5.0(7 Reviews)Savannah Inshore Fishing: Black Drum & Sharks
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private half-day charter targets black drum and blacktip sharksProfessional captain provides tailored instruction for all skill levelsAll fishing equipment and tackle included for four-hour trip
If you're looking for consistent action and variety in Georgia's coastal waters, this half-day inshore charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want. Chatham Inshore Charters runs a tight operation in Savannah's productive marsh systems, where black drum, sharks, and redfish feed aggressively in shallow waters. Captain Dave and his crew know these backwaters like the back of their hand, putting you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone just getting their feet wet. Four hours gives you plenty of time to work different spots without feeling rushed, and with all gear provided, you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
Your morning starts at the dock where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the game plan. Savannah's inshore waters offer something special – a maze of tidal creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats that hold fish year-round. The boat heads out into the marsh system where water depths range from 3 to 15 feet, perfect for sight fishing and bottom bouncing. You'll work structure like dock pilings, creek mouths, and drop-offs where predators ambush baitfish. The captain reads the water, watching for birds, bait schools, and tidal movement to put you in the right spot at the right time. This isn't a cattle boat operation – with just four anglers max, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of rod time. The crew handles rigging, baiting, and netting so you can concentrate on fighting fish.
The charter provides medium to heavy spinning gear loaded with 20-30 pound braided line – perfect for the structure-heavy environment you'll be fishing. Bottom rigs with circle hooks work great for black drum and sheepshead around oyster beds, while live shrimp and cut bait produce consistent bites. For shark fishing, the crew switches to heavier tackle with wire leaders and chunk baits. You'll learn to feel the difference between a drum's steady pull and a shark's explosive run. Techniques vary throughout the trip – from Carolina rigs bounced along the bottom to free-lined live baits near structure. The captain adjusts tactics based on tide, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. If you're new to inshore fishing, don't worry – the crew teaches proper hook-setting, fighting techniques, and how to read your rod tip for subtle bites.
"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 an incredible time on our trip! Captain Dave had us reeling in fish almost right away and kept the action going. He was especially patient and kind with my daughter, taking the time to answer all her (many!) questions throughout the day. Easily a 10/10 experience—can't wait to do it again!" - Timothy. "Captain Brad was awesome for squeezing us in on a last-minute trip! He knew exactly where to go and what the fish were biting on. We had a great time and made some unforgettable family memories out on the water." - Shannon.
Black drum are the bread and butter of Savannah's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from 5 to 40 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. They feed heavily around oyster bars and bridge pilings, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. Spring and fall offer the best action when schools of big drum move through the area. What makes them special is their stamina – a 20-pound drum will test your arms and drag system with long, powerful runs toward structure.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish you'll target, but that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They're notorious bait thieves, requiring perfect timing and sensitive rod work to hook. Most run 2-8 pounds, but their excellent table fare makes every fish worth the effort. Peak season runs from March through May when they spawn around inshore structures.
Redfish are every inshore angler's favorite target, combining aggressive strikes with acrobatic fights. These bronze beauties with distinctive black spots patrol grass flats and creek mouths, often feeding in water so shallow their backs break the surface. They hit everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs, and a slot-sized red between 18-27 inches makes excellent eating. Fall brings the biggest schools as fish prepare for their offshore spawning run.
Bonnethead sharks add excitement to any trip with their lightning-fast strikes and aerial displays. These small hammerheads rarely exceed 3 feet but make up for size with attitude. They're incredibly common in Savannah's waters during summer months, often hitting baits intended for other species. Their unique shovel-shaped head and brownish coloration make them easy to identify, and they're surprisingly good eating when prepared properly.
Blacktip sharks bring the real firepower to your fishing day. These sleek predators range from 3-6 feet and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They patrol the edges of grass flats and creek mouths, hunting schools of baitfish. Summer months offer the most consistent action as blacktips move into shallow water to feed and give birth. Their explosive runs and aerial acrobatics make them a favorite target for anglers looking to test their tackle and skills.
