Georgia · Georgia Coast
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN SAVANNAH
Savannah is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Savannah
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Savannah
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Savannah, GA.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Savannah
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Savannah
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Gulf Stream Ledges
The Gulf Stream passes approximately 60-70 miles offshore of Savannah, and the natural bottom ledges along its western edge hold red snapper, grouper, amberjack, and king mackerel in excellent numbers. The warm Gulf Stream current creates a temperature break that concentrates baitfish and pelagic predators along the ledge systems. Full-day offshore trips from Savannah target these ledges for quality reef fish and the chance at pelagic species like mahi-mahi and wahoo.
Savannah Artificial Reef (SAV)
The Savannah offshore artificial reef complex includes several deployed vessels, concrete structures, and steel debris fields in deeper water that hold red snapper, grouper, amberjack, and barracuda. The larger deployed structures like sunken ships provide massive vertical relief that attracts fish throughout the water column. These offshore artificial reefs have become increasingly productive as marine growth matures and the fish communities become established over time.
Georgetown Hole
Georgetown Hole is a natural depression in the seafloor off the Georgia coast where the bottom drops into deeper water, creating a natural aggregation point for grouper, red snapper, amberjack, and king mackerel. The hole's edges produce upwelling currents that concentrate baitfish, drawing predators from the surrounding flat bottom. Savannah charter boats target Georgetown Hole for trophy-class grouper and snapper on full-day offshore trips.
Ten Fathom Ledge
Ten Fathom Ledge is a prominent natural live-bottom feature offshore of Savannah where the seafloor drops along a limestone ledge that holds grouper, red snapper, vermilion snapper, and amberjack. The ledge's hard-bottom habitat supports dense communities of marine life from sponges and corals to large predatory fish. The ledge system's consistent production of quality reef fish makes it one of the most important offshore fishing destinations for the Savannah charter fleet.
Other Species in Savannah
More fish you can target while visiting Savannah.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Savannah — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Savannah is productive during .
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Savannah are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Savannah, your captain provides all required Georgia fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna 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 Yellowfin Tuna in Savannah, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, Cobia, King Mackerel, Black Drum. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Savannah?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your yellowfin tuna fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes