Georgia · Georgia Coast
REDFISH FISHING
IN SAVANNAH
Savannah is an outstanding destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in March, April, October and good catches in January, February, May. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Savannah
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Savannah
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Savannah, GA.
How to Catch Redfish in Savannah
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Savannah
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Wassaw Sound Marsh Creeks
The expansive marsh creek system surrounding Wassaw Sound south of Savannah provides world-class inshore fishing for redfish, flounder, and sheepshead in a labyrinth of tidal creeks and oyster-lined banks. The sound's massive tidal exchange pushes water through narrow creeks, concentrating baitfish and creating ideal ambush conditions for predators. Sight-fishing for tailing redfish on the exposed mud flats during low tide is the signature Savannah inshore experience.
Wilmington River
The Wilmington River connects Savannah to the Intracoastal Waterway and Wassaw Sound, with its deep bends, dock pilings, and oyster shell points holding redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead year-round. The river's residential docks provide excellent structure fishing during higher tides when fish move up to feed around the pilings. Night fishing under the dock lights along the Wilmington River produces trophy speckled trout during the warmer months.
Ossabaw Sound Tidal Flats
Ossabaw Sound south of Savannah opens into a vast system of tidal flats and marsh islands where redfish, flounder, and black drum feed on the rich oyster beds and mud flats exposed at low tide. The sound's remote character and limited access ensure low fishing pressure and healthy populations of trophy-sized redfish. Kayak anglers and poling skiff guides work the sound's shallow edges during the lower stages of the tide for world-class sight-fishing opportunities.
Turner Creek
Turner Creek is a productive tidal creek flowing into the Wilmington River system that holds excellent populations of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder along its oyster-studded banks and grass-lined edges. The creek's relatively narrow channel concentrates fish along predictable structure during tidal changes. Local guides favor Turner Creek for its consistent production of quality redfish that feed on fiddler crabs and shrimp along the exposed oyster beds at mid-tide stages.
Other Species in Savannah
More fish you can target while visiting Savannah.
Redfish Fishing in Savannah — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Savannah are March, April, October, November. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Savannah area.
Redfish fishing charters in Savannah are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Savannah, your captain provides all required Georgia fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Georgia include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Savannah, you may also catch Sheepshead, Cobia, King Mackerel, Black Drum, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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