During the colder water season (approximately November through March) there are few sharks in our inshore waters, but some exceptions include occasional bonnethead sharks (a species of hammerhead) and some dogfish. Another notable cold water visitor is the Great White Shark, which is known to visit our coast during the winter. Shark Fishing during these months is much less consistent due to the lower populations, and most charters are going to be targeting other non-shark species such as Black Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Red Drum, and Spotted Sea Trout. Fishing activity in the winter tends to be better the further offshore you go, as water temps will usually be several degrees higher and likely to hold more fish.

Don't think you're limited to the evening hours for catching sharks. They are active throughout the day and whenever they have a chance to feed they usually will. Hilton Head shark fishing charters are often half day (~4 hour) charters scheduled in the morning or afternoon. If you can get your group rallied on a summer vacation morning, you'll typically enjoy the benefit of more comfortable temperatures, and the best chance for catching the freshest live bait, which sharks particularly enjoy. Cast netting for live bait is a usual event on a morning charter, as the menhaden bait schools are more easily found before the sun gets too high. This is a primary baitfish for shark fishing in Hilton Head, as they are eaten by pretty much every shark species in our coastal waters. The large population of bait fish is a big reason Hilton Head has such an excellent shark fishing reputation.

Shark fishing in the afternoon is often the most popular choice during the cooler spring and fall months, when it's most comfortable being in the warmth of the sun. While most charter boats do offer afternoon trips during the peak summer heat, you'll really want to reconsider planning ahead getting up early for a cooler trip. During the busy season, an afternoon trip is sometimes the only option available on a last minute reservation, but rest assured you can still catch sharks throughout the day.

The tide often has more of an impact on the shark activity and how active the sharks are biting. The tide schedule changes day to day, shifting about an hour later each day. There are usually several "peak" times for the bite, which most guides will tell you is when the water is moving, but not too fast. These patterns aren't always consistent, so by taking a longer charter you'll have better opportunities to fish through a variety of tide levels.