Weekend Inshore Fishing Charter Savannah GA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private inshore charter targets black drum and sharks near SavannahCaptain Dave provides all equipment and instruction for beginnersFourperson capacity perfect for families and small groups
Captain Dave's weekend inshore fishing charters put you right in the heart of Savannah's best fishing grounds. This isn't your typical crowded weekend boat trip – we're talking about a private charter that gets you away from the masses and into productive waters where the fish are actually biting. Whether you're bringing the family for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Georgia species to your logbook, this trip delivers the goods. We'll work the tidal creeks, oyster bars, and shallow flats where black drum, redfish, and sharks patrol year-round.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Dave at the marina, coffee in hand and ready to chase some fish. The boat's rigged and ready with everything you need – quality rods, fresh bait, and tackle that's proven to work in these waters. We'll spend the morning hitting structure where black drum stack up, then move to different spots based on the tide and what's biting. Don't worry if you've never caught a shark before – Captain Dave will walk you through the whole process, from rigging the bait to handling the fish safely. The beauty of Savannah's inshore waters is the variety. One cast might bring in a hefty black drum, the next could be a feisty redfish or even a blacktip shark that'll test your drag. This charter accommodates up to four anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets their shot at the action.
We fish smart out here, not hard. Captain Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics based on conditions, tide, and season. For black drum, we'll anchor up near oyster beds and drop cut bait right where they're feeding. The key is patience – these fish can be picky, but when they bite, you'll know it. Shark fishing requires a different approach entirely. We'll set out larger baits on circle hooks and let the fish find us while we work other lines for drum and redfish. All the gear is top-rated and ready to go – medium-heavy spinning rods for most species, with heavier tackle available when we're targeting bigger sharks. Captain Dave provides everything from weights and leaders to fresh shrimp and cut bait. The boat's equipped with a quality fish finder, so we're not just guessing where the fish are holding. We're putting baits right in their feeding zones.
Black drum are the bread and butter of Savannah inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love hanging around oyster bars and structure, where they vacuum up crabs and shellfish. They're not the prettiest fish in the water, but they fight like freight trains and can reach 30-40 pounds in these waters. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes them exciting is the way they bite – that slow, steady pull that makes your drag sing. Redfish bring the flash and dash to your fishing day. These bronze beauties with the distinctive black spot patrol the shallows year-round, though they're most active during warmer months. They're aggressive feeders and absolute bulldogs when hooked, making long runs and testing your tackle. A 20-25 inch red is perfect eating size, while the bigger bulls over 27 inches make great photo opportunities before release.
Bonnethead sharks are like the friendly neighbors of the shark world – smaller, more manageable, but still giving you that authentic shark fishing experience. They're common in Savannah's waters during summer months and perfect for kids or first-time shark anglers. They typically run 2-4 feet and have this unique shovel-shaped head that makes them instantly recognizable. Blacktip sharks are the real deal – fast, acrobatic, and built for speed. When you hook one, get ready for some spectacular jumps and sizzling runs. They show up regularly in our inshore waters, especially during warmer months, and can reach 4-5 feet. The fight is what legends are made of. Sheepshead round out the mix with their human-like teeth and incredible bait-stealing abilities. They're tricky to hook but absolutely delicious on the table. These black-and-white striped bandits hang around structure and require finesse fishing – light tackle and small baits work best.
This weekend charter offers something most fishing trips can't – variety, expertise, and waters that consistently produce fish. Captain Dave's local knowledge puts you on fish while other boats are still searching, and his patient instruction ensures everyone on board learns something new. Whether you're after your first black drum, hoping to check sharks off your bucket list, or just want to spend quality time on the water with family and friends, this trip delivers. The all-inclusive setup means you show up ready to fish, not spend half your morning rigging tackle. Book your weekend inshore fishing adventure and discover why Savannah's coastal waters keep anglers coming back season after season. The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and Captain Dave's standing by to put you on the action.
Captain Dave's motorboat puts you right where the fish are biting in Savannah's inshore waters. This well-equipped fishing machine comes loaded with GPS to navigate the maze of local rivers and creeks, plus a reliable fish finder to spot schools of black drum and cruising sharks below. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while you work the flats and channels around Savannah's coast. Built for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast lines without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. The boat handles the shallow backwaters and tidal creeks like a dream, getting you into those productive spots where redfish and sheepshead like to hang out. Perfect setup for targeting everything from hard-fighting black drum to the occasional blacktip shark that'll test your drag system.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Savannah's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with those massive 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 we fish fresh crab or clam right on the structure. What makes them special is that deep, drumming sound they make underwater - you can actually hear schools of them. They fight hard and steady, not flashy jumps but pure muscle. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table; the big bulls get tough and stringy. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale tapping on your bait, give them a second to really take it before setting the hook.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for those signature black-tipped fins and spectacular jumps when hooked. They average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet and really put up a fight. You'll find them patrolling nearshore waters, around structure, and following baitfish into the sounds. Warmer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding in our area. What makes them special is that aerial show - they'll jump 6 feet out of the water and spin like a spinner shark. They're aggressive feeders that'll take live bait, cut fish, or even artificials. The fight is fast and furious with those jumps and strong runs. They're not great table fare, so most folks catch and release. Best technique is heavy tackle with circle hooks and oily baits like mackerel or sardines. My tip: keep steady pressure but let them run - trying to horse them in just makes them jump more and increases the chance they'll throw the hook.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are the smallest hammerheads we target, averaging 3-4 feet with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're actually pretty shy compared to other sharks and completely harmless - only one recorded bite ever. You'll find them in shallow bays, creeks, and around grass flats where they hunt crabs and small fish. Summer through early fall is peak season when they move into our warmer inshore waters. What guests love is catching their first shark species - they're aggressive feeders but manageable size makes them perfect for kids and beginners. They school up in groups of 10-15, so where you catch one, there's usually more. Fresh blue crab cut in half works best, and they'll absolutely hammer it. The fight is surprisingly strong for their size. Pro tip: thread your hook through a crab leg to keep the bait secure - these guys will pick your hook clean if the bait's not pinned down right.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by that signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but we regularly see slot fish and some real bulls over 40 inches in deeper water. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is that explosive topwater bite and strong, stubborn fight. They'll eat almost anything but live shrimp and soft plastics are hard to beat. The table fare is excellent on slot-sized fish with that mild, sweet flavor. You can sight-fish them on the flats or blind-cast structure. Key tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead and let your bait sink slowly - they spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable fight.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with those distinctive black bars down their sides. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we see some real slabs pushing 20 pounds around the right structure. They live around docks, bridge pilings, and oyster bars where they pick barnacles and crabs with those human-like teeth. Spring spawning season brings the best numbers, but they're catchable year-round. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites, so it takes skill to hook them. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters, sweet white meat that's worth the effort to clean. They'll hover at any depth around structure, so work your bait from bottom to surface. My best advice: use the smallest hook you can get away with and set it hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your bait clean if you hesitate.
Homer