Georgia · Georgia Coast
TARPON FISHING
IN SAVANNAH
Savannah is a solid destination for tarpon fishing. Book a charter and target tarpon with local experts.
About Tarpon Fishing in Savannah
The Silver King. One of the most exciting gamefish in the world, known for spectacular aerial acrobatics.
The Silver King is arguably the most exciting gamefish in the ocean. Atlantic Tarpon are massive, silver-scaled fish that can exceed 200 lbs, with mirror-like scales the size of silver dollars. When hooked, they launch into spectacular aerial acrobatics — sometimes jumping 6-8 feet out of the water — creating the most thrilling sight in sportfishing. Their oversized, upturned mouth and prehistoric appearance (the species is 100+ million years old) make them instantly recognizable. Tarpon are catch-and-release only in most areas.
Scientific name: Megalops atlanticus
Tarpon Seasonal Calendar — Savannah
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Savannah, GA.
How to Catch Tarpon in Savannah
Techniques & Bait
Live crabs (blue crabs or pass crabs) drifted in passes and channels during the spring migration is the classic technique. Live mullet, pinfish, and threadfin herring are also top baits. Artificial lures like DOA Baitbusters, large soft plastic swimbaits, and heavy jigs worked near bridges and passes at night produce trophy fish. Fly fishing for rolling tarpon on the flats using large Tarpon Toads, EP baitfish patterns, and Black Death flies (2/0-4/0 hooks) is considered the ultimate fly fishing challenge.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy spinning: 7'6" heavy rod, 6000-8000 reel, 50-65 lb braid, 60-80 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly: 12-weight rod, large arbor reel with 200+ yards of backing. Circle hooks (5/0-7/0) are required in many areas.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Savannah
Top spots where local captains target tarpon 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.
Tarpon Fishing in Savannah — FAQ
Tarpon fishing in Savannah is productive during .
Tarpon 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 crabs (blue crabs or pass crabs) drifted in passes and channels during the spring migration is the classic technique. Live mullet, pinfish, and threadfin herring are also top baits. Artificial lures like DOA Baitbusters, large soft plastic swimbaits, and heavy jigs worked near bridges and passes at night produce trophy fish. Fly fishing for rolling tarpon on the flats using large Tarpon Toads, EP baitfish patterns, and Black Death flies (2/0-4/0 hooks) is considered the ultimate fly fishing challenge.
No — when you book a charter in Savannah, your captain provides all required Georgia fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Tarpon 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 Tarpon in Savannah, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, Cobia, King Mackerel, Black Drum. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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