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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Savannah Savannah
Redfish Inshore Fishing in Savannah
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. - Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Popular game fish found along Atlantic coastlines. - Identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail.
Fishing Charter by Captain Zachary Holick in October
Meet your Captain Zachary Holick
- Unforgettable Fishing Adventures in Savannah, GA
Summary
Captain Zachary Holick of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter on Saturday October delivers exceptional inshore fishing experiences around Whitemarsh Island. Our 8-hour charter fishing trips focus on productive bottom fishing and spin casting techniques using live bait to target redfish and black drum in Savannah's prime inshore waters. The fall months provide excellent opportunities as these gamefish move through the flats and structure regularly. We know the local spots that consistently produce fish and provide all necessary gear and bait. Whether you're pursuing your first redfish or adding to your tally, our licensed guide service puts you on productive water with proven techniques. The inshore waters around Savannah offer reliable action for dedicated anglers ready to experience what Whitemarsh Island fishing delivers.
Fishing Charter with Captain Zachary Holick – Rates & Booking
Captain Zachary Holick of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter on Saturday October offers comprehensive 8-hour inshore fishing trips targeting redfish and black drum around Whitemarsh Island. Our charter includes all fishing gear, live bait, and tackle needed for successful bottom fishing and spin casting. Trips launch early morning to maximize fishing time during peak feeding periods. We focus on productive flats and structure where baitfish concentrate and gamefish move through regularly. Licensed guide service with local knowledge ensures you fish the most productive spots. Book online or call to reserve your Savannah inshore fishing adventure with departure times available to match optimal tide conditions.
Highlights of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter
Our Whitemarsh Island fishing trips combine proven techniques with prime location access for consistent redfish and black drum action. The area's diverse structure including oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths creates ideal habitat for these popular gamefish. Fall fishing offers excellent opportunities as cooler water temperatures trigger increased feeding activity.
We specialize in bottom fishing with live bait and spin casting techniques that produce results in these productive inshore waters. Our local expertise includes reading tide movements, identifying productive structure, and adapting techniques to current conditions. Each trip provides hands-on instruction for anglers of all skill levels while maximizing time on productive water.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Savannah's inshore waters, particularly around Whitemarsh Island where oyster bars and grass flats provide abundant forage. These copper-colored gamefish feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish in shallow water ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep. Fall months bring excellent redfish action as they school up and feed heavily before winter. The distinctive black spots near their tail make them easily identifiable, and their powerful runs provide exciting fights on light tackle. Local redfish respond well to live bait presentations near structure, making bottom fishing and spin casting highly effective techniques in these waters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our 8-hour inshore fishing trips include all necessary equipment: rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and ice for your catch. We accommodate up to 6 anglers comfortably with early morning departure times to capitalize on prime fishing conditions. The boat features fish-finding electronics and safety equipment required for inshore fishing. We provide instruction on local techniques including proper bait presentation, reading water conditions, and fighting fish effectively. Bring sun protection, snacks, and beverages for a full day on the water. All fishing licenses and gear are included in your charter rate.
Fishing in Savannah: Black Drum and Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are prized game fish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by one or more black eyespots near their tail and their characteristic red-bronze coloration that fades to white on the belly. In Savannah waters this October, redfish provide excellent inshore fishing opportunities around Whitemarsh Island's productive flats and structure.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore game fish along the Atlantic coast, valued for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They inhabit shallow coastal waters from Massachusetts to Florida, with Georgia's inshore waters providing prime habitat. These drum family members are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights when hooked.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow inshore waters including grass flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and marsh edges. Around Savannah, they frequent the productive waters near Whitemarsh Island where structure and forage concentrate. They thrive in water depths from 1 to 4 feet, making them ideal targets for sight fishing and shallow water techniques.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish in the 18 to 27-inch range are most commonly caught in Georgia waters, while larger bull redfish exceeding 27 inches provide trophy opportunities for catch-and-release fishing.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and other baitfish. They feed actively during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk. Fall feeding patterns intensify as they prepare for winter, making October an excellent time for consistent action in Savannah's inshore waters.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and early fall when water temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees. Large schools of mature fish gather in deeper water for spawning activities, while younger fish remain in shallow inshore areas throughout the year.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective redfish techniques include bottom fishing with live or cut bait, spin casting with soft plastics, and sight fishing with topwater lures. Live shrimp, mud minnows, and cut mullet work exceptionally well around structure. In October, anglers around Savannah find success using live bait near oyster bars and grass edges where redfish feed aggressively during tide changes.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. The flesh is lean and flaky when cooked, making it versatile for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to offshore species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, mud minnows, and cut mullet are top choices. Fresh dead bait like cut blue crab also works well around structure.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Savannah?