Savannah's inshore waters produce fish year-round, but certain seasons definitely outshine others. Book early during spring and fall when fish are most active and weather conditions are ideal. This charter fills up fast because
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfectly suited for navigating Savannah's shallow inlets and tidal creeks where black drum and blacktip sharks cruise. This reliable vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The onboard fish finder helps locate promising structure and schools of baitfish, while our GPS ensures we hit the most productive spots efficiently. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. The boat's shallow draft design lets us access those prime fishing areas tucked deep in Georgia's coastal marshes where bigger fish like to hide. Whether you're casting toward oyster bars for drum or working the deeper channels for sharks, this boat gets you there comfortably and positions you for the best shots at landing quality fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our marshes, typically running 10-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ in our waters. These bruisers love oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're bottom feeders, so fresh blue crab or cut bait works best. What makes them special is that drum-like sound they make when hooked, plus they put up a serious fight that'll test your drag. Here's the key: keep your bait right on the bottom and be patient. They'll mouth the bait before committing, so wait for that solid pull before setting the hook. Great eating under 15 pounds too.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are our most active inshore sharks, running 3-6 feet and famous for those black-tipped fins. They cruise our nearshore waters and inlet mouths, often in small groups hunting baitfish. Summer and early fall are peak season when they're feeding heavily on mullet, whiting, and whatever bait is thick. What gets people fired up about blacktips is their aerial show - they'll jump completely out of the water when hooked, sometimes multiple times. They're strong fighters that'll peel line off your reel in a hurry. We find them in 10-40 feet of water around structure and bait schools. Fresh cut bait works best - mullet, whiting, or blue runner. Set your drag loose because when they hit, it's usually at full speed and they don't slow down easily.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smaller hammerheads we see regularly in our shallow bays and estuaries, usually running 2-4 feet long. They're actually pretty timid compared to other sharks and travel in small schools of 5-15 fish. Summer months bring them into our warmer waters where they hunt crabs and small fish in the grass flats. What's cool about bonnetheads is that shovel-shaped head and the fact they're one of the few sharks that's completely safe to handle. They put up a scrappy fight for their size and are fun for kids to catch and release. You'll find them in 3-10 feet of water over sandy bottom near structure. Fresh cut blue crab is the ticket - hook it through a leg and fish it on the bottom. They can be picky, so don't set the hook until you feel solid weight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, averaging 18-28 inches with those signature black spots near the tail. They cruise grass flats and oyster bars in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning. What makes reds special is that explosive topwater strike and the way they'll strip drag on long runs through the shallows. They're also great table fare with mild, flaky meat. The real magic happens sight fishing - watching them cruise the flats and making the perfect cast. Here's what works: throw your bait or lure ahead of cruising fish and let it settle naturally. They spook easily in skinny water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our docks and bridges, easily spotted by their black and white stripes. Most run 2-5 pounds around here, but we see some nice 8-10 pounders near the deeper pilings. They're structure huggers - you'll find them tight to any barnacle-covered dock, bridge piling, or jetty. Spring through fall is best when they're actively feeding. What guests love about sheepshead is they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, making every bite a challenge. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. My tip: use fiddler crabs and keep your bait as close to structure as possible. When you feel that light tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard right away.
5.0 out of 5.0We 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 i...
We had an incredible time on our trip! Captain Dave had us reeling in fish almost right away and kept the action going. He was esp...
Captain Brad was awesome for squeezing us in on a last-minute trip! He knew exactly where to go and what the fish were biting on. ...
David and Nickie Russell were absolutely fantastic to fish with! They made the whole experience fun, relaxing, and truly enjoyable...
We had a great time out on the water! Dave and his first mate were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the trip really enjoyable. Ca...
Our trip was incredibly relaxing and full of action—we were reeling in sharks and stingrays all day long! Naturally, we’ll take cr...
What an awesome day on the water! This charter is perfect for everyone—from hardcore anglers to families just looking to have fun....
Homer