Family Redfish & Trout Trip - Tybee Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and flounderFamilyfriendly trip with all gear and tackle provided onboardExpert guidance from Captain Trey Wagner on calm waters
Looking for a fishing trip that actually works for the whole family? Captain Trey Wagner's got you covered with this top-rated half-day adventure in Tybee Island's protected inshore waters. This isn't some white-knuckle offshore run – we're talking calm, fishable flats where kids can actually hold their own rod without getting seasick. Four hours is the sweet spot for keeping everyone engaged without wearing out the little ones, and with just two spots on the boat, you're getting personal attention that makes all the difference. Whether you're teaching your kid to cast for the first time or just want to catch dinner without the drama, this trip delivers exactly what busy families need.
Captain Trey runs a relaxed operation that puts families first. You'll launch right from Tybee and work the marsh creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats where redfish, trout, and flounder hang out year-round. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the protection – even on breezy days, you're tucked behind barrier islands where the water stays manageable. Trey provides all the tackle, which means you don't need to figure out what jigs work best or worry about losing expensive gear when junior gets excited about a hookup. The boat's set up for comfort with seating that actually works for shorter passengers, and there's plenty of shade when the Georgia sun gets serious. This is hands-on fishing where you'll learn to read the water, spot redfish tailing in skinny water, and work structure where trout stack up during moving tides.
We're fishing light tackle here – 7-foot spinning rods spooled with 15-20 pound braid that gives kids the backbone to fight fish without overpowering them. Captain Trey keeps it simple with proven setups: popping corks with live shrimp for trout, jig heads with paddle tails for redfish, and Carolina rigs with mud minnows when flounder are the target. The technique depends on what's biting, but expect to work shallow structure around dock pilings, cast to oyster bars during the falling tide, and maybe sight-fish for reds if conditions line up right. Trey's good at reading his crew – if the kids are into action fishing, he'll put you on schooling trout. If they want to see something bigger, he'll target slot reds around the creek mouths where they ambush bait. The learning curve is gentle, and by the end of the trip, even first-timers will understand how tides move fish and why certain spots produce.
Sheepshead are the most finicky fish you'll target on this trip, but they're worth the effort. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around structure year-round, especially dock pilings and oyster bars where they pick off barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. They average 2-4 pounds around Tybee, but 6+ pounders show up regularly in cooler months. What makes sheepshead exciting is the bite – they're notorious bait stealers that require perfect timing to hook. Kids love seeing their weird teeth and learning why locals call them "convict fish." Peak season runs from November through March when they school up for spawning, but you'll find them any time of year if you know where to look.
Sea trout are your bread-and-butter species here, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastic jigs worked along grass edges. Most of what you'll catch runs 14-18 inches – perfect eating size – but 20+ inch "gator trout" are always possible, especially during spring and fall transitions. Trout are forgiving fish that give kids plenty of chances to learn proper hooksets and fight technique. They school up in predictable spots during moving tides, often around creek mouths and drop-offs where Captain Trey can put you on consistent action. Summer and fall are prime time, but Tybee's mild winters keep trout active almost year-round.
Redfish are the star of the show for many families, and Tybee Island's marsh system is renowned redfish habitat. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in the slot, but oversized bulls over 30 inches patrol deeper holes and creek bends. What makes reds special is their attitude – they eat aggressively, fight hard, and often cruise skinny water where you can spot them before casting. Kids get pumped watching a red's back fin cutting through two feet of water, and the visual aspect makes it easier to understand when and where to cast. Redfish bite year-round here, but fall brings the best combination of numbers and size as they feed heavily before winter. They're also forgiving fighters that don't jump, so smaller anglers can actually land them without losing fish to acrobatics.
This family-friendly trip checks all the boxes – experienced captain, calm water, consistent fishing, and a timeline that works for real families. With only two spots available, Captain Trey can focus on what matters: teaching technique, finding fish, and making sure everyone has fun. You'll come away with genuine fishing skills, hopefully some dinner, and definitely some stories. The Georgia coast fishes well year-round, so whether you're planning a summer vacation or looking for something different during the holidays, this half-day adventure delivers. Book now with Catalina Charters and get your family on the water with one of Tybee Island's most trusted guides.
Get ready to fish the productive inshore waters around Tybee Island aboard this reliable 24-foot Pathfinder bay boat. Built in 2016 and powered by a robust 300HP Yamaha outboard, this spacious fishing machine handles the coastal waters with ease while providing a stable platform for your family fishing adventure. The boat's design makes it perfect for targeting redfish, trout, and flounder in the shallow flats and grass beds where these fish love to hang out. With room for up to 4 anglers and all the fishing gear you'll need already on board, you can focus on what matters most - teaching the kids how to cast, watching their faces light up when they hook their first fish, and enjoying quality time on the water. Captain Trey keeps things relaxed and educational, making sure everyone from beginners to experienced anglers has a great day chasing fish in Georgia's beautiful coastal waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore waters, and for good reason. Most run 18-27 inches - perfect slot size fish that fight hard and eat great. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They're here year-round, but spring and fall give you the most consistent action when they're really aggressive. What makes them special is that distinctive black spot near the tail and their willingness to eat just about anything. Kids love them because they pull hard but don't require finesse - once hooked, they'll drag you around the shallows. The copper-colored sides are beautiful, and the meat is mild with a slightly sweet flavor. These fish aren't spooky like some species, so they're perfect for beginners. My local tip: look for nervous water or fish pushing wakes in the shallows. A gold spoon or topwater plug worked slowly will usually get their attention.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are a staple around Tybee's grass flats and shallow waters. Most of what we catch runs 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, perfect size for the dinner table. They love hanging over grass beds in 2-8 feet of water, especially during moving tides. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch them year-round - they just move to deeper channels during winter. What guests love is their willingness to hit artificials and their decent fight for their size. They've got soft mouths, so don't horse them in. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - great eating if you don't overcook it. These fish are pretty structure-oriented around here, so look for them near creek mouths, oyster bars, and drop-offs. My go-to trick is using a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and that natural shrimp presentation seals the deal. Work it slow and steady.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are easy to spot with their black and white stripes - we call them "convict fish" for good reason. Most run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, though you might hook into a 5+ pounder if you're lucky. They hang tight around any structure with barnacles - dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster bars are prime spots. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around incoming tides when they're actively feeding. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, so you need quick reflexes to set the hook. The payoff is worth it - sweet, mild white meat that's fantastic on the table. My tip: get your bait as close to structure as possible and feel for those subtle nibbles. Once you feel weight, don't hesitate - set that hook hard because they've got powerful jaws and will spit your bait quick.
Tybee Island