Savannah Inshore Fishing: Hook Sharks & More
Ready to get your line wet in some of Savannah's hottest inshore waters? This 4-hour guided fishing trip puts you right in the action targeting everything from hard-fighting sharks to lightning-fast Spanish mackerel. Captain at Reel Busy Shark Charters knows exactly where these fish are holding, and he's not keeping any secrets. You'll be working productive flats, channel edges, and structure where the big boys like to hang out. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, slap on that sunscreen, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action that'll have you talking about this trip for months.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical lazy day of fishing - we're talking fast-paced action from the moment you leave the dock. Your captain will have you on fish within the first hour, targeting multiple species as conditions and tides dictate. The beauty of Savannah's inshore waters is the variety - one minute you're battling a blacktip shark that's jumping clean out of the water, the next you're doubling up on Spanish mackerel that hit like freight trains. With only 2 anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to learn new techniques. The boat stays within the inshore zone, so you're never too far from land, but don't let that fool you - these waters hold some serious fish that'll test your skills and your drag system.
Gear Setup & Techniques
Your captain provides all the high-quality rods, reels, and tackle you'll need for this mixed-bag fishing adventure. We're talking medium to heavy spinning setups that can handle everything from 15-pound Spanish mackerel to 40-pound cobia. Live bait is the name of the game here - fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and menhaden that these inshore species can't resist. You'll learn proper drift fishing techniques over grass flats, how to work structure for cobia, and the art of shark fishing with cut bait. Wire leaders are a must when targeting toothy critters like king mackerel and sharks. The captain will show you how to read the water, watch for bait schools, and position your bait where hungry predators are cruising. Circle hooks keep fish mortality low, so you can practice catch and release on species you're not keeping for dinner.
Top Catches This Season
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of Savannah inshore fishing, and these silver bullets provide non-stop action from spring through fall. They typically run 1-3 pounds but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. These fish school up tight and when you find them, it's game on - often hooking doubles and triples. They hit small spoons, jigs, and live shrimp with reckless abandon. Spanish mackerel are also excellent table fare when bled and iced immediately.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as locals call them, are the big brothers in the mackerel family and absolute tackles busters. These fish range from 10-30 pounds in Savannah waters and are known for their blistering runs that'll empty your spool in seconds. Kings are structure-oriented, hanging around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges where baitfish congregate. Summer months offer the best king fishing, and there's nothing quite like the feeling of a big smoker king peeling drag on a long run.
Sea Trout are year-round residents that love grass flats and oyster bars throughout the Savannah area. These beautiful spotted fish typically run 14-20 inches and are prized for their delicate white meat. Trout are most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk. They're sight feeders, so clear water conditions really help your chances. A well-placed live shrimp or soft plastic jig around structure is usually all it takes to connect with these popular inshore targets.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Savannah inshore fishing, with their copper-colored bodies and distinctive black spots. These bruisers range from slot-sized 18-27 inchers to massive bull reds over 40 inches. Reds are ambush predators that cruise shallow flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths looking for crabs and baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their broad tails and bulldogging ability to test your tackle. Fall months bring the best red fishing as schools gather for their spawning runs.
Blacktip Sharks are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. These athletic sharks typically run 20-50 pounds in local waters and are incredibly acrobatic fighters. Blacktips are most active during warmer months and can be found cruising flats, channel edges, and around bait schools. They respond well to cut bait and live offerings, and their initial runs are absolutely electric. Watching a blacktip shark cartwheel through the air is a sight that never gets old.
Cobia are the ultimate inshore prize fish, often called "brown sharks" by novice anglers due to their size and coloration. These powerful fish can exceed 40 pounds and are known for their curious nature - often following rays and sharks where they feed on disturbed crabs and baitfish. Cobia are sight-fishing opportunities when conditions are right, but they also respond to live bait and large jigs. Their broad heads and shark-like appearance make them an impressive catch, and their white, flaky meat rivals any offshore fish for table quality.
Time to Book Your Spot
This top-rated Savannah fishing charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for - variety, action, and the chance to target multiple trophy species in one trip. With personalized service for just 2 anglers and a captain who lives and breath