5.0(1 Reviews)Inshore Shark Fishing at St. Simons Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting blacktip and bonnethead sharksFamilyfriendly trip with all gear and instruction providedCaptain Drew Jones guides anglers of all experience levels
If you're looking to get your kids hooked on fishing or want to experience some of the best inshore shark action in Georgia, Captain Drew Jones and Unreel Charters GA has you covered. This four-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of St. Simons Island's prime fishing waters, where blacktip sharks, bonnethead sharks, and smooth hammerheads cruise the shallows looking for their next meal. It's the perfect setup for families who want to see some real bend-the-rod action without heading miles offshore.
Captain Drew keeps things relaxed and fun, making this charter feel like a day out with your most knowledgeable fishing buddy. You'll launch from St. Simons Island and head to his proven inshore spots where sharks patrol the flats and channel edges. The boat holds up to four anglers comfortably, so it's ideal for families or small groups who want personalized attention. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes included, plus Drew provides hands-on instruction that works whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your shark fishing skills. The scenic Georgia coast serves as your backdrop while you focus on putting fish in the boat.
Inshore shark fishing around St. Simons requires the right approach, and Captain Drew has it dialed in. You'll be using medium-heavy spinning gear loaded with circle hooks and wire leaders – essential when you're dealing with sharks that can slice through regular mono in seconds. The technique involves anchoring or drifting over sandy flats and grass beds where sharks actively feed. Fresh cut bait like mullet, menhaden, and blue runners work best, and Drew knows exactly where to source the freshest stuff. You'll learn proper bait presentation, how to read the water for shark signs, and the right way to fight these powerful fish without wearing yourself out. Circle hooks make catch-and-release safer for the sharks while increasing your hookup ratio.
"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 crown jewel of inshore fishing around St. Simons Island, and for good reason. These aggressive feeders typically run 20-40 pounds and put on an amazing show when hooked, often jumping clear out of the water multiple times. They're most active during moving tides in spring through fall, preferring the warmer months when baitfish stack up in the shallows. What makes blacktips so exciting is their speed and acrobatics – they'll make blistering runs and aerial displays that get everyone on the boat cheering. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within legal limits.
Bonnethead sharks might be the smaller cousins of the hammerhead family, but they pack plenty of fight for their size. Usually weighing 5-15 pounds, bonnetheads are perfect for getting kids comfortable with shark fishing since they're manageable but still give that authentic shark experience. These unique-looking fish are year-round residents around St. Simons, feeding heavily on blue crabs and shrimp in the grass flats. Their distinctive shovel-shaped head makes for great photos, and they're incredibly abundant in these waters. Bonnetheads are also one of the few shark species that eat vegetation along with their regular diet.
Smooth hammerhead sharks represent the bigger game you might encounter on this charter, with fish ranging from 30-80 pounds not uncommon in these waters. These powerful predators cruise the deeper channels and drop-offs adjacent to the flats, especially during summer months. When you hook into a smooth hammerhead, you're in for a serious battle – they combine the strength of a bull shark with the endurance of a distance runner. Their distinctive hammer-shaped head gives them enhanced sensory capabilities, making them incredibly efficient hunters. Landing one of these beauties is a real achievement that serious shark anglers dream about.
Captain Drew Jones brings years of local knowledge and a genuine passion for putting clients on fish, making this top-rated charter a customer favorite for good reason. The combination of family-friendly atmosphere, world-class shark fishing, and professional instruction creates an experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're introducing the next generation to fishing or looking to check shark fishing off your bucket list, this four-hour adventure delivers the goods. St. Simons Island's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent shark action on the Georgia coast, and there's no better way to experience it than with Unreel Charters GA. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action that'll have you planning your return trip before you even hit the dock.
Your fishing adventure around St. Simons Island happens aboard our reliable 19' Carolina Skiff with center console design. This 2006 boat runs on a smooth 70HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the best shark fishing spots without burning through fuel. The center console setup gives Captain Drew plenty of room to work while keeping everyone safe as you target those feisty Blacktip and Bonnethead sharks in the shallows. We've got a quality fish finder onboard to locate the action, and the boat's shallow draft lets us access those prime inshore waters where the sharks love to hunt. Built for Georgia's coastal waters, this skiff handles the chop well and gives you a stable platform for fighting fish. Perfect size for families - not too big to feel overwhelming, but roomy enough for everyone to move around when the sharks start biting.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of our waters - when hooked, they'll jump clean out of the water spinning like a torpedo. These sleek sharks run 4-6 feet on average and are built for speed with that streamlined body and distinctive black fin tips. They patrol our nearshore waters from 30-100 feet, often around structure and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active. What makes them a blast to target is their aggressive nature and aerial show - they'll take off like a rocket when they feel that hook. They're also pretty cooperative, often traveling in small groups. The key here in Georgia waters is using oily bait like cut mackerel or sardines to get that scent trail going. Heavy braided line with a 30-pound leader and circle hooks work best since they can get pretty wild when they realize they're hooked.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead in our waters, bonnetheads run 3-4 feet and are perfect for families getting into shark fishing. That shovel-shaped head makes them unmistakable, and they're about as gentle as sharks get - super safe around kids. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and near grass flats where they hunt crabs and small fish. Summer brings them up from Florida, and they travel in schools of 10-15, so once you locate them, the action stays steady. What guests love is how approachable they are - they fight hard for their size but won't wear you out completely. They're curious and will investigate your setup. Here's the local trick: cut blue crab in half and thread your circle hook through one of the legs. That crab scent drives them crazy, and the movement of those legs in the current is like ringing a dinner bell for bonnetheads.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe second-largest hammerhead around, smooth hammerheads average about 8-10 feet and pack a serious punch. That distinctive curved head without the center notch makes them easy to ID. They cruise our inshore waters and around structure in 20-200 feet, preferring the cooler months when water temps drop below 80°F. These active predators feed on rays, smaller sharks, and bony fish. What makes them special is that massive hammerhead silhouette and the serious fight they put up - they're strong swimmers that'll test your drag. They school up during migration, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: use a wire leader and fresh cut bait near bottom structure. Their electroreceptors in that hammer-shaped head help them hunt, but also make them curious about the electrical field from your bait setup.
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