Full Day Inshore Fishing in Georgia Waters
Captain Justin Harriman knows Georgia's inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. Big Red's Fishing Charters offers full-day trips that target the heavy hitters – redfish, black drum, flounder, and more. With just two anglers max per trip, you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing real estate without the crowd. Captain Harriman provides all the top-shelf gear and local knowledge you need to make this a day worth bragging about back home.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with Captain Harriman prepping the boat and checking conditions. Georgia's inshore fishery is incredibly diverse, stretching from tidal creeks and grass flats to oyster bars and deeper channels. You'll be fishing prime structure where these species love to hang out – think submerged oyster beds, marsh edges, and sandy holes where the current brings in baitfish. The beauty of a full-day trip is the flexibility to move around and adapt to what's biting. Maybe you start the morning working redfish in shallow water, then shift to deeper spots for black drum when the tide changes. Captain Harriman reads the water conditions, weather, and fish behavior to keep you in the action all day long. With state-of-the-art electronics and quality tackle, you're set up for success from the first cast.
Gear Setup & Techniques
Captain Harriman runs a well-equipped operation with medium to heavy spinning gear perfectly matched to Georgia's inshore species. You'll be using live and cut bait – shrimp, crabs, and various baitfish depending on what's working that day. Techniques vary based on target species and conditions. For redfish, you might be sight fishing with live shrimp in skinny water or working cut bait around structure. Black drum fishing often involves bottom rigs with crab or shrimp near oyster beds and deeper holes. Flounder require a different approach – bouncing jigs or drifting live bait along sandy bottoms and channel edges. The captain handles all the rigging and bait prep, so you can focus on fishing. He'll teach you the nuances of each technique, from proper hook sets to fighting fish in tight quarters around structure. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer.
Top Catches This Season
Black drum are the bulldogs of Georgia's inshore waters, and they're absolutely phenomenal fighters. These fish cruise oyster beds and sandy holes, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water concentrates them in predictable spots. A quality black drum will test your tackle and your patience – they're notorious for long, bulldogging runs that'll make your arms burn. Most fish range from 5 to 30 pounds, but Georgia produces some real monsters over 40 pounds.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of the flats. These flatfish bury in sandy bottoms near channel edges and ambush unsuspecting baitfish. They're most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall. What makes flounder so appealing is their incredible table fare – few fish eat better than a fresh Georgia flounder. They're also masters of deception, often following your bait for quite a distance before committing. Landing a doormat flounder over 20 inches is always a celebration-worthy moment.
Sheepshead are the convict fish with black and white stripes and human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs around structure. They're notorious bait thieves with incredibly light bites, making them a true test of angling skill. Peak sheepshead fishing happens during their spawning run from late winter through early spring around jetties, bridges, and oyster bars. These fish are excellent eating and provide a technical fishing challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back.
Redfish, or red drum, are Georgia's poster fish for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers patrol grass flats, marsh creeks, and oyster bars year-round. They're aggressive feeders that'll crush live shrimp, crabs, and cut bait with authority. Redfish between 18-27 inches are slot legal and make excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls over 27 inches provide epic fights on light tackle. Fall and spring offer prime redfish action when they school up in large numbers.
Bonnethead sharks add some excitement to any inshore trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family are abundant in Georgia waters during warmer months. They're incredible fighters pound-for-pound and perfectly safe to handle for photos before release. Bonnetheads are also unique because they're omnivorous – they actually eat seagrass along with crabs and fish, making them the only known omnivorous shark species.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Justin Harriman's full-day charters fill up quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons. With only two anglers per trip, you're getting an exclusive experience that bigger charter operations simply can't match. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a newcomer wanting to learn Georgia's inshore fishery, this trip delivers. The combination of Captain Harriman's local expertise, quality equipment, and access to productive water makes this a top-rated choice for serious fishing. Don't wait – Georgia's inshore fishing is world-class, and spots with the best guides book out weeks in advance. Secure your date now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your return trip before you even hit the dock.