Savannah Flats Fishing at its Finest
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Sight fishing for redfish and speckled trout on pristine flatsChoose between 4-hour or 7-hour charter options availableSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per trip
Picture this: you're standing on the bow of a shallow-draft skiff at sunrise, casting into gin-clear water while a tailing redfish works the flat just 30 yards away. That's what flats fishing in Savannah is all about, and it's exactly what you'll get with Savannah Sight Fishing. We've been guiding anglers through Georgia's Coastal Empire for years, and trust me – these waters hold some of the best sight fishing opportunities on the entire Southeast coast. Whether you choose our popular 4-hour trip or go all-in with the extended 7-hour adventure, you'll be targeting trophy redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and summer flounder in some of the most productive flats you'll find anywhere.
When you step aboard our skiff, you're getting access to prime flats that most anglers only dream about. We launch early to beat the crowds and position ourselves where the fish are feeding. The 4-hour trip gives you a solid taste of Savannah's flats fishing – we'll hit 2-3 productive spots, work the oyster bars where baitfish stack up, and give you plenty of shots at quality fish. But here's where it gets interesting: that 7-hour extended trip opens up a whole different world. We can run further into the backcountry, hit remote flats that see zero pressure, and really dial in on whatever species are most active that day. The extra time means more water covered, more techniques tried, and honestly, more fish in the boat. You'll be fishing with just one other angler max, so there's no fighting for casting room or waiting your turn. This is intimate, focused fishing at its best.
Flats fishing is all about stealth and precision – two things our shallow-water skiffs excel at. We're talking about a boat that can float in 8 inches of water, letting us get into skinny areas where bigger boats can't follow. The technique here is pure sight fishing: I'll pole the boat silently across the flats while you scan for fish. Redfish will show themselves with their backs or tails out of the water, while trout tend to cruise just under the surface. When we spot a fish, it's all about the approach – wind direction, sun angle, and casting accuracy all matter. We use light tackle and artificial lures primarily, though live bait has its place depending on conditions. Spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs are the bread and butter here. The water clarity in Savannah's flats system is phenomenal most days, giving us visibility down to 3-4 feet easily. That means you can watch the entire eat happen – seeing a 28-inch red turn on your spoon and crush it never gets old.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Savannah flats fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds that'll stretch your drag and test your knots. Spring through fall is prime time, but honestly, we catch quality reds year-round here. They're ambush predators that love to work shallow water for crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for sight fishing. What makes them special is their fight – a good red will make multiple runs and use every oyster bar in the area to try and break you off. Plus, they're just gorgeous fish with those distinctive copper sides and black spots.
Speckled trout are the other bread-and-butter species that keeps anglers coming back. These guys are more finicky than reds but absolutely deadly on light tackle. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they love grass flats and drop-offs near structure. Specks are aggressive feeders when conditions are right – overcast days with moving water are money time. They hit topwater baits with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing, and a 3-4 pound speck on 8-pound test is about as fun as fishing gets. They're also excellent table fare if you're looking to take a few home for dinner.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the flats, but they're absolute tanks when it comes to fighting power. These guys show up in good numbers during cooler months, often tailing in shallow water just like redfish. They're primarily bottom feeders, so we'll often target them with crab patterns or jigs worked slow along the bottom. Don't let their looks fool you – a 15-pound drum will give you a workout that you won't forget. They use their broad shoulders and stubborn nature to bulldoze toward any structure they can find.
Summer flounder round out our target species and provide some of the most technical fishing we offer. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush tactics, lying buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Peak season is obviously summer into early fall, and they love channel edges, points, and areas with good current flow. Flounder fishing requires patience and proper presentation – you need to get your bait down to their level and keep it there. But when a quality fluke crushes your offering, the fight is pure gold. They're also fantastic eating, making them a favorite target for anglers looking to fill the cooler.
Look, I could talk about Savannah's flats all day, but the real magic happens when you're out there casting to fish you can actually see. This isn't deep-water fishing where you're hoping something's down there – this is visual, interactive angling at its finest. The combination of our intimate boat capacity, top-rated guide service, and access to world-class flats makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add flats fishing to your skillset or someone who's been dreaming about that perfect redfish photo,
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our flats, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 90. These dark, powerful fish love hanging around oyster beds and shallow muddy areas where they crush crabs and shellfish with those strong jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in the shallows, making them much easier to target. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. They're bulldogs when hooked, using that bulk to test your tackle. Best eating comes from fish under 15 pounds; the big ones get tough. My tip: use fresh blue crab on the bottom near oyster bars. The crabs won't get stolen by catfish like shrimp will, and drum can't resist them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches in our waters, with that signature black spot near the tail fooling predators for thousands of years. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek edges in water so shallow their backs show. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but they bite year-round here. What makes them special is the sight fishing - watching a red's back cutting through skinny water gets your heart pumping every time. They're bulldogs when hooked, making long runs and testing your drag. Great table fare too, with sweet white meat. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. Spook them once and they're gone.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our flats fishing here in Savannah. Most run 14-24 inches with those beautiful black spots scattered across silver sides. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around creek mouths and oyster bars. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they'll bite year-round if you find their winter hideouts in deeper channels. What draws folks back is their willingness to hit topwater lures - there's nothing like watching one explode on a walking bait at sunrise. The meat is white and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. These fish have soft mouths though, so don't horse them. My trick: work topwater early and late, then switch to soft plastics under popping corks when the sun gets up.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can surprise you with specimens pushing 26 pounds. They lie buried in sand with just their eyes showing, perfectly camouflaged until some baitfish swims by. Fall months from September through November are best when they're actively feeding before moving offshore. What makes them special is that ambush strike - one second your bait's sitting there, next second you're fighting a strong, determined fish. The meat is sweet and flaky, some of the best table fare around. They bite sideways due to their odd jaw structure, so give them time to turn the bait. Target sandy areas near structure and use live minnows or sea worms on circle hooks.
Homer