Professional Inshore Fishing Charter Savannah GA
When you're looking for a solid half-day fishing charter in Savannah's back country, this 4-hour trip with Chatham Inshore Charters delivers the goods. You'll head into Georgia's coastal marshes and tidal creeks where black drum, sharks, and redfish call home. Captain Dave and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet. With all gear provided and room for up to 4 anglers, this charter takes the guesswork out of inshore fishing and lets you focus on what matters most—bending rods and making memories.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical head boat experience. You'll launch into Savannah's maze of salt marshes and oyster bars aboard a well-equipped inshore boat that can navigate the skinny water where the big fish hide. The captain will read the tides, wind, and bait activity to put you in the right spots at the right time. Expect to fish structure like dock pilings, creek mouths, and grass lines where predators ambush their prey. The fishing grounds are accessible year-round, but each season brings different opportunities—from springtime drum runs to summer shark action. Your captain provides all Penn and Shimano gear, fresh bait, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a slow day and a fish-filled adventure. The boat stays comfortable with shade and seating for everyone, plus a cooler to keep your catch fresh.
Techniques You'll Master
Inshore fishing around Savannah means adapting your approach to the conditions and target species. You'll likely start with bottom fishing using circle hooks and fresh bait like shrimp, cut mullet, or blue crab to target black drum and sheepshead around structure. When the sharks show up, expect to switch to heavier tackle and wire leaders. Your captain might have you drift fishing over grass beds for redfish or sight fishing in skinny water when the conditions are right. The beauty of this fishery is the variety—one minute you're working a creek bend for drum, the next you're fighting a blacktip that crashed your bait in open water. All tackle, bait, and terminal gear comes included, from light spinning setups for finesse work to medium-heavy conventional gear for the bigger players. Your captain will handle the rigging and teach you the techniques that work best in these Georgia waters.
What Anglers Are Saying
"We had an awesome day out on the water! The trip was a lot of fun, and we really enjoyed the whole experience. Thanks for making it such a memorable day!" - Christopher. "We had a great time out on the water! Dave and his first mate were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the trip really enjoyable. Can't wait to come back when the weather warms up—highly recommend!" - Sherry. "Our trip was incredibly relaxing and full of action—we were reeling in sharks and stingrays all day long! Naturally, we'll take credit for the fishing skills, not Captain Dave. 😄 Dave had a dry sense of humor that kept us laughing, even if that's not technically part of the job. He joked about retiring, but with your support, we can keep him booked solid through 2024 and help more folks enjoy a day on the water like we did!" - Derrick.
Top Catches This Season
Black drum are the bread and butter of Savannah's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can reach 30-50 pounds and provide arm-burning fights in shallow water. They school up around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and creek mouths, feeding on crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall offer the best action when big drum move into the creeks to spawn. What makes them special is their power—a big drum will test your drag system and make multiple runs before coming to the net. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Sheepshead might be the craftiest fish in these waters, earning the nickname "convict fish" for their black and white stripes and their ability to steal bait. These structure-loving fish hang around dock pilings, oyster bars, and bridge supports where they pick barnacles and crabs off the structure. They require finesse and sharp hooks since their mouth is full of human-like teeth designed for crushing shells. Winter months offer the best sheepshead action when they school up in deeper holes. Landing a 3-4 pound sheepshead takes skill and patience, making them a favorite among technical anglers.
Redfish are the poster child of southern inshore fishing, and Georgia's population is world-class. These bronze-backed fighters cruise shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds hunting for crabs and baitfish. Bull reds over 27 inches provide serious fights in skinny water, often making drag-screaming runs toward deep water. Slot-size fish between 14-23 inches are perfect for the dinner table. Redfish feed year-round in Georgia waters, but fall months bring the best numbers as schools migrate through the area. Their willingness to eat both live and cut bait makes them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Bonnethead sharks are the most common shark species you'll encounter, and they're perfect for introducing kids to shark fishing. These small members of the hammerhead family rarely exceed 3 feet but provide steady action on light tackle. They feed primarily on blue crabs and shrimp, making them relatively easy to target with fresh bait. Bonnetheads are active year-round in Georgia waters but peak during summer months when water temperatures rise. Their docile nature and manageable size make them ideal for photos before release.
Blacktip sharks bring the serious excitement to your charter. These sleek predators can reach 4-6 feet and are famous for their acrobatic jumps when ho