A: Whitemarsh Island area offers excellent redfish habitat with grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths that hold fish consistently.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried. They're high in protein and omega-3s.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months like October provide excellent action as redfish feed heavily. Fish during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk.
Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) are the largest members of the Sciaenidae family, which includes nearly 300 species of drums and croakers. These powerful fish belong to the order Perciformes and are distinguished by their dark coloration, robust build, and ability to produce distinctive drumming sounds. In Savannah's brackish waters this October, black drum provide excellent bottom fishing opportunities alongside their popular cousin, the redfish.
Black Drum Overview
Black drum are prized for their size and fighting ability, representing the heavyweight division of the drum family. They're known for their powerful jaws equipped with strong pharyngeal teeth capable of crushing shellfish, oysters, and crabs. These fish are called drums or croakers due to the repetitive drumming sounds they make using specialized muscles and their swim bladder.
Black Drum Habitat and Distribution
Black drum inhabit brackish waters, inshore areas, and nearshore environments along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Around Savannah, they frequent oyster bars, bridge pilings, and structure-rich areas where their preferred prey concentrates. They tolerate a wide range of salinity levels, making them common in both saltwater and brackish environments.
Black Drum Size and Weight
Adult black drum typically weigh between 15 to 90 pounds, with some specimens exceeding 100 pounds. Their substantial size and powerful build make them formidable opponents on rod and reel, capable of long, sustained fights that test both angler skill and tackle strength.
Black Drum Diet and Behavior
Black drum are bottom feeders that specialize in crushing hard-shelled prey including oysters, clams, crabs, and shrimp. Their powerful jaws and pharyngeal teeth allow them to process shellfish that other fish cannot handle. They feed most actively during moving tides when prey becomes more accessible around structure.
Black Drum Spawning Season
Black drum spawn in nearshore waters during late winter and early spring when water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s. Large schools gather in deeper water for spawning activities, with the drumming sounds becoming more pronounced during breeding season.
Black Drum Fishing Techniques
Bottom fishing with heavy tackle works best for black drum, using circle hooks and strong leaders to handle their crushing power. Fresh or frozen shrimp, blue crab, and oysters make excellent baits. Fish near structure like oyster bars and bridge pilings where they feed. In October around Savannah, target them during incoming tides when they move into shallow feeding areas.
Black Drum Is It Good to Eat?
Smaller black drum under 10 pounds offer good table fare with firm, white meat. Larger specimens tend to have coarser texture and stronger flavor. The meat is high in protein and works well in fish cakes, chowders, or blackened preparations that complement its robust flavor.
Black Drum Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for black drum?
A: Fresh shrimp, blue crab, and oysters work best. Use circle hooks and heavy tackle to handle their powerful jaws and crushing ability.
Q: Where can I find black drum near Savannah?
A: Target oyster bars, bridge pilings, and structure-rich areas around Whitemarsh Island where they feed on shellfish and crabs.
Q: Is black drum good to eat?
A: Smaller black drum under 10 pounds have firm white meat that's good eating. Larger fish tend to be coarser and are often released.
Q: When is the best time to catch black drum?
A: Fish during moving tides, especially incoming water that brings them into shallow feeding areas around structure and oyster bars.
