Inshore Redfish and Black Drum Guided Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting Redfish and Black DrumOneonone guided experience suitable for all skill levelsAll rods, reels, and tackle provided by Captain
Looking for a personalized fishing experience that puts you right in the heart of Savannah's legendary salt marsh action? This four-hour inshore charter is built for anglers who want quality time on the water with undivided attention from an experienced captain. You'll work the productive estuaries and tidal creeks where Georgia's premier inshore species love to feed, using proven techniques that adapt to whatever Mother Nature throws our way. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or a seasoned angler wanting to learn local secrets, this one-on-one trip delivers the kind of focused guidance that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge shows from the moment you push off. Savannah's intricate maze of tidal creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats creates perfect habitat for redfish and black drum, but knowing exactly where to find them takes years of experience. You'll move between different spots throughout the trip, reading the water and adjusting tactics based on tide, wind, and fish activity. The beauty of a private charter means there's no rush – if the fish are biting in one area, you'll stay put. If they're not cooperating, you'll quickly relocate to more productive water. The captain provides all rods, reels, and tackle, so you can focus entirely on learning the techniques and enjoying the fishing. Just remember that live bait isn't included in the base rate, though your guide will let you know what's working best and where to get it.
This isn't a one-trick-pony trip – you'll learn multiple approaches that consistently produce fish in Savannah's inshore waters. Bottom fishing around structure is a go-to method, especially when targeting black drum near oyster beds and dock pilings. Your captain will show you how to read the bottom, position your bait perfectly, and detect those subtle bites that beginners often miss. Float rigs become essential when fish are suspended or feeding in shallow water over grass beds. The technique looks simple but requires understanding current, depth, and bait presentation to be effective. Drifting allows you to cover water efficiently while presenting baits naturally with the tide. You'll learn to read bird activity, water color changes, and surface disturbances that signal feeding fish. Each technique has its place depending on conditions, and your guide will explain not just how to do it, but when and why each method works best.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Savannah inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters never disappoint. These fish typically run 18-27 inches in local waters, with occasional bulls pushing over 30 inches that'll test your drag and your arms. Redfish are most active during moving tides, especially around oyster bars and creek mouths where baitfish get swept along. They're aggressive feeders that hit cut bait, live shrimp, and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special is their fighting ability – they make long, powerful runs and use their broad tails to bulldoze toward structure. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, though summer early mornings and late evenings can be phenomenal.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute brutes that provide some of the best fights you'll find inshore. These bottom-huggers range from smaller 2-4 pound fish up to true giants exceeding 20 pounds. They love hanging around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and creek bends where they crush crabs and worms. Black drum are notorious for their subtle bite – you'll often think you're hung on bottom until that "bottom" starts moving. They're incredibly strong for their size and use their broad profile to leverage against current. Winter months often produce the biggest drum, though they're catchable year-round when you know where to look.
Southern flounder add an element of finesse to the mix, requiring lighter tackle and precise presentation. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting to attack unsuspecting baitfish. They're most active during cooler months and around moving tides, particularly in deeper creek channels and near structure transitions. Flounder require patience and technique – they often mouth baits before committing, so learning to detect and properly set the hook is crucial. They're excellent table fare and provide a different challenge from the power fishing typically associated with redfish and drum.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of Savannah inshore fishing. These spotted beauties are incredibly abundant and willing to bite, making them perfect for building confidence while learning new techniques. They typically run 12-16 inches with occasional "gator" trout exceeding 20 inches. Specks love grass flats and creek mouths, especially during moving tides when baitfish are active. They're aggressive toward both live and artificial baits, making them ideal for experimenting with different presentations. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though summer early mornings can produce impressive catches before the heat sets in.
This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to learn from a captain who lives and breathes these waters every day. The one-on-one format means every minute is focused on making you a better angler while putting fish in the boat. You'll leave with new techniques, local knowledge, and the confidence to fish Savannah's inshore waters on your own. The four-hour timeframe hits the sweet spot between getting solid fishing time and keeping the experience focused and productive. Inshore Addictz Charters has built their reputation on delivering quality fishing experiences, and this trip represents their commitment to personalized service. Don't wait for the perfect conditions – the best time to learn is right now, and these fish bite year-round when you know how to find them.
Your ride for this redfish and black drum adventure is the 2022 Xpress H22 Bay, a 22-foot fishing machine designed specifically for working Savannah's salt marshes and estuaries. This boat handles the shallow flats and winding creeks like a dream, powered by a reliable 175 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish quickly and quietly when needed. The wide, stable platform gives you plenty of room to work your lines whether you're bottom fishing around oyster bars or drifting the deeper channels. GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder helps locate those suspended drum and cruising reds. The shallow draft design means you can slip into those back-country areas where the big fish like to feed without worrying about running aground. Built tough for serious fishing, this Xpress handles Savannah's tidal waters with confidence. The 35 mph cruise speed means more time with your line wet and less time running between spots. Perfect for exploring everything from the Ogeechee River system to the coastal creeks where these inshore species love to hunt.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our marshes - these bruisers commonly run 10-20 pounds, with some monsters pushing 40+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws that crush oysters and crabs like nothing. You'll find them around oyster beds, creek bends, and deeper holes in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is hands down the best time when they school up for spawning - that's when we get those multiple hookups. What guests love most is the raw power these fish have. No flashy jumps, just bulldogging runs that'll test your drag and make your arms burn. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. Here's my local secret: fresh blue crab is king for bait, but crush the shell slightly so the scent gets out. Fish it right on bottom near oyster bars during moving water, especially the last hour of outgoing tide when crabs get swept off the rocks.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our inshore waters, with that distinctive copper-bronze color and signature black spot near the tail. Most run 18-27 inches, but we regularly see 30+ inch bulls that'll peel drag like you wouldn't believe. They love super shallow water - sometimes their backs are showing as they cruise oyster bars, marsh edges, and grass flats. Fall is prime time when they school up and feed aggressively before winter. What makes them special is you can sight-fish them in skinny water, watching their tails wave as they root around for crabs and shrimp. They fight harder than fish twice their size and make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. My local trick is to look for nervous baitfish dimpling the surface - reds are usually underneath. When you spot one tailing, cast your bait 3 feet ahead of where they're moving and let it sink to bottom. Fresh shrimp or cut mullet works great, but don't move it - let them find it.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, typically running 12-18 inches with occasional 3-4 pounders that really bend the rod. They prefer grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-8 feet of water, especially around creek mouths and drop-offs. These fish have beautiful gold and black spots along their sides and are active year-round, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What makes them fun is they'll hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk, creating explosive strikes that never get old. They're also excellent eating with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key around here is working the grass edges during moving water. I like throwing soft plastics under a popping cork, but here's the trick - let it sit motionless for 10-15 seconds after each pop. Trout often follow the bait and strike when it stops moving. Use 15-pound leader since their teeth can cut lighter line.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise - they'll bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms with just their eyes showing, waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches around here, but we catch some pushing 25+ inches that really put up a fight. They love shallow flats, creek mouths, and oyster bars where the current brings food. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What makes them special is that unique flat body with both eyes on one side - always gets first-timers excited. The meat is excellent eating too, sweet and flaky. My go-to tip: fish the last two hours of incoming tide around structure. Use a Carolina rig with live finger mullet or mud minnows, and let it sit still on bottom. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to grab bait sideways first.
Darien, GA