Tybee Island Jetty Fishing: Species, Seasons & Best Times

The Tybee Island Jetties: Georgia's Premier Rock Fishing

The massive granite jetties flanking the mouth of the Savannah River at Tybee Island rank among the most productive shore-accessible fishing spots on the entire Georgia coast. The north jetty extends roughly 1,500 feet into the river mouth, and the south jetty stretches along the beach side of the channel. Together, they create a current break and habitat zone that attracts an impressive diversity of saltwater species throughout the year.

What Makes the Jetties So Productive

Jetty rocks provide three critical elements that fish need: hard structure for feeding, current breaks for ambush, and tidal flow that delivers food. The Savannah River pushes an enormous volume of water through this narrow gap twice daily, sweeping shrimp, crabs, and baitfish past resident predators. Barnacles and oysters coating the submerged rocks add another food source that draws Tybee Island sheepshead and black drum.

North Jetty vs. South Jetty

Seasonal Species Guide

Winter (December–February)

Sheepshead dominate the winter jetty bite. These striped, hard-fighting fish stack up around the rocks in large numbers, feeding on barnacles and fiddler crabs. Use small, sharp hooks (size 1 or 2) with fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp, and fish tight to the rocks on a short leader. Patience is required — sheepshead are notorious bait stealers.

Spring (March–May)

Tybee Island flounder begin appearing in March as water temperatures climb past 60 degrees. Target them on the sandy edges adjacent to jetty rocks with live mud minnows on jig heads or Carolina rigs. Spanish mackerel show up in late April, blitzing baitfish schools visible from the jetty rocks.

Summer (June–August)

The warmest months bring the greatest species diversity. Tarpon cruise the river mouth at dawn and dusk, rolling on the surface in the deep channel adjacent to the north jetty. Cobia follow rays along the sandy flats near the south jetty. Jack crevalle maraud through baitfish schools with violent surface explosions. This is Tybee's most exciting fishing season.

Fall (September–November)

The fall mullet run transforms the jetties into a feeding frenzy. Tybee Island redfish gorge on mullet pushed against the rocks by tidal current. Bull reds exceeding 40 inches patrol the deep water off the north jetty tips. Flounder stage for their offshore migration, creating a second peak in the doormat catch rate.

Old-timers on Tybee say if you can't catch something off the jetties, you might as well sell your rod — the rocks always hold fish if you know where to look.

Tackle and Rigging for Jetty Fishing

Jetty environments demand specific tackle adjustments. Rocks eat tackle, so bring more rigs than you think you need. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod gives you the leverage to keep fish out of the rocks after hookup. Braided line in 20 to 30-pound test resists abrasion better than monofilament, and a heavy fluorocarbon leader (20–25 lb) handles the sharp barnacle edges.

• Sheepshead rig: Sliding sinker above a small swivel, 12-inch fluorocarbon leader, #1 J-hook
• Flounder rig: 1/4 oz jig head with live mud minnow or Gulp! shrimp
• Redfish rig: Carolina rig with 1 oz egg sinker, 3/0 circle hook, live shrimp or cut mullet
• Tarpon rig: Heavy spinning tackle, 50-lb leader, 5/0 circle hook, live mullet freelined in current

Access and Safety

The south jetty is reachable by foot from the parking area near the Tybee Island Lighthouse. Walking on jetty rocks requires sturdy footwear with non-slip soles — the rocks are uneven and often slippery with algae. The north jetty requires boat access, which limits fishing pressure but produces better catches. Always fish with a buddy on the jetties, and be mindful of rising tides that can cut off your path back to shore. Check current Georgia fishing regulations before your trip.