Georgia · Georgia Coast
REDFISH FISHING
IN ST. SIMONS ISLAND
St. Simons Island 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 St. Simons Island
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 — St. Simons Island
Month-by-month availability for redfish in St. Simons Island, GA.
How to Catch Redfish in St. Simons Island
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 St. Simons Island
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
St. Simons Sound Flats
St. Simons Sound is the major tidal estuary between St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island, and its expansive flats hold redfish, flounder, speckled trout, and sheepshead feeding on the rich oyster beds and spartina marsh edges. The sound's enormous tidal exchange creates strong currents that concentrate baitfish along channel edges and points. Sight-fishing for schools of redfish tailing on the exposed flats during low tide is the premier inshore experience on St. Simons Island.
Hampton River
The Hampton River flows between St. Simons Island and the mainland, creating a deep tidal channel where redfish, sheepshead, flounder, and black drum hold along the dock pilings, seawalls, and oyster shell banks. The river's residential docks provide excellent structure fishing during higher tides when gamefish move up to feed around the barnacle-covered pilings. The Hampton River is one of the most accessible and productive inshore fishing spots on St. Simons Island.
Frederica River
The Frederica River runs along the western side of St. Simons Island past the ruins of Fort Frederica, winding through pristine marsh that holds excellent populations of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The river's historic character and natural shoreline create a scenic fishing experience alongside productive inshore waters. Kayak anglers favor the Frederica River for its shallow marsh creeks where tailing redfish can be sight-cast on falling tides throughout the warmer months.
Mackay River
The Mackay River separates St. Simons Island from the mainland to the north, and its tidal channel and associated marsh creeks hold redfish, sheepshead, flounder, and speckled trout year-round. The Sidney Lanier Bridge pilings spanning the river create a significant nearshore structure that concentrates sheepshead and black drum around the barnacle-encrusted concrete. Fishing the Mackay River bridge pilings on incoming tides with live shrimp or fiddler crabs is a proven technique for quality catches.
Other Species in St. Simons Island
More fish you can target while visiting St. Simons Island.
Redfish Fishing in St. Simons Island — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in St. Simons Island are March, April, October, November. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the St. Simons Island area.
Redfish fishing charters in St. Simons Island 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 St. Simons Island, 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 St. Simons Island, you may also catch Sheepshead, Cobia, Black Drum, Black Sea Bass, Flounder. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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