Fishing Adventures in Richmond Hill, GA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish, sea trout, and sheepsheadExpert guides provide tips and techniques at Kilkenny MarinaSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per trip
Richmond Hill's inshore waters offer some of Georgia's best fishing action, and our trips from Kilkenny Marina put you right in the heart of it. You'll be fishing the productive grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where game fish love to hunt. This is real inshore fishing - working shallow water structure where every cast could connect you with a hard-fighting redfish or a acrobatic sea trout. Our experienced guides know these waters like their backyard and will put you on fish while sharing the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
We launch from Kilkenny Marina and head out into the maze of tidal creeks and marsh grass that defines Georgia's coast. The boat stays in shallow water most of the day, typically 2-8 feet deep, letting you sight-fish and really see the action happen. You'll be casting to visible structure - downed trees, oyster bars, dock pilings - and working the drop-offs where the creek channels meet the flats. The fishing style is active and engaging, with plenty of moving around to find where fish are feeding. Our guides read the tides, watch for bird activity, and position the boat so you get clean shots at feeding fish. It's technical fishing that rewards accuracy and patience, but when it all comes together, you'll understand why inshore fishing has such a devoted following.
We fish with medium-action spinning gear that handles everything from finicky sheepshead to bulldogging redfish. Live shrimp under popping corks works great for sea trout over grass beds, while cut bait fished near structure produces sheepshead and triggerfish. For the more aggressive species like Spanish mackerel and barracuda, we'll throw small spoons and soft plastics that trigger reaction strikes. The guides carry an arsenal of tackle and know when to switch techniques based on tide, weather, and what fish are doing. You'll learn to read water color, understand how tide affects fish behavior, and pick up the subtle differences in presentation that turn follows into hookups. Everything's provided, but if you have favorite lures or rods, feel free to bring them along.
Spanish Mackerel show up in big numbers during summer and fall, usually found around bait schools in 10-20 feet of water. These speed demons hit fast-moving lures and put up a spectacular fight with long runs and aerial jumps. They're perfect for light tackle and make excellent table fare when handled properly. Look for them early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding on the surface.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of inshore fishing - they have human-like teeth for crushing shellfish and a reputation for stealing bait. Found around any hard structure like dock pilings, jetties, and oyster bars, they require patience and a gentle touch to hook properly. These black-and-white striped fighters are considered some of the best eating fish in coastal waters, making them a prized catch despite their finicky nature.
Grey Triggerfish bring serious attitude to the fight, using their deep bodies and strong fins to bulldoze toward structure when hooked. They hang around hard bottom and artificial reefs, feeding on crabs and small fish. Their tough mouths require sharp hooks and solid hooksets, but once connected, they provide non-stop action. Triggerfish are excellent table fare and a favorite target for anglers who appreciate a fish with personality.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, found over grass flats and sandy bottoms throughout the year. They hit topwater plugs early and late in the day, creating explosive surface strikes that get your heart pumping. These spotted beauties are perfect for beginners to learn on but challenging enough to keep experts interested. Peak action happens during spring and fall when schools move through the area feeding heavily.
Redfish are the kings of the flats, bronze-colored bruisers that can be sight-fished in water so shallow their backs show above the surface. They cruise oyster bars and creek mouths looking for crabs and baitfish, often in small schools that provide multiple hookup opportunities. A big red will test your tackle and your patience with powerful runs toward structure. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they move shallow to feed.
Great Barracuda are the wildcards of the trip - these silver torpedoes can show up anywhere and turn a routine cast into an adrenaline rush. They're ambush predators that hit lures with explosive strikes and immediate runs that can empty your reel in seconds. Found around structure and bait schools, they provide some of the most exciting action in inshore waters. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, but the payoff is worth the extra rigging time.
Richmond Hill's inshore fishing delivers consistent action in a beautiful setting that showcases the best of Georgia's coast. Our small boat capacity means personalized attention from experienced guides who are passionate about putting you on fish and sharing their knowledge of these productive waters. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or a seasoned angler looking to explore new water, this trip offers the perfect combination of technique, scenery, and fish-catching opportunity. The diversity of species keeps things interesting all day long, and you'll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for inshore fishing. Ready to experience what makes Richmond Hill a top destination for serious anglers? Book your trip now and get ready for some of the best fishing Georgia's coast has to offer.
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Richmond Hill from our versatile fleet of motorboats! Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallow marsh creeks or chasing sea trout along the deeper channels, we've got the right vessel for your adventure. Our 20-foot Carolina skiffs are perfect for sneaking into those skinny water spots where the big reds like to hide, while our larger twin-engine boats can handle whatever the Georgia coast throws at you. Each boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - fish finder to locate those productive bottom structures, GPS to mark your hot spots, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With radar onboard, even foggy mornings won't stop us from getting to where the fish are biting. From the backcountry creeks to the nearshore reefs, these boats will put you right where you need to be to hook up with Richmond Hill's finest gamefish.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese silver missiles can stretch 3-6 feet and hit 35 mph in short bursts. You'll find them near the surface around reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs, usually hunting alone except during spawning season. Spring through fall offers consistent action in our waters. What makes them exciting? Pure aggression and aerial displays when hooked, though they tire quickly. Most folks catch and release since larger ones can carry toxins. The thrill is the initial strike and fight. My advice: use wire leaders - those razor teeth will cut through mono instantly. Cast shiny spoons or tube lures near structure and retrieve fast. They hunt by sight, so bright, flashy presentations trigger strikes.
Balistes CapriscusThese tough, leather-skinned fighters average 12-17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. Look for them around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 20-180 feet of water. Summer and fall bring the best fishing when they're most active. Guests enjoy their scrappy fight and curious nature - they'll investigate almost anything you drop down. The white meat's tasty but those scales are tough to clean. Pro tip: use chunk squid on a heavy sinker since they live near bottom. When other fish are hitting your bait, drop it near them - triggerfish are competitive and will charge in to steal the meal. Reel fast once you feel a bite.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spots are what inshore fishing is all about. They average 20-30 inches in our shallow waters, preferring 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Year-round fishing with spring and fall being peak times. What draws folks in? Pure power - they'll drag you into structure and test your drag system. Plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill is sight fishing when their backs show in skinny water. Local secret: look for mullet getting nervous in the shallows. Redfish push bait around and create visible disturbances. Cast spoons or live shrimp ahead of the commotion.
Salmo TruttaThese spotted beauties average 14-24 inches and love our shallow grass flats and oyster bars. Spring through fall offers prime action, especially on moving tides around dawn and dusk. What makes them fun? They jump and shake like crazy when hooked, plus the meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it. Look for them in 2-6 feet of water around structure. Winter pushes them to deeper channels where they school up. Here's what works: fish topwater plugs early morning or try live shrimp under a popping cork. During cold fronts, slow down and work soft plastics along drop-offs where they retreat to warmer, deeper water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThose black and white "prison stripes" make sheepshead easy to spot, but catching them takes patience. They run 1-8 pounds typically, with occasional 20-pounders around docks, bridges, and oyster bars. Winter through early spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What guests love? The challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can strip your hook clean. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to tip: use fiddler crabs on a small circle hook and get as close to structure as possible. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait and laugh about it otherwise.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver speedsters average 14-20 inches and pack serious fight for their size. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structure - jetties, reefs, and grass flats are prime spots. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special? They hit fast and jump like crazy once hooked. Light tackle works best since they're line-shy. The meat's excellent - mild and flaky, perfect for grilling. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds, get there quick. Spanish mackerel follow baitfish to the surface and create feeding frenzies. Cast small spoons or jigs right into the commotion and hold on.
Midway, GA