Beginner Inshore Fishing Charter Savannah GA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday private charter targeting black drum and blacktip sharksLicensed captain provides instruction and all fishing equipment includedBeginnerfriendly inshore waters perfect for families and small groups
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't overwhelm beginners but still delivers real action? This private 4-hour inshore charter out of Savannah hits the sweet spot. You'll be fishing Georgia's productive coastal waters with a licensed captain who knows exactly where the black drum and sharks are hanging out. Perfect for families, friend groups, or anyone wanting to get their feet wet without committing to a full day on the water. All gear's provided, instruction's included, and you're targeting species that actually bite – no fairy tales here, just good fishing in some of the Southeast's most reliable waters.
Your captain will pick productive spots along Savannah's extensive marsh system and nearshore waters, areas known for holding consistent fish populations year-round. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water one minute, then anchored up over structure waiting for a black drum to pick up your bait the next. The boat stays within protected waters most of the trip, so seasickness isn't usually an issue, and the fishing grounds are close enough that you're wetting lines within 20 minutes of leaving the dock. With a maximum of 4 anglers, everyone gets plenty of individual attention and coaching. Your guide handles navigation, fish-finding, and gear setup – your job is learning the techniques and enjoying the fight when fish hit.
You'll be using medium-action spinning rods paired with conventional reels, perfectly balanced for the mix of species you're targeting. Bottom fishing with cut bait accounts for most of the action – your captain will rig up with circle hooks and sliding sinkers to get baits down to where black drum and sheepshead are feeding. For sharks, expect slightly heavier tackle and wire leaders to handle their sharp teeth and powerful runs. Live and cut shrimp, squid, and mullet make up the bait selection, with your guide choosing what's working best based on current conditions and target species. When redfish are active, you might switch to artificial lures like spoons or soft plastics, working them through grass beds and oyster bars where these fish ambush prey. The techniques are straightforward enough for beginners to pick up quickly, but effective enough that experienced anglers stay engaged.
Black drum are the bread and butter of Savannah's inshore scene, with fish ranging from 20 to 40+ pounds cruising the deeper channels and oyster beds year-round. These bruisers fight dirty – long, stubborn battles that test your patience and arm strength. Spring and fall see the biggest numbers, but summer fishing stays productive, especially on incoming tides when drum move shallow to feed on crabs and shellfish. What makes them special is their willingness to eat and their impressive size – landing a 35-pound black drum on medium tackle creates memories that stick.
Sheepshead might be the most underrated fighters in these waters. Don't let their 2 to 8-pound average fool you – these fish are pure muscle and know how to use structure to their advantage. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off pilings and rocks. Winter months are prime time for sheepshead, when they school up near bridges and jetties. The challenge isn't just hooking them – it's getting them away from structure before they cut your line. Success requires light tackle, small hooks, and lightning-fast reflexes.
Redfish are Georgia's signature inshore species, with slot-sized fish between 18 and 27 inches providing explosive topwater action and strong fights in shallow water. These copper-colored beauties are most active during spring and fall, though summer mornings can produce fantastic sight-fishing opportunities. What sets redfish apart is their aggressive nature and diverse feeding behavior – they'll crush topwater plugs, inhale live shrimp, and track down cut bait with equal enthusiasm. The visual aspect of watching reds tail in skinny water while you position for the perfect cast adds an exciting hunting element to the fishing.
Bonnethead sharks bring consistent action and are perfect for anglers wanting their first shark experience without the intimidation factor of larger species. These 2 to 4-foot members of the hammerhead family are abundant in Savannah's waters from spring through fall, feeding primarily on blue crabs and shrimp. They fight harder than their size suggests, making multiple runs and providing steady action when other species are finicky. Bonnetheads are also excellent table fare, making them a practical catch for families wanting to take fish home.
Blacktip sharks represent the exciting end of the spectrum, with fish ranging from 3 to 6 feet providing serious battles on medium tackle. These athletic sharks are known for their jumping ability and blistering initial runs that can strip line faster than you'd expect. Summer months see the best blacktip action, particularly around bait schools near the jetties and artificial reefs. While catch-and-release is standard practice, the experience of fighting a legitimate shark creates stories you'll be telling for years. The combination of power, speed, and acrobatics makes blacktips a top-rated target for anglers wanting to test their skills.
This half-day charter delivers exactly what it promises – solid fishing, professional instruction, and enough variety to keep everyone engaged without the commitment of a full-day trip. The 4-hour timeframe works perfectly for beginners who want to learn without getting overwhelmed, families with younger kids, or experienced anglers looking for a quick fishing fix. Your captain's local knowledge and provided gear eliminate the guesswork, letting you focus on learning techniques and enjoying the action. Savannah's inshore waters are among the Southeast's most productive and accessible, making this trip a smart choice for anyone wanting to experience Georgia's renowned coastal fishing scene. Book now and get ready to see why so many anglers consider Savannah's marshes
Your fishing platform for this Savannah inshore adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed to get you on the fish in Georgia's coastal waters. The boat comes outfitted with a GPS navigation system to pinpoint the best fishing spots and a fish finder to locate black drum, sharks, and other inshore targets lurking below. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the 4-hour trip. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast lines without crowding each other. The boat's shallow draft design lets your captain navigate the tidal creeks and flats where these species love to feed, while the reliable engine ensures you spend more time with lines in the water than traveling between spots.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds around Savannah's creeks and marshes. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're famous for their powerful jaws that crush oysters and crabs, plus they make distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when you're working oyster beds, use fresh blue crab and keep your bait right on the bottom - these fish are serious bottom feeders and won't chase anything floating above them.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are our most acrobatic sharks, famous for those spectacular jumps when hooked - sometimes clearing the water by 6 feet or more. They average 4-5 feet but can reach 9 feet, with those telltale black-tipped fins that give them their name. Look for them around structure in 10-30 feet of water, especially near artificial reefs and channel edges. Warmer months bring the best action as they patrol our coastal waters hunting bait schools. Guests love the aerial show and strong runs these fish make. They're also good eating if you bleed them quickly. The secret is getting them excited with a chum slick using oily fish like mackerel or sardines - once they smell that scent trail, they'll come looking. Use circle hooks on 30-50 pound tackle and be ready for that first jump when you set the hook.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads we target, running 3-4 feet on average with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're actually pretty shy compared to other sharks and completely harmless to anglers. You'll find them in shallow bays and grass flats, often traveling in small schools of 5-10 fish during warmer months. Summer brings them up our way from Florida, making for some fun light tackle action. What guests enjoy most is the unique look and steady fight - they're not as aggressive as blacktips but still give you a good tussle. They feed heavily on blue crabs, so that's your best bait. Cut a crab in half and thread the hook through a leg joint - the scent trail will draw them in from a good distance. Use a 3-foot wire leader since those teeth can cut mono.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches and put up a solid fight in the skinny water. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when water temps are just right. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike when they crush a lure in inches of water. They're also great table fare with mild, sweet meat. The key around Savannah is watching for "nervous water" - those subtle ripples that give away a feeding school. Throw your lure well ahead of moving fish and work it slowly back to them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds, though we see some pushing 20 pounds around dock pilings and bridge supports. They're structure huggers - you'll find them tight against barnacle-covered pilings, feeding on crustaceans and mollusks. Spring months from February through April are best when they're most active. Guests love the challenge since sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with light, nibbling bites before committing. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. Pro tip: get your bait as close to the structure as possible and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your bait if you hesitate.
Homer