunting Island, etc., Broad River Fishing Pier (the old BR Bridge), etc.
Some of the beach communities have local ordinances against shark fishing off the beach. I “think” Hilton Head does. I know that Tybee Island does. They think it scares away the tourists.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Marine Surveying & Repair
I just verified that HHI does prohibit shark fishing off the beach.
link http://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/ourisland/beachregs.cfm
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Marine Surveying & Repair
Well ain’t that a wake up call for anglers…
well i made it down here. 4 hour drive. I noticed there was a dock coming over a bridge on 278 on the right. There was a man down there fishing and i stopped to look. looks to be a good fishing spot. im only a few minutes from it! anyone know anything about this dock? im in hilton head afterall.
I would just “fish for spottails” from the beach, might accidentally catch some sharks…
Boatless…
Ditto what eightnic said… If you’re rigged up with whole fish heads, zip tied and double hooked on 100 lb line with a 12 foot pole its obvious you’re chasing sharks. If you’re using moderate gear with cut bait, well, that’s how you fish for bull reds so what can they say? Most of the tourists are gone, use common sense and don’t fish near popular areas and you’ll be fine. Regarding the bridge with the dock, it’s most likely Pinckney Island. Fish cut squid off that dock and you’ll land something for sure. There are two docks there. When facing the water, use the bigger, taller one on the left. The one on the right is for boaters and you won’t make many friends if you are trying to fish on it. Good luck and enjoy your stay!
218 Sailfish
Yamaha F225
Hilton Head/Beaufort
thanks yall. i didnt bring my big gear with me,just my 8ft ugly stick with 30lb line,so ive been just fishing with shrimp etc and enjoying my time down here. To find out the “pier/dock” i was referring too is “Charles C . Haigh, Jr., Fishing Pier”. im heading there tomorrow. Ive been down on the beach with a sabiki rig catching whiting with my 11 year old brother. Im glad he’s having a good time. Next time in the few weeks i come down,il bring my 4/0 sets.
Yup… that’s what its “officially” called. Pinckney Island bridge, that is. Glad you’re having fun man!
218 Sailfish
Yamaha F225
Hilton Head/Beaufort
I’m guessing you have fished it? How productive is it? any special areas there to fish?
Nah man I haven’t. I just know that’s typically what people use. You’re gonna catch the usual bottom dwellers… sharks, stingrays, toadfish, etc. You might catch a sheepshead or two if you use some fiddler crabs as bait. Just catch them running around on the marsh when the tide is low and fish right at the dock. Never know!
218 Sailfish
Yamaha F225
Hilton Head/Beaufort