Guided Fishing Trip In Georgia - Black Drum, Shark And More
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, black drum, flounder in Georgia coastal watersHalf-day to full-day trips accommodate up to 2 guestsCaptain Justin Harriman provides equipment and expert guidance
Georgia's inshore waters are a fishing paradise, and Captain Justin Harriman knows every productive stretch along this coast like the back of his hand. When you step aboard with Big Red's Fishing Charters, you're not just booking a trip—you're getting years of local knowledge and a genuine passion for putting clients on fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to bend some rods or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, Captain Harriman tailors each outing to match your skill level and target the species you're after. With flexible half-day and full-day options, this top-rated charter gives you the freedom to fish at your own pace while targeting some of the most sought-after inshore species Georgia has to offer.
Your day starts with Captain Harriman going over the game plan based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. Georgia's inshore waters offer incredible diversity, from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper channels holding black drum and sharks. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle—everything you need is ready to go. Captain Harriman runs a clean operation with state-of-the-art fish finders and GPS to locate structure and bait, but he also relies on decades of experience reading water, weather, and fish behavior. You'll spend your time working different spots, adjusting techniques as needed, and learning the nuances of each fishery. The intimate 2-guest capacity means you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without crowding.
Inshore fishing in Georgia requires adapting your approach to match the conditions and target species. Captain Harriman employs a variety of proven techniques depending on what's working best. Live bait fishing with shrimp, crabs, and finger mullet is often the go-to method for targeting drum, redfish, and flounder around structure and drop-offs. When the bite calls for it, you'll switch to artificial lures—soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that can cover water quickly and trigger aggressive strikes. The tackle setup varies by species, from lighter spinning gear for flounder and sheepshead to heavier conventional rigs when sharks are on the menu. Captain Harriman knows when to fish the oyster bars, when to work the creek mouths, and when to head to deeper water based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. GPS coordinates of productive spots, combined with real-time sonar readings, help locate schools of bait and the predators following them.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of Georgia's inshore scene, with fish regularly topping 30 pounds and some monsters reaching 50-plus. These bruisers love oyster beds, bridge pilings, and rocky structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall are prime time when big drum move into the shallows to feed. What makes black drum so exciting is the initial run—when a big drum feels the hook, it takes off like a freight train, testing your drag and fighting skills. The fight is all about power and endurance, with these fish using their broad sides to pull hard in the current.
Summer Flounder provide some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing Georgia waters offer. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique—slow presentations with live bait or bouncing jigs along the bottom. Summer months bring the best action when water temperatures climb and flounder become more active. A quality flounder dinner is hard to beat, making these fish a customer favorite for their table fare and fighting ability when hooked.
Sheepshead are the convict fish of the inshore waters, with their distinctive black stripes and notorious bait-stealing abilities. These fish hang around structure like dock pilings, jetties, and oyster bars, making them accessible year-round but especially active in cooler months. Sheepshead have powerful jaws designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, which also makes them excellent fighters once hooked. Their reputation as bait thieves adds an element of skill to the fishing—you need sharp reflexes and the right technique to hook up consistently.
Redfish are Georgia's signature inshore species, known for their copper-bronze color and powerful runs. These fish cruise shallow flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths throughout the year, with fall being particularly productive when schools of reds feed heavily before winter. Redfish are exciting because they're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight even harder, often making multiple runs and using their broad tails to wage war against the angler. The slot-size fish (14-23 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide pure sport fishing excitement.
Bonnethead Sharks add an element of surprise and adrenaline to any inshore trip. These smaller sharks, typically 2-4 feet long, are common in Georgia's shallow waters where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Bonnetheads are active year-round but peak in warmer months when they move into very shallow water. What makes them exciting is their speed and acrobatic ability—when hooked, they often jump and spin, providing spectacular fights on light tackle. They're also excellent indicators of water quality and ecosystem health, making each encounter special.
Captain Harriman's reputation for putting clients on fish and providing world-class service keeps his calendar busy throughout the season. This isn't just another fishing trip—it's your chance to experience Georgia's premier inshore fishery with a captain who truly cares about your success on the water. The combination of flexible trip lengths, expert guidance, quality equipment, and access to productive waters makes this charter stan
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Georgia's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish cruise our oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths, using their crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to tip: fish fresh blue crab right on the bottom near oyster bars. The crab stays put better than shrimp and won't get picked off by catfish while you wait for a drum to find it.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are the smallest hammerheads we catch in Georgia, with their distinctive shovel-shaped heads and brownish-gray coloring. Most run 3-4 feet long and are surprisingly shy compared to other sharks. You'll find them in shallow bays, creeks, and near shore during warmer months, often swimming in small schools. Summer through early fall is prime time before they head south for winter. What guests love is catching their first shark - bonnetheads are perfect for that since they're manageable size but still put up a scrappy fight. They're harmless and make great photo opportunities with that unique head shape. Fresh blue crab cut in half works best - hook it through a leg joint and fish it on the bottom with a sliding sinker rig and wire leader.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Georgia's crown jewel of inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface on the flats. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. We catch them year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is that explosive topwater bite and the way they peel drag on long runs through shallow water. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits. The key is staying quiet and making long casts to avoid spoking them. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat, but throw a gold spoon for some real fireworks.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth - always gets folks talking when they see one. These 1-8 pound fish live around any structure they can find: docks, bridge pilings, jetties, and oyster bars. They're notorious bait thieves with those strong jaws built for crushing barnacles and crabs. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they move to shallow structures to spawn. Guests love the challenge - they're incredibly picky eaters that require finesse and quick hook sets. The reward is some of the best eating fish in Georgia waters with sweet, white meat. My secret: get your bait right against the structure and be ready to set the hook hard at the first tap. Use fiddler crabs on a small circle hook, and keep your line tight.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the "chameleons of the sea" - these flatfish can change colors to match the bottom perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch plenty of "doormat" flounder pushing 4-5 pounds in Georgia waters. They love sandy bottoms in our inshore areas, especially around structure transitions and creek mouths. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're actively feeding before their offshore migration. What makes them special is that incredible camouflage ability and the challenge of detecting their subtle bite - they'll steal your bait clean if you're not paying attention. The meat is pure white and delicate, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with live minnow and work it slow along the bottom - that flutter on the drop triggers strikes.
Georgia