Savannah Fishing Charters
Savannah fishing charters work the inshore creeks, tidal rivers, and nearshore reefs for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and seasonal runs of king mackerel and cobia.
Top Rated Charters in Savannah
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Savannah, GA Fishing Guide
Savannah’s fishery is built around a maze of tidal creeks, salt marshes, and the Savannah River estuary, with quick access to both protected inshore water and the open Atlantic. Most charters run out of public ramps like Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp or the Lazaretto Creek Marina, putting you within minutes of productive spots along the Wilmington River, Wassaw Sound, and the barrier island beaches. Inshore trips target redfish, trout, and flounder year-round, often working oyster bars, mud flats, and grass edges on light tackle or fly. Nearshore boats head 5–15 miles out to artificial reefs like CCA-JL and DUA for sheepshead, black sea bass, and spadefish, while spring and summer see trolling action for kingfish and Spanish mackerel. Offshore runs, typically full-day charters, push 25–50 miles to natural ledges and Gulf Stream waters for grouper, snapper, mahi, and occasional sailfish.
Tides dictate much of the bite here—strong currents on incoming and outgoing tides move bait and fire up gamefish. Winter brings clear water and a skinny-water redfish bite, while warmer months mean more bait, more species, and more topwater action. Many captains offer half-day inshore trips, three-quarter day mixed-bag runs, and full-day offshore adventures. Specialty options include flood tide sight fishing for tailing reds and shark fishing in summer. Alternate spots like Ossabaw Sound, Sapelo Sound, and nearby Hilton Head waters give captains flexibility when wind or current limits options. Common techniques include live shrimp or mullet under popping corks, jigging soft plastics along drop-offs, trolling spoons for mackerel, and bottom fishing cut bait over reef structure. Savannah’s blend of estuary, sound, and offshore ground makes it one of the most versatile fisheries on the Georgia coast.
Fishing Seasons in Savannah
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Savannah brings warming water, spawning baitfish, and a surge in inshore action. Redfish school tighter along oyster beds, speckled trout move into the sounds, and flounder start showing along sandy points. Sheepshead fishing is still strong around bridge pilings and reef structure early in the season. Offshore, black sea bass and triggerfish are reliable targets, while king mackerel begin pushing into nearshore waters by late April. Captains often run mixed-bag trips that start inshore with light tackle and finish with nearshore trolling. Live shrimp, mud minnows, and soft plastics all produce, and calm days allow for easy runs to the first line of reefs.
Summer (June–August)
Summer sees the fishery in full swing. Speckled trout and redfish feed aggressively in the early mornings along grass lines, while flounder ambush baits around sandy drop-offs. Sharks—blacktip, bonnethead, and sharpnose—move into the sounds and make for fun, high-action trips. Offshore, mahi, kingfish, barracuda, and amberjack are all in play, with the occasional sailfish in Gulf Stream waters. Nearshore reef fishing stays productive for spadefish, black sea bass, and sheepshead. Trips often leave early to beat the heat and storms, with topwater lures, live bait rigs, and slow-trolled spoons being go-to summer tactics.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is one of the best fishing seasons in Savannah. Cooling water pushes big schools of mullet and menhaden into the rivers and sounds, drawing in hungry redfish, trout, and flounder. Bull reds show up in the sounds and along the beaches, often caught on cut bait in deep holes. Nearshore reefs see an uptick in kingfish and Spanish mackerel, while offshore bottom fishing for grouper and snapper peaks. Many anglers favor this season for its lighter boat traffic and consistent action across both inshore and nearshore grounds. Jigging spoons, live bait rigs, and popping corks all see heavy use.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing in Savannah is clear, crisp, and often calm inshore. Redfish form large schools on shallow mud flats, making for great sight-casting opportunities on sunny days. Speckled trout hold deep in creeks and channels, biting slow-worked soft plastics and live shrimp. Offshore bottom fishing for black sea bass, triggerfish, and sheepshead is steady, with calm-weather runs producing quality coolers. Fewer boats are on the water, making it a great time for anglers who prefer solitude and precision over numbers of species.
Gamefish in Savannah
- Redfish – 18–40 inches. Found year-round in tidal creeks, mud flats, and sounds; best on live bait or soft plastics around structure.
- Spotted Seatrout – 14–25 inches. Targeted in grass lines, creek mouths, and drop-offs, especially during spring and fall using popping cork rigs.
- Flounder – 14–24 inches. Ambush sandy points and creek mouths in warmer months; caught on live mullet or soft plastics bounced along bottom.
- Sheepshead – 2–10 pounds. Found on pilings, docks, and reef structure; bite best in late winter and early spring on fiddler crabs.
- King Mackerel – 10–40 pounds. Nearshore and offshore summer/fall target; taken by slow-trolling live bait or spoons.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–5 pounds. Common on nearshore reefs year-round; caught on cut bait and jigs over structure.
- Mahi Mahi – 10–30 pounds. Offshore summer fish; hit trolling ballyhoo or lures near weedlines.
Savannah Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points for Savannah fishing charters?
Most Savannah fishing charters launch from Lazaretto Creek Marina, Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp, or public docks along the Wilmington River and Savannah River.
How long are typical fishing trips in Savannah?
Inshore trips usually run four to six hours, while offshore charters range from eight to ten hours depending on the target species and distance to fishing grounds.
Do charters provide fishing gear in Savannah?
Yes, most captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait, along with ice and coolers for your catch. Fly fishing gear is often available on request.
Is a fishing license required for charter trips?
No, anglers fishing aboard licensed Savannah charter boats are covered under the captain’s license. Shore and private boat anglers need to purchase a Georgia fishing license.
What’s the best time of year to fish Savannah?
Fall offers some of the best action across inshore and nearshore waters, but spring and summer provide a wider variety of species and techniques.
What techniques work best for inshore Savannah fishing?
Light tackle with live shrimp or mullet under popping corks, jigging soft plastics, and sight-casting to tailing redfish on flood tides are all effective.
What species are common on nearshore reefs?
Black sea bass, spadefish, sheepshead, triggerfish, and seasonal king mackerel are all common on Savannah’s nearshore artificial and natural reefs.
Can large groups book a single charter?
Yes, many Savannah captains run boats that can handle six anglers, and some work with multi-boat trips for larger groups.
Are there specialty trips available?
Yes, options include fly fishing, shark fishing in summer, flood tide redfish trips, and offshore Gulf Stream runs for mahi, wahoo, and billfish.