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Caught a redfish Inshore in Savannah Savannah
Redfish 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. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. - These fish can be identified by their distinctive copper-red coloration and black 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's Fishing Charter in Savannah offers exceptional inshore fishing opportunities this Saturday October. Our 6-hour trips focus on