5.0(1 Reviews)Inshore Shark Fishing at St. Simons Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore charter targeting blacktip and bonnethead sharksFamily-friendly trip includes all gear and professional instructionCaptain Drew Jones guides anglers through prime St. Simons waters
Ready to introduce your family to some serious shark action? This four-hour inshore fishing charter with Unreel Charters GA puts you right in the sweet spot where blacktip and bonnethead sharks cruise the waters around St. Simons Island. Captain Drew Jones knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting both first-timers and seasoned anglers on fish. Whether you're teaching the kids how to hold a rod or looking to add some Georgia sharks to your logbook, this trip delivers the perfect mix of education, excitement, and quality time on the water. With all gear included and instruction tailored to your crew's experience level, you'll be focused on what matters most – hooking up with some of the most exciting inshore predators Georgia has to offer.
This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip – we're targeting sharks that patrol the inshore waters around St. Simons Island, and that means you're in for some real rod-bending action. Captain Drew runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed and fun, perfect for families who want their kids to fall in love with fishing. The boat stays in protected inshore waters, so you won't deal with rough seas or long runs to the fishing grounds. Instead, you'll work the flats, channels, and structure where these sharks hunt for baitfish and crabs. The four-hour window gives everyone plenty of time to get comfortable with the gear, learn proper shark handling techniques, and hopefully land a few fish for photos. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and snacks – all rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, along with instruction that'll have even complete beginners feeling confident by the end of the trip.
Inshore shark fishing is all about reading the water and putting your bait where the fish are feeding. Captain Drew uses a combination of live and cut bait, depending on what's working best that day. You'll learn how to properly rig circle hooks for shark fishing – these hooks are designed to catch in the corner of the shark's mouth, making for safer releases and better hooksets. The technique involves letting the shark take the bait and swim with it before setting the hook, which is completely different from most other types of fishing. We use medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle the fight but won't tire out younger anglers too quickly. Bonnetheads and blacktips are active fighters, so expect some drag-screaming runs and plenty of head shaking. The captain will teach you proper shark handling techniques, including how to safely bring them alongside the boat for photos and quick releases. Most of the fishing happens in water 8-15 feet deep, targeting areas where tidal flow concentrates baitfish and attracts hunting sharks.
"We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Captain Drew Jones from Unreel Charters GA. It felt like hanging out with a buddy fishing. His knowledge was incredible. His expertise was first class. We will definitely call him up anytime we are in town." - Betty
Blacktip sharks are the poster child for inshore shark fishing around St. Simons Island, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 2-4 feet long and are famous for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. You'll know you've got a blacktip on the line when it starts cartwheeling out of the water – it's one of the most exciting sights in fishing. They're most active during moving tides and prefer water temperatures above 70 degrees, making late spring through early fall prime time. Blacktips feed aggressively on small fish, shrimp, and crabs, which means they're not shy about hitting well-presented baits. What makes them perfect for family trips is their manageable size and spectacular fighting style that gets everyone on the boat excited.
Bonnethead sharks might be smaller members of the hammerhead family, but they pack plenty of personality into their 2-3 foot frames. These unique-looking sharks are year-round residents in Georgia's inshore waters and are actually more active during daylight hours than many other shark species. Their distinctive shovel-shaped heads make them easy to identify, and they're surprisingly strong fighters for their size. Bonnetheads are curious fish that often travel in small groups, so catching one usually means there are more around. They have a varied diet that includes crabs, shrimp, and small fish, making them reliable targets throughout the fishing season. Kids love the weird head shape and the fact that these sharks are completely harmless to humans.
Smooth hammerhead sharks represent the trophy potential of this fishery, though encounters are less predictable than with the other target species. When you do hook into one of these magnificent predators, you're looking at a fish that can stretch 6-8 feet and put up a world-class fight. Smooth hammerheads are more common during warmer months and often show up when you're targeting other species – they're opportunistic feeders that patrol the same areas where blacktips and bonnetheads hunt. The distinctive hammer-shaped head serves multiple purposes, including enhanced sensory capabilities that make them incredibly efficient predators. Landing a smooth hammerhead is considered a real achievement in inshore fishing circles, and the photos alone make the trip memorable for years to come.
This family-friendly shark fishing adventure offers everything you need for a top-rated day on the water around St. Simons Island. Captain Drew's expertise, combined with some of the best inshore shark fishing on the Georgia coast, creates the perfect recipe for introducing kids to fishing or adding new species to your catch list. The four-hour format keeps things exciting without wearing anyone out, and the all-inclusive approach means you can focus on fishing instead of gear. With only four anglers per trip, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of opportunities to get on
Captain Drew's 2006 Carolina Skiff is built for serious shark hunting in St. Simons Island's inshore waters. This 19-footer features a center console design that gives you easy casting room and quick access to all sides when those blacktip and bonnethead sharks start hitting your lines. The reliable 70HP Suzuki pushes you efficiently to the prime fishing spots without burning through fuel. With an onboard fish finder, you'll locate the fish before dropping your hooks. The boat comfortably handles up to 2 guests, making it perfect for focused fishing with plenty of elbow room. Whether you're teaching kids their first shark techniques or targeting Georgia's coastal predators, this skiff gets you on the fish quickly and keeps you there comfortably for the full charter.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for those spectacular jumps when hooked. These streamlined fighters average 4-5 feet but can hit 8+ feet, with those signature black-tipped fins making them easy to identify. They patrol our inshore waters year-round, preferring 15-60 feet over sandy bottoms and near structure where baitfish congregate. What guests love most is their aggressive nature - they'll hit baits hard and put on an aerial show that gets everyone's attention. They're social feeders, so where you find one, there's usually more around. Best action is during moving tides when they're actively hunting. These sharks respond well to chum lines and oily baits. My local secret: fresh mackerel chunks work great, but if you really want to fire them up, use live sardines on a 30lb leader with circle hooks.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead in our waters, bonnetheads are perfect for families and kids getting into shark fishing. They average 3-4 feet and have that unique shovel-shaped head that sets them apart. These shy, harmless sharks love our shallow bays, estuaries, and grass flats where they hunt crabs and small fish. You'll find them in 3-15 feet of water, often in schools during summer months before they head south for winter. What's great about targeting bonnetheads is they're scrappy fighters that won't overwhelm younger anglers, but still give that authentic shark experience. They're curious and will investigate baits quickly. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're most active in our area. Pro tip: cut blue crab in half and hook it through a leg - the scent drives them crazy and they can't resist that natural presentation.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe second-largest hammerhead around, these beauties average 8-10 feet and pack serious power. That distinctive curved, smooth-edged head makes them easy to spot when they cruise our inshore waters during summer months. Unlike their deeper-water cousins, smooth hammerheads prefer staying in 20-60 feet of water around St. Simons, especially near structure and drop-offs. They're active predators feeding on rays, smaller sharks, and bony fish. What makes them special is that fight - they'll use that big head like a rudder, making long powerful runs that test your gear. Best fishing is May through September when water temps hit their sweet spot. My go-to trick: use a fresh stingray wing on a circle hook with at least 50lb leader. These sharks have serious teeth and that electroreception means they'll find your bait fast.
5.0 out of 5.0We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Captain Drew Jones from Unreel Charters GA. It felt like hanging out with a buddy fishing. His ...
St Simons Island