What Hog Inlet offers and when to fish it

Hog Inlet is a narrow tidal creek system that cuts through the salt marsh between Pawleys Island and the mainland, roughly two miles south of the town of Pawleys Island proper. It's a shallow-water fishery—most of the inlet runs 2 to 4 feet deep at high tide—that holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder year-round, with the best action in spring and fall when water temperatures stabilize. The inlet drains hard on the falling tide, which concentrates fish in the deeper holes and makes those hours the most productive for casting.

Access is limited but workable. You can launch a kayak or small skiff from the public boat ramp at Huntington Beach State Park, about a mile north, or wade in from the marsh edges if you know where the firm bottom is. The inlet itself has no public landing, so plan to fish from the water. Tides here run 4 to 6 feet, so timing matters—you want to fish the last two hours of the falling tide and the first hour of the rising tide, when baitfish move and predators feed.

Key Takeaways

  • Hog Inlet is a shallow tidal creek that holds redfish and spotted seatrout year-round, with peak fishing in spring and fall.
  • Launch from Huntington Beach State Park and fish the falling and rising tide phases, when water movement concentrates fish in deeper pockets.
  • Redfish and trout respond to small topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp worked along the marsh edges and in the deeper holes.
  • The inlet is narrow and winding—a kayak or shallow-draft skiff under 18 inches works better than a larger boat.

Redfish and spotted seatrout in the shallow creeks

Redfish dominate Hog Inlet in spring and early summer, when they move into the shallow creeks to feed on mullet and shrimp. They cruise the edges of the marsh grass in 2 to 3 feet of water, and a 3-inch soft plastic rigged on a 1/8-ounce jig head will draw strikes. Cast parallel to the grass line rather than into it—redfish hunt the boundary, not deep in the vegetation. Early morning and late afternoon are best, when light is low and fish are less spooky.

Spotted seatrout are present year-round but bite hardest in fall and early winter. They hold in the deeper holes—the inlet has a few spots where the bottom drops to 5 or 6 feet—and respond to live shrimp under a popping cork. If you don't have live bait, a 2-inch soft plastic in pearl or chartreuse fished on a light jig head works. Trout are less aggressive than redfish but more willing to chase a bait that's moving, so keep your retrieve steady and don't let the lure sit still for long.

Flounder and the deeper pockets

Flounder move into Hog Inlet on the falling tide, settling into the deeper holes where they ambush baitfish. The best spots are where the creek narrows and the current accelerates—usually around the middle section of the inlet, where the water deepens to 4 or 5 feet. Fish a live mullet or a 3-inch soft plastic rigged on a 1/4-ounce jig head, and work it slowly along the bottom. Flounder don't chase; they wait, so a slow, dragging retrieve is more effective than a fast one.

Fall is the prime flounder season here, from September through November. Water temperatures drop, and flounder feed aggressively before the winter slowdown. The falling tide concentrates them, so plan your trip for the last two hours before low water. If you're fishing from a kayak, anchor in the deeper hole and cast toward the shallower edges; if you're wading, work the transition zone where the bottom drops off.

Tackle and bait for Hog Inlet

A 6 to 7-foot medium-light spinning rod with 10 to 15-pound braided line is ideal for this water. Braid cuts through the current and gives you better feel in the shallow creeks. Tie a 12 to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility in the clear water. For soft plastics, stick with 3-inch baits in natural colors—pearl, chartreuse, and tan—rigged on 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jig heads depending on the tide strength.

Live shrimp is the most reliable bait. Keep them in a bait bucket with an aerator, and fish them under a popping cork in 2 to 3 feet of water. If live bait isn't available, topwater plugs in the early morning can be deadly—a small pencil popper or walking bait worked slowly along the grass line will draw strikes from redfish and trout. Avoid heavy lures; the water is shallow and the fish are spooky, so finesse is more effective than power.

Tides, currents, and seasonal patterns

Hog Inlet drains hard on the falling tide, and that's when the fishing is best. As the water level drops, baitfish get pushed into the deeper holes, and predators follow. The last two hours before low tide is the sweet spot. Once the tide turns and begins rising, fishing slows for about an hour, then picks up again as the water level climbs and fish spread back into the shallows.

Spring (March through May) brings redfish into the creeks as water temperatures warm. Summer fishing is slow—the water gets hot and fish move to deeper offshore water. Fall (September through November) is excellent for both redfish and flounder as temperatures drop and feeding increases. Winter is slow but not dead; spotted seatrout remain active in the deeper holes on mild days. Plan your trips for the falling tide, and you'll have a much better chance of connecting.

Getting to Hog Inlet and launching

Huntington Beach State Park is your best public access point. From Pawleys Island, head south on Highway 17 toward Georgetown. The park entrance is on the left, about two miles south of the town center. There's a small parking area and a hand-launch ramp suitable for kayaks and small skiffs. The ramp can get crowded on weekends, so arrive early if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday.

From the ramp, paddle or motor north along the marsh edge for about a mile to reach the inlet proper. The water is shallow and winding, so go slow and watch for oyster beds and submerged stumps. A kayak or skiff under 18 inches of draft is essential—anything deeper will run aground. If you're wading, you can access the inlet from the marsh edges, but wear boots or wading shoes; the bottom is soft mud and oyster shell, and it's easy to cut your foot.

What to expect and how to stay safe

Hog Inlet is a working tidal system, and conditions change fast. The current can be strong on the falling tide, especially if it's a spring tide (the highest and lowest tides of the month). Keep your kayak or skiff pointed into the current, and don't fight it—let it carry you downstream and work your way back up on the rising tide. If you're wading, stay aware of the water level; it's easy to get cut off if you're not paying attention to the tide schedule.

Mosquitoes can be brutal in summer and early fall, especially at dawn and dusk. Bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves if you can stand the heat. The marsh is also home to alligators, though they're generally shy and avoid people. Don't approach one, and don't throw bait near the shore where they might associate humans with food. Stick to the water, fish responsibly, and you'll have a safe, productive day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Hog Inlet from shore?

Limited shore access exists along the marsh edges, but most of the inlet is only reachable by water. You can wade in from the marsh in a few spots, but the bottom is soft and navigation is tricky. A kayak or small skiff is the best option.

What's the best tide for fishing Hog Inlet?

The falling tide is most productive, especially the last two hours before low water. Fish concentrate in the deeper holes as the water level drops. The rising tide can be good too, but fishing slows during the first hour after the tide turns.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Hog Inlet?

Yes. South Carolina requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a short-term license online or at most tackle shops in the area. Licenses are inexpensive and support coastal conservation.

What size redfish and trout are common in Hog Inlet?

Redfish typically run 16 to 24 inches, with occasional fish pushing 28 inches. Spotted seatrout average 12 to 16 inches. Both species are good eating, and the inlet's shallow water makes them a fun target on light tackle.

Is Hog Inlet crowded?

It's less crowded than the main Pawleys Island beaches and piers, but it does see regular fishing pressure, especially on weekends during spring and fall. Weekday mornings are your best bet for solitude and consistent fishing.