Hilton Head Adventure Cruises & Fishing Charters

A Live One — Freeman 29 Charter Boat

VIP Guests

First off, THANK YOU for choosing an adventure on A Live One as part of your Hilton Head experience.

We consider all our guests 'VIP' and therefore we don't have a Double-Secret Elite Platinum Membership Club. What we do have is a faithful following of friends who have blessed us with the opportunity to take them out on the water. So thank you for being a part of our crew!

Listed here are a variety of resources, including captain info, social accounts, and discounts on merchandise or future trips. Feel free to share this with your friends. We survive through word-of-mouth recommendations, whether it's a personal referral back home, or by leaving a review on the internet. All these things help us connect with good people like you, so thank you, again.

Gratuity:

Capt. Blair

Capt. Travis

Reviews:

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Our Most Popular Hilton Head Adventures:

Hilton Head Fishing Charters by LOCATION:

A Live One can fish just about anywhere! From the shallow water creeks to the open water of the deep sea, there are fishing charters for everyone.

You'll find our Hilton Head fishing charter options color-coded based on location:
Inshore
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Backcountry Charters
Our Backcountry Inshore Charters can include fishing, adventure, or whatever you have in mind. Want to cruise the intracoastal waterway and view dolphin? Visit a remote sandbar? Fish the tidal creeks, rivers and sounds? The "backcountry" waters offer all this and more. These are our most popular Hilton Head charter trips and suitable for most guests.

Our backcountry trips see a variety of catches depending on season and day-to-day changes in the bite. Among those are red drum, flounder, sea trout, whiting, croaker, stingrays, tarpon, bluefish, and of course sharks of many many species and sizes.

Our fishing methods inshore are largely stationary (at anchor) and running live or cut bait. It should be noted that sharks are plentiful during the warmer months and should be expected, even if we are "targeting" certain other species (like Red Drum, a very popular target in the backcountry). Anglers looking to avoid sharks entirely should steer more towards a Coastal/Reef trip or further Offshore.

These backcountry trips are open to "all ages" as appropriate. Ask us if you have concerns for a specific trip and younger ages. (Usually shorter is better!)

And remember, a trip doesn't have to be All Fishing… we consider every trip a custom adventure and are glad to work with you in advance (and on the run) to create a perfect outing for your group.
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Near Ocean
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Coastal / Reef Fishing Charters
The nearshore ocean including local wrecks and reefs are part of what we term "Coastal" waters, up to about 25 miles into the ocean. Various artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural live bottom features attract fish in this range year-round. Trips usually range from half day (4 Hours) to full day (8 Hours) in the coastal fishing zone.

Trolling is one of the more successful approaches in this range. Species like Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bluefish, jacks, and barracuda, all will readily hit trolled bait and lures. This keeps us on the move, actively covering more area. We do some bottom fishing in this range, too, which is highly effective for cobia, red drum, and black sea bass depending on season. Our captain is going to prepare for the most effective approach, but if you have a preference toward a specific type of fishing or a requested target, please reach out ahead of time to make sre we're on the same page.

For ocean-going trips we recommend a minimum age of 12+. Comfort is a huge part of a successful outing and we find that the incidence of motion sickness is significantly higher in younger ages, and starts to drop below the 50% threshold around 12+. These are recommendations and we do allow exceptions. Factors like overall height, experience, athletic stamina, and more can affect success on the water. Not to steer you against an ocean trip, as they are more often successful, but we also keep inshore spots as a "backup" should the seas be unfriendly.
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Distant Ocean
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Offshore, Bluewater & Gulfstream Fishing Charters
Beyond 25 or so miles off of Hilton Head's shore we reach consistent 60-100+ foot depths. The further we go, the deeper it gets, and the greater variety of large gamefish we tend to find. The water here gets extremely clear, and deeper water is deeper and brighter blue in color.

In the "mid-range" of 20-60 miles off the beach, we encounter popular gamefish like amberjack, almaco jack, cobia, king mackerel, snapper, grouper, triggerfish and more.

Our most distant offshore charters target the warm water Gulf Stream current edge that runs 60-80+ miles off the coast of Hilton Head. This threshold region offers a dramatically different opportunity, with targeted fishing opportunities for Wahoo, Tuna, Dolphin Fish (aka Mahi), sailfish and marlin. It's a distant run and not for the timid — this is intense offshore fishing.

Trips into the offshore range are what we'd call 'full day' charters, as short as 6 hour trips into the closer end of these waters and as long as twice that on the further end at the Gulf Stream.

Due to the intensity of these trips, we strongly recommend it for ages 16+. The incidence of motion sickness is higher in younger ages, and the sheer stamina and attention spans required for these trips is not typical of "most" kids. We do however make exceptions, especially if there is appropriate experience or other factors. Call us to discuss your particular crew and we'll make sure to guide you in the right direction.
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Flexible Plans!
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Flexible Plans and Custom Trips
ANY trip aboard A LIVE ONE is fully customizable. Want to spend part of the day fishing an ocean reef then grab lunch by the water then relax on a remote beach? We can make it happen.

