Full Day Inshore Fishing in Georgia Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing trip targeting redfish, black drum, and flounderExpert Captain Justin Harriman provides personalized guidance and equipmentSmall group experience with maximum capacity of two guests
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hit the Georgia inshore waters aboard this sharp 2021 Key West 21-foot center console, powered by a dependable Yamaha 200HP that'll get you to the fish fast at 45 knots. Perfect for targeting black drum, redfish, and sharks in the shallows with just enough room for you and a buddy. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when sneaking up on spooky fish, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. GPS keeps you on productive spots, and the icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. The multimedia system adds some tunes between bites. This bay boat's shallow draft design lets Captain Justin work the oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass flats where Georgia's biggest inshore fish love to feed.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Georgia's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning in our estuaries. What makes them special is that deep, drumming sound they make - you'll actually hear them underwater. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: use fresh blue crab on a circle hook and fish it right on the bottom near structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook hard - just start reeling and let the circle hook do its job.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are Georgia's smallest hammerheads, typically 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're actually pretty shy and harmless, often traveling in schools of 10-15 fish through our shallow bays and estuaries. Summer brings them up from Florida waters, making June through September prime time. Guests love the novelty of catching a shark that's safe to handle, plus they put up a surprisingly good scrap for their size. They feed heavily on blue crabs, so that's your best bet for bait. The trick is cutting fresh blue crab in half and hooking it through one of the legs - the scent trail drives them crazy. Fish it on the bottom with a sliding sinker rig and circle hooks. When you hook one, be patient - they'll make several hard runs before tiring out.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Georgia's signature inshore gamefish, sporting copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 20-35 inches, but big "bulls" over 40 inches patrol our deeper waters. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds where they'll cruise in water so skinny their backs show. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action as they school up heavily. What makes them special is that explosive topwater bite and bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, slot-sized fish are outstanding table fare. They're not particularly picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials all work. My go-to trick: look for nervous baitfish or "muds" where they're rooting in shallow water. Cast past the disturbance and work your bait back through it slowly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Georgia waters with their distinctive black and white stripes, typically weighing 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and oyster bars. They're famous for those human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs off structure. Spring months from February through April bring the best fishing when they gather to spawn around jetties and channel markers. Guests get a kick out of their unique appearance and love the sweet, white meat that makes fantastic table fare. They're notorious bait thieves though - you'll feel them nibbling before they commit. Here's the secret: use fiddler crabs or barnacles scraped right off the pilings you're fishing. Keep your bait tight to structure and set the hook the moment you feel weight - hesitate and they'll steal your crab every time.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are Georgia's sandy bottom specialists, averaging 15-20 inches but growing up to 26 pounds. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying on sandy bottoms in our estuaries and nearshore waters waiting to ambush prey. Fall months from September through November offer the hottest action as they become more active in cooler water. What guests love is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side - and their reputation as top-notch table fare with delicate white meat. They're ambush predators that hit fast, so stay alert. The key trick here in Georgia waters is using live mud minnows or finger mullet on a sliding sinker rig. Keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom - flounder want movement, not a stationary meal sitting there.
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