Weekend Inshore Fishing Charter Savannah GA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private inshore charter targeting black drum and sharksAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by Captain DaveAccommodates up to 4 guests in Savannah coastal waters
Captain Dave knows these Savannah waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish this weekend. This private inshore charter takes you into the heart of Georgia's coastal fishing paradise, where tidal creeks wind through spartina grass and productive waters hold everything from heavyweight black drum to aggressive sharks. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Low Country species to your list, this trip delivers the goods. With room for up to four anglers, you'll have Captain Dave's full attention as he works the best spots based on current conditions and what's biting.
Your day starts with Captain Dave sizing up the conditions and picking the right game plan. Savannah's inshore waters offer incredible variety - one minute you're working a deep creek bend for drum, the next you're sight fishing shallow flats for reds. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility. Captain Dave reads the water, the weather, and what you're hoping to accomplish, then puts together a strategy that maximizes your shots at quality fish. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and maybe some snacks - all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle are provided. Captain Dave runs quality gear that can handle everything from finicky sheepshead to hard-fighting sharks, so you're always fishing with confidence. The boat's set up for comfort and fishing efficiency, with plenty of room to fight fish and move around safely.
Inshore fishing around Savannah is all about reading structure and working the tides right. Captain Dave employs a mix of techniques depending on what's happening that day. For black drum, you'll often find yourself anchored up over oyster bars and structure, using cut bait on circle hooks and waiting for that distinctive tap-tap-pull of a drum picking up your offering. When targeting sharks, it's all about putting the right bait in the right current - fresh cut fish on wire leaders, letting the scent trail do the work. Redfish calls for a more aggressive approach, sometimes sight casting to tailing fish in skinny water or working topwater plugs around grass lines at first light. Sheepshead fishing is pure finesse - small hooks, fresh shrimp, and the patience to feel those subtle bites around structure. Captain Dave switches up presentations based on what the fish are telling him, and he's always ready to teach you the nuances that separate good days from great ones.
Black drum are the bulldogs of Savannah's inshore waters, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can push 30-40 pounds or more, and they use every ounce of that weight to test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime time for the big drums, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. They love oyster bars, creek mouths, and anywhere they can root around for crabs and shellfish. The fight is all about endurance - they don't jump, but they pull like freight trains and make multiple powerful runs that'll have your arms burning.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish in these waters, but that's exactly why anglers love them. These black-and-white striped beauties have human-like teeth and a bite so subtle you'll swear they're just picking the bait clean. They hang around structure like dock pilings, oyster beds, and bridge supports, especially during their spring spawning run. A good sheepshead will go 3-5 pounds, and the bigger ones are legitimate bragging-rights fish. Captain Dave knows how to rig for them and where they're holding, plus he'll teach you to recognize that barely-there bite that separates the sheepshead pros from the frustrated beginners.
Redfish are the poster child of inshore fishing, and Savannah's grass flats and creek systems are absolutely loaded with them. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive feeders that'll smash everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Slot-size reds typically run 18-27 inches and provide textbook fights with strong runs and head-shaking jumps. The real excitement comes when you find them in shallow water - watching a red's wake as it charges your bait in two feet of water gets your heart pumping every time. Fall brings some of the best redfish action as they feed heavily before winter.
Bonnethead sharks are like the appetizer course for shark fishing - smaller and more manageable than their bigger cousins, but still providing that shark experience that gets everyone excited. These guys typically run 2-4 feet long and are actually pretty docile, making them perfect for families or anyone who wants to catch their first shark. They're common in Savannah's waters during the warmer months and often show up in shallow grass flats where you'd least expect them. Captain Dave handles all the wire leaders and proper techniques for safe catch and release.
Blacktip sharks bring the real excitement to your charter. These athletic predators can reach 5-6 feet and are famous for their spectacular jumping displays when hooked. Summer months are prime time for blacktips around Savannah, and they'll often cruise just outside the surf line or in deeper creek channels. When a blacktip takes your bait, get ready for a show - they'll make blazing runs, jump repeatedly, and test every knot in your rig. Captain Dave knows how to handle sharks safely for photos and quick release, so you get the full experience without any worries.
This weekend charter with Captain Dave offers everything you want in a top-rated inshore fishing experience. You get a seasoned local guide who knows these waters inside and out, quality gear that's ready for anything that bites, and access to some of the best inshore fishing grounds on the East Coast. Whether you're after the
Captain Dave's motorboat is built for serious inshore fishing around Savannah's rivers and coastal waters. This well-equipped vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day targeting black drum, sharks, redfish, and other local species. The onboard fish finder helps locate the best spots while GPS navigation ensures you hit all the prime fishing grounds along Savannah's creeks and marshes. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long stretches between bites. Whether you're after hard-fighting black drum in the shallows or hoping to hook into a blacktip shark, this boat gets you to the fish with room to move around and fight them properly. Captain Dave knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time wondering where to fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Savannah's waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers get their name from the drumming sounds they make during spring spawning season - that's prime time to target them when they school up in shallow oyster beds and muddy flats. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing crabs and shellfish, making fresh blue crab your best bet for bait. What makes them special is their raw power - once hooked, they'll test your drag and stamina. Keep fish under 15 pounds for eating since the bigger ones get tough. Pro tip: fish the incoming tide around oyster bars, and keep your bait right on the bottom where they feed.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks bring the excitement factor with their signature aerial shows - these guys can launch 20 feet out of the water when hooked. Running 4-6 feet on average, they're built for speed and acrobatics in our coastal waters. You'll encounter them around structure like jetties and artificial reefs where they hunt for mackerel and sardines. Summer and early fall are prime time when baitfish are thick. What makes them popular is that explosive fight - they're aggressive feeders but surprisingly timid, often circling your boat before committing to the bait. The jumping display alone makes for great photos and memories. Best approach: use oily baits like mackerel or sardines, heavy tackle rated for 30+ pounds, and keep a chum line going to draw them in from deeper water.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are the friendly faces of the shark family with their distinctive shovel-shaped heads. These smaller hammerheads typically run 2-4 feet and travel in schools of 10-15 fish, making them perfect for introducing kids to shark fishing. You'll find them in shallow bays and estuaries during warmer months, often right off the beach in just a few feet of water. They're completely harmless but still give that authentic shark experience with their quick runs and head shakes. What guests enjoy is the novelty factor - catching an actual shark without the intimidation of larger species. They feed heavily on crabs and small fish. Best tip: use fresh blue crab cut in half and fish it on the bottom with a circle hook. The action heats up during summer when they move north from Florida.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Savannah's signature inshore species, sporting that classic copper color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches and put up a serious scrap in the shallows. You'll spot them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths - sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Fall and spring offer peak action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. They're also great table fare with mild, flaky meat. These fish aren't picky eaters, hitting everything from live shrimp to gold spoons. Local trick: look for nervous water and birds diving - that usually means redfish are pushing baitfish to the surface.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the clever thieves of our local docks and bridge pilings. These black-and-white striped fish earn their "convict" nickname honestly - they'll steal your bait faster than you can blink. Running 1-8 pounds typically, they're built for precision feeding on barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. You'll find them tight to structure year-round, but spring brings the best action when they spawn around jetties and channel markers. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait pickers that require patience and quick reflexes. The reward? Some of the sweetest white meat you'll taste. My secret: use fiddler crabs and get your bait as close to the pilings as possible, then set the hook hard when you feel that telltale nibble.
Homer