Our "Island Life" Adventure Day is a good place to start, blocking a day/time that suits you and we can work with you after that to fully tailor the outing to your ideas.

For shorter custom outings, feel free to book any of our available trips that seem close to what you want, and contact us to customize. (Blocking the appropriate amount of time is the most important step.) Once you have a certain trip or a certain day booked, it's easy for us to adjust and customize.
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Adventures from 1 hour to 1 day, A LIVE ONE has it all:

BRIEF
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BRIEF TRIPS
1-3 ʜʀs
We don't need to spend all day to make the perfect trip! Sometimes just an hour or so is plenty, especially with short attention spans.

In the 1 to 2 ʜʀ range we offer a number of options, including dolphin watching, cast netting trips, and our top-rated Junior Angler trips.

For all ages, our 3 ʜʀ Family Shark Adventure is a great option.

And remember, ANY trip aboard A LIVE ONE is fully customizable. Let us know what would be the ideal outing for you and your group and we'll design a custom trip.

For shorter custom outings, feel free to book any of our available trips that seem close to what you want, and contact us to customize. (Blocking the appropriate amount of time is the most important step.) Once you have a certain trip or a certain day booked, it's easy for us to adjust and customize.
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HALF DAY
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HALF DAY TRIPS
4-6 ʜʀs
"Half Day" trips are a local charter industry 'standard' and probably the most popular length for fishing trips in Hilton Head overall. One of our most requested trips is the 4 ʜʀ Backcountry / Inshore charter. It just seems to be a great match for 'casual fishing' in a moderate amount of time without spending the whole day on the water.

It's the range of time that gives us a "happy medium" for a variety of trips. Whether it's Live Bait fishing or Light Tackle Trolling, a half day lets us get where we need to go. On the shorter end, 4 ʜʀs, gives us time to catch live bait and get into position in the estuary or near coastal range at high traffic areas for a large variety of fish.

A 5 ʜʀ Coastal Ocean / Reef trip gets us into the artificial reef areas and expands our options further into the ocean.

More time doesn't necessarily mean further out. It can also mean more opportunities as we get to fish the entirety of the tidal range at ~ 6 ʜʀs. But when distance is an important factor, we can access some of the more remote reefs in a longer trip like this.

ANY trip aboard A LIVE ONE is fully customizable. Want to spend part of the day fishing an ocean reef then grab lunch by the water then relax on a remote beach? We can make it happen.
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FULL DAY
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FULL DAY TRIPS
6-12 ʜʀs
If you're not limited by shorter attention spans, we urge you to spend the better part of the day with us. This is how we do it "island style"… not feeling rushed and having plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun.

For some trips, we need the extra time to run further out to certain fishing targets (like the popular navy towers and other special spots). Check out our Offshore Sportfishing charters if this sounds like what you have in mind.

But a longer trip doesn't always mean "further out". We can spend an entire day on the backcountry waters and max the relaxin'. And it doesn't have to mean more fishing (or even fishing at all). Many groups just want to cruise the area, see the sights, watch dolphins play, or spend some time on a remote beach or nearby island.

ANY trip aboard A LIVE ONE is fully customizable. Our "Island Life" Adventure Day is a good place to start, blocking a day/time that suits you and we can work with you after that to fully tailor the outing to your ideas.
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CUSTOM TRIPS
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CUSTOM LENGTH TRIPS
Any Duration
ANY trip aboard A LIVE ONE is fully customizable. Want to spend part of the day fishing an ocean reef then grab lunch by the water then relax on a remote beach? We can make it happen.

Our "Island Life" Adventure Day is a good place to start, blocking a day/time that suits you and we can work with you after that to fully tailor the outing to your ideas.

For shorter custom outings, feel free to book any of our available trips that seem close to what you want, and contact us to customize. (Blocking the appropriate amount of time is the most important step.) Once you have a certain trip or a certain day booked, it's easy for us to adjust and customize.
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What Fish could we catch on a Hilton Head Fishing Charter?

Inshore / Nearshore
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Backcountry Fish Species
Black Drum
Bluefish
Cobia
Crevalle Jack
Flounder
Ladyfish
Monster Stingrays
Red Drum ("Redfish")
Spanish Mackerel
Spotted Sea Trout
Tarpon
Whiting

and Sharks, including -
  • Hammerhead Sharks
  • Tiger Sharks
  • Bull Sharks
  • Lemon Sharks
  • Black Tip Sharks
  • Blacknose Sharks
  • Sharpnose Sharks
  • Sand Bar Sharks
  • Bonnethead Sharks
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Near-Range Ocean
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Coastal / Reef Fish Species
Barracuda
Black Drum
Black Sea Bass
Bluefish
Bonita (aka "Little Tunny")
Cobia
Flounder
King Mackerel
Porgy
Red Drum ("Redfish")
Spanish Mackerel
Tarpon
Weakfish

and Sharks, including -
  • Hammerhead Sharks
  • Tiger Sharks
  • Bull Sharks
  • Lemon Sharks
  • Nurse Sharks
  • Black Tip Sharks
  • Sharpnose Sharks
  • Sand Bar Sharks


Want to target fish like these? Try the Coastal / Reef Fishing Charter.
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Distant Ocean
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Offshore, Bluewater & Gulfstream Fish Species
Almaco Jack
Amberjack
Banded Rudderfish
Barracuda
Blackfin Tuna
Black Sea Bass
Cobia
Dolphin fish (aka "Mahi")
King Mackerel
Grouper
Marlin
Red Snapper
Sailfish
Triggerfish
Vermillion Snapper (aka "Beeliners")
Wahoo
and the occasional Monster Shark!

Interested in the above? Check out our Offshore Sportfishing Charter on A Live One.
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April-Sept
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Shark Fishing Charters in Hilton Head Island
Peak season for coastal shark fishing is April through September, but we have options to catch (and release) sharks year round.

Our top-rated Family Shark Adventure (3 & 4 ʜʀ options) is usually the best match for a shark fishing trip. We stick to the backcountry and inshore waters, sometimes venturing a bit into the ocean (4 ʜʀ recommended).

We do as short as a 2 ʜʀ Junior Anglers excursion for the youngest crews which has an excellent chance of catching a shark, too.

For those looking for some BIG shark action, we suggest a 4 or 5 ʜʀ Coastal / Reef trip for MONSTER sharks, but they are not unheard of on a 3 ʜʀ trip inshore, either! (Be sure to note "Monster Sharks" in your reservation!)

ANY trip aboard A LIVE ONE is fully customizable. Want to head out for some casual shark fishing, then visit a remote beach? How about lunch on Daufuskie Island after a morning of fishing? Whatever you have in mind, we can make it happen given good weather and the right amount of time.

Our "Island Life" Adventure Day is a great place to start, blocking a day/time that suits you and we can work with you after that to fully tailor the outing to your ideas.
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Year Round
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Red Drum aka Redfish Fishing in Hilton Head Island
Our second most requested fish species (after "Sharks") is the Red Drum, also known as Redfish. Good for us this is a plentiful species that can be fished for year round.

The question then becomes, "which trip is the best for catching redfish?"

The answer is a bit complicated, as sometimes we are fishing for them as close as within site of the dock, and other times we are patrolling the coastal reefs. Just drop us a text or call 843-384-1414 and we can tell you what's expected when you're planning to go.

A LOT of the time, that answer will be a 4 ʜʀ Backcountry / Inshore charter. More time can up your chances, but isn't always necessary.

ANY trip aboard A LIVE ONE is fully customizable. Maybe we spend a couple hours fishing the creeks, then switch it up for some nearshore trolling, or perhaps taking some time to explore a remote beach. Whatever you have in mind, we can make it happen.

Our "Island Life" Adventure Day is a good place to start, blocking a day/time that suits you and we can work with you after that to fully tailor the outing to your ideas.
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April-Sept
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Cobia Fishing in Hilton Head
We're fortunate to have several great options for targeting Cobia within reach of Hilton Head Island.

During the spawning season (April thru mid-June) many Cobia visit the backcountry waters. A 4 hour trip is most popular for this, allowing us time for catching live bait.

The best bite during the spawn tends to be at some of the coastal reefs. We suggest a 5+ ʜʀ trip to get to spots like the Betsy Ross or Hilton Head Tire Reef. We're usually aiming for an early start on these both for an advantage at early live bait, and early arrival at the reef for a good parking spot.

Choose a full day 6-8 ʜʀ trip if you're serious about it there are some significantly less crowded spots out beyond the coastal reefs that can hold cobia along with king mackerel and amberjack. It's worth the ride if you're up for it!

ANY trip aboard A LIVE ONE is fully customizable. Want to spend part of the day fishing an ocean reef then grab lunch by the water then relax on a remote beach? We can make it happen.

Our "Island Life" Adventure Day is a good place to start, blocking a day/time that suits you and we can work with you after that to fully tailor the outing to your ideas.
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May-October
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Trolling for Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel
This coastal / reef trolling trip is among our most popular outings during the warm season. It's best done in the morning when the bite is strong, the temps are cooler, and the afternoon breeze hasn't yet kicked up the seas.

We suggest a 4,5 or 6 ʜʀ Coastal / Reef trip for this kind of outing, with the primary difference being further distance offshore depending on where the best bite is.

Chat with us at 843-384-1414 if you're unsure which might be best. It's not necessarily the longer trip, because in many cases a good bite can be found just off the beach!

ANY trip aboard A LIVE ONE is fully customizable. Want to head out for some casual shark fishing, then visit a remote beach? How about lunch on Daufuskie Island after a morning of fishing? Whatever you have in mind, we can make it happen given good weather and the right amount of time.

Our "Island Life" Adventure Day is a great place to start, blocking a day/time that suits you and we can work with you after that to fully tailor the outing to your ideas.
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A Live One's Hilton Head Fishing Charters & Custom Adventures:

Contact
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Charters Depart
Safe Harbor Skull Creek Marina
1 Waterway Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Affiliates
A Live One is a member of Live Oac's Outdoor Adventure Cooperative.
Check out FreemanCharters.com for similar charter fishing opportunities on Freeman catamarans in other parts of the southeast US.
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