Inshore Fishing Charter Savannah GA Black Drum Shark
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour private inshore fishing charter with Captain DaveTarget black drum, sharks, redfish, catfish, and sheepsheadAll equipment, tackle, and bait included for groups
Captain Dave's five-hour inshore charter puts you right in the heart of Savannah's best fishing grounds, where tidal creeks wind through spartina grass and coastal waters hold some seriously good fish. This isn't your typical tourist trip – it's a legit fishing adventure designed for anyone who wants to catch fish, whether you've been doing this for decades or you're just getting started. You'll work everything from shallow flats to deeper creek channels, targeting species that make Savannah's inshore waters famous among serious anglers. With all gear provided and spots chosen based on what's biting when you're here, you can focus entirely on putting fish in the boat.
This charter takes you through Savannah's maze of tidal rivers and creeks, plus the nearshore coastal waters where the real action happens. Captain Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust your fishing spots based on tide times, seasonal patterns, and what's been producing lately. You might start the morning working structure for sheepshead, then move to grass flats for redfish as the tide changes, and finish up in deeper water where black drum and sharks cruise. The five-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to work different techniques and really dial in what's working. Since this is a private charter for up to four people, you'll get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod time like you would on a crowded party boat.
All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait come with the trip, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or figuring out what works in these waters. Captain Dave runs quality gear that can handle everything from finicky sheepshead to hard-pulling sharks. You'll likely use a mix of bottom fishing with circle hooks for drum and sheepshead, plus some sight fishing and casting when you're working the flats for redfish. Live and cut bait both play a role depending on what you're targeting – fresh shrimp works magic on sheepshead and redfish, while cut bait brings in the drum and sharks. The captain will show you how to read the water, work different structures, and adjust your technique as conditions change throughout the day.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, and Savannah's waters produce some real tanks. These fish love oyster bars and structure, where they cruise around vacuuming up crabs and shellfish. You'll feel them before you see them – black drum pull steady and hard, using their broad sides to fight in the current. They're most active during moving tides, and the bigger fish often hang in deeper creek bends and channel edges. What makes them special is their size and fight – a good black drum will test your drag and give you a workout that lasts several minutes.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish you'll target, but they're also some of the best eating. These convict-striped fish hang around pilings, docks, and oyster bars, where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need to stay alert and set the hook quickly when you feel that subtle tap. Spring and fall are prime times when they school up around structure, and once you find them, you can often catch several from the same spot. Their fight isn't overpowering, but their table value more than makes up for it.
Redfish are the crowd favorites, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers put up an honest fight and often feed in water so shallow you can see their backs. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially during moving tides. A good redfish will make multiple runs and use its broad tail to power through the water. They're year-round residents in Savannah's waters, though they get more aggressive during cooler months when they school up in larger numbers.
Bonnethead sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family are common in Savannah's inshore waters, especially during warmer months. They're curious fish that often investigate baits quickly, and their unique head shape makes them instantly recognizable. While they don't grow huge like their offshore cousins, they're scrappy fighters that make impressive runs when hooked.
Blacktip sharks are the speed demons of the group. These sleek predators patrol grass flats and channel edges, and when they grab your bait, you'll know it immediately. They're famous for their jumping ability – a hooked blacktip often launches itself completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. They're most common during spring and summer months when baitfish are thick in the coastal waters.
Captain Dave's inshore charter offers the perfect blend of variety, action, and personalized service that keeps anglers coming back to Savannah's waters. With five hours on the water, quality gear provided, and a guide who knows where the fish live, you're setting yourself up for a productive day. Whether you're looking to check new species off your list, improve your inshore techniques, or just enjoy some quality time on the water, this charter delivers the goods. The private boat setup means you fish at your own pace without dealing with crowds, and the diverse species list ensures there's always something biting. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Captain Dave's well-equipped motorboat puts you right where the action is in Savannah's productive inshore waters. This fishing machine comes loaded with a reliable GPS to navigate the maze of local rivers and creeks, plus a quality fish finder that'll help locate those black drum and shark hangouts you're after. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the full five-hour trip. With comfortable seating for up to four anglers, there's plenty of room to work multiple lines without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. The boat handles the shallow coastal waters and tidal creeks perfectly, getting you into those prime fishing spots where the redfish, sheepshead, and catfish like to feed. Whether you're casting along oyster bars or drifting over deeper holes, this setup gives you the mobility to follow the bite and make the most of Savannah's diverse inshore fishery.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. These fish put up a solid fight and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. My local tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster structure - they rarely venture far from their food source.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of our local shark fishing, famous for their spectacular jumps and black-tipped fins. These sleek predators typically run 4-6 feet and are built for speed, often leaping completely out of the water when hooked. You'll find them patrolling nearshore waters and around artificial reefs where they hunt schools of baitfish. Warmer months bring the best action as they follow bait migrations along our coast. Anglers love the aerial show and hard runs - they're pure adrenaline on medium tackle. We always release them since they're not table fish. Pro tip: use oily baits like mackerel or bluefish chunks and don't be surprised if they jump right into the boat - it happens more than you'd think with these excitable sharks.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are the gentle giants of the shark family, easily recognized by their shovel-shaped heads and shy demeanor. These mini hammerheads typically measure 3-4 feet and are completely harmless - only one recorded bite ever. You'll find schools of 5-15 swimming in shallow bays and estuaries, especially during warmer months when they migrate north from Florida waters. They're fun because kids can safely handle them, and they put up a scrappy fight for their size. We always release them since they're not great eating. Summer through early fall is peak season here in Georgia waters. Local trick: cut blue crab in half and hook it through a leg - bonnetheads go crazy for fresh crab and the hook-up rate is much better than with fish baits.
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 fish run 20-35 inches, but the big bulls can push 45+ inches and really test your drag. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're year-round residents but fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. Guests love the visual fishing and explosive topwater strikes. The meat is sweet and flaky on smaller fish. My go-to technique: work a gold spoon slowly over grass flats during moving water - redfish can't resist that flash.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Savannah's waters, sporting black and white stripes and human-like teeth that crush barnacles off dock pilings. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we occasionally see 20-pounders around bridge structures and jetties. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they're most active and feeding heavily. Anglers love them because they're notorious bait thieves - you'll feel every nibble before they commit. The white, mild meat is fantastic table fare if you can get past the tough scales. Pro tip: get your bait as close to structure as possible and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your bait all day if you hesitate.
Homer