St. Simons Island Fishing
Saint Simons Island fishing charters work the inshore marshes, tidal creeks, and nearshore reefs for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and seasonal tarpon.
Top Rated Charters in St. Simons Island
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St. Simmons Island Fishing Guide
Saint Simons Island sits in Georgia’s Golden Isles, surrounded by a maze of tidal marshes, barrier island beaches, and nearshore reef systems. Most charters here run out of the Saint Simons Island Marina, Morningstar Marina, or public ramps like Gascoigne Bluff Park. Inshore trips keep to the sheltered waters of the Frederica River, Mackay River, and countless feeder creeks, targeting redfish and trout around shell bars, grass edges, and oyster rakes. Runs to productive spots are short—often less than 15 minutes—so you spend more time fishing than running.
Half-day inshore trips are the bread and butter, but full-day runs to the nearshore reefs, about 8–15 miles out, open up action for sheepshead, black sea bass, and summer king mackerel. Specialty trips in late summer focus on tarpon, working bait pods off the beaches and around the channel edges. Winter brings steady action on trout and slot reds, especially on sunny days that warm up the flats.
The fishery is tide-driven, so captains time departures to catch the best water movement. Common techniques include light-tackle spinning setups with live shrimp under popping corks, soft plastics jigged near structure, and cut bait for big drum and sharks. Fly anglers wade or pole the flooded grass flats during summer’s high tides for tailing reds. The nearby waters of Jekyll Island and the Brunswick River offer quick alternatives if wind or tide makes one area slow.
Whether you’re looking to pick apart small creeks with light tackle or drift over an artificial reef for dinner fish, Saint Simons Island’s fishing stays consistent year-round with seasonal shifts in species and tactics.
Fishing Seasons in St. Simons Island
Spring (March–May)
Spring kicks off with warming water and a push of baitfish into the marshes. Redfish schools start breaking up, and trout feed aggressively along oyster bars and creek mouths. Nearshore reefs hold sheepshead through early April, then transition to black sea bass and weakfish. This is also when tripletail start showing up near channel markers off Jekyll and Saint Simons, a unique sight-casting opportunity. Most trips are half-day inshore, with nearshore runs as weather settles. Live shrimp under corks and slow-jigged soft plastics both produce.
Summer (June–August)
Summer brings steady inshore action for trout and reds early and late in the day, with mid-day heat often pushing charters toward nearshore king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and sharks. Tarpon arrive in late June, feeding around bait schools off the beaches and inlet mouths. Captains often run just 20–30 minutes to set up along the beachfront or inlets for these silver kings. Flood tides give fly and sight-casters a shot at tailing reds in the grass. Morning trips dominate to beat the heat, and live bait rigs, slow-trolled spoons, and drifting menhaden are common.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime time. Cooler water concentrates bait and fires up predators. Bull redfish push into the sounds and along the beaches, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon. Speckled trout bite hard along marsh edges, and flounder ambush in sandy pockets near oysters. Nearshore reefs see strong kingfish action, with the occasional cobia lingering into early October. Many charters extend trip times in fall to cover both inshore and nearshore targets. Artificial lures like topwater plugs work well in the crisp mornings.
Winter (December–February)
Winter slows things down but never shuts them off. Clear, cool water makes sight-fishing for big schools of redfish possible on sunny days. Speckled trout stack in deeper holes in creeks and rivers, feeding well on slow presentations. Most trips are shorter, focused on inshore fishing.
Gamefish in St. Simons Island
- Redfish – 18–40 inches. Caught year-round on oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass edges; topwater plugs in summer and cut mullet or shrimp in cooler months.
- Speckled Trout – 12–22 inches. Thrive in fall around creek mouths and mud flats, with live shrimp under popping corks being the go-to setup.
- Flounder – 14–24 inches. Hold tight along dock pilings and sandy drop-offs in summer; best taken with finger mullet or slow-rolled soft plastics.
- Tripletail – 5–20 pounds. Appear offshore near buoys and channel markers in late spring; anglers sight-cast live shrimp to floating fish.
- Tarpon – 60–120 pounds. Summer migration brings them to beachfronts and the St. Simons Sound, where live menhaden or mullet on heavy tackle do the job.
- Sheepshead – 2–8 pounds. Winter and early spring around bridge pilings and rock jetties; fiddler crabs fished tight to structure are the ticket.
- Black Drum – 5–40 pounds. Found in deeper holes of the sound and around bridge structure, especially in spring, on cut crab and shrimp.
- King Mackerel – 10–40 pounds. Targeted offshore in summer with slow-trolled cigar minnows and live menhaden around reefs and ledges.
St. Simons Island Fishing FAQs
What are the main departure points for charters around Saint Simons Island?
Most trips launch from Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles, the main ramp at Gascoigne Bluff, or nearby Brunswick docks. These spots give quick access to the sound, back bays, and the offshore reefs.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Half-day inshore charters (4–5 hours) are popular for redfish, trout, and flounder, while full-day trips (8+ hours) push offshore for kingfish, snapper, or tarpon in summer. Specialty trips like tarpon runs or sight-casting for tripletail are usually booked as dedicated half-days.
Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?
No—local captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Gear is usually tailored to the target species, whether it’s light spinning setups for trout or heavy conventional tackle for tarpon.
Is a fishing license required for visitors?
Charter guests are covered under the captain’s license, so you don’t need to purchase one for guided trips. If fishing on your own around Saint Simons Island, you’ll need a Georgia saltwater license.
What’s the best season to fish Saint Simons Island?
Spring through fall is prime for a variety of inshore and nearshore species, while winter provides steady action for sheepshead and black drum. Tarpon peak midsummer, and tripletail show up in late spring.
What techniques do captains use most often?
Standard inshore setup. Offshore crews troll cigar minnows for kings, drift cut baits for snapper, or sight-cast shrimp at tripletail. Tarpon fishing calls for heavy spinning gear with live menhaden.
How many people can join a charter?
Most boats around Saint Simons Island carry 4–6 anglers comfortably. Larger offshore vessels may take more, but smaller flats skiffs are often limited to 2–3 for stability and space.
Are there options for kids or beginners?
Yes—many captains run short, family-friendly trips in calm backwaters, where catching trout, croaker, or small sharks keeps kids engaged. Crews handle rigging and casting if needed.
Do captains offer specialty trips like night or shark fishing?
Yes. Nighttime dock light trips for trout and redfish are available in summer, and shark fishing around the sound or beachfront is a popular seasonal option, especially for groups looking for steady action.