There’s no better way to experience the natural beauty and fishing excitement of Hilton Head Island than by exploring its vibrant estuaries in April. As spring settles over the Lowcountry, the island’s marshes and tidal creeks come alive with a variety of game fish. With warming water, active tides, and an abundance of baitfish, April is one of the best times of year to enjoy an inshore fishing charter in Hilton Head.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a family looking for a fun outdoor adventure, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to catch—and why our Hilton Head fishing charters make April a can’t-miss month.
Why Hilton Head Estuaries Are Special
The estuaries around Hilton Head form a dynamic and productive ecosystem where saltwater and freshwater meet. These rich environments are home to shrimp, crabs, baitfish—and of course, hungry predators like redfish, trout, and black drum.
Benefits of Estuary Fishing in April:
Warmer waters spark fish activity
Protected inshore areas offer calm conditions
Great for sight fishing and active bait presentations
Ideal for kids, beginners, and seasoned anglers alike
Our family-friendly inshore charters are designed to make the most of these waters, whether you’re casting from the flats, drifting through creeks, or anchored near oyster beds.
What’s Biting in the Hilton Head Estuaries This April?
Here are the top species you can expect to encounter on an inshore fishing charter in Hilton Head during April, along with some insider tips on how we target them.
Redfish (Red Drum)
Redfish are the most iconic inshore species in the Lowcountry, and April is a prime time to target them. They’re aggressive, hard-fighting, and can be found in a variety of environments—from shallow flats to deeper creek mouths.
Hotspots:
Oyster bars
Grass flats during high tide
Creek intersections on falling tide
Top Tactics:
Cut mullet or live shrimp near structure
Soft plastic paddletails on jig heads
Sight fishing with weedless lures on clear days
Speckled Sea Trout
Trout become increasingly active as the water warms. These ambush predators often lurk near current seams, grassy edges, and deeper channels. They offer exciting action and are perfect for light tackle fishing.
Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon during moving tides.
Top Baits:
Live shrimp under popping corks
MirrOlure suspending twitch baits
Soft plastics in natural colors
Black Drum
These bottom-dwellers are built for strength and offer a solid fight. You’ll find them hanging near docks, rocks, and deeper channels, especially where there’s a good mix of current and structure.
Pro Tips:
Use fresh shrimp or cut crab on a Carolina rig
Fish slow and near the bottom
Expect a steady, tug-of-war-style fight
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are skilled bait thieves with a fondness for structure. They’re most commonly caught around pilings and oyster-covered rocks.
Tackle Tips:
Use small hooks and fiddler crabs or shrimp
Focus on slack tide periods when water movement is slower
Set the hook quickly—these fish are fast biters
Bonus Bites: April Surprises
As shark season begins, we also start seeing juvenile sharks like fine tooth sharks and bonnetheads move into warmer inshore waters.
Looking for variety? Our captains can mix in light shark fishing with your inshore trip if conditions allow. These fish offer great action and are especially popular with kids and first-time anglers.
Check out our:
Shark Fishing Trips
Family Fishing Charters
What’s Included on Our Inshore Charters
We provide everything you need to enjoy a productive and memorable day on the water:
High-quality rods and reels
Live and artificial bait
Fishing licenses and safety equipment
Experienced, local captains with deep knowledge of estuary fishing
All you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and a sense of adventure!
Why Book an April Charter in Hilton Head?
April offers one of the best windows for inshore fishing on the island. You’ll enjoy mild weather, active fish, and fewer boats on the water compared to the busy summer season.
Perfect For:
Families on spring break
Couples looking for a unique outdoor date
Solo anglers chasing a redfish trophy
Beginners eager to learn the basics in a low-pressure setting
Explore our Inshore Fishing Charters to find the perfect trip for your group.
Book Your April Inshore Adventure Today
From tailing redfish to scrappy sheepshead, the estuaries of Hilton Head are teeming with opportunity in April. Whether you’re chasing a trophy or just want to introduce the kids to the joy of fishing, our expert captains are ready to make it happen.
Ready for a fishing adventure in Hilton Head? Call us at 843-806-2424 or submit an inquiry through our website to book your charter today. Don’t wait, unforgettable experiences await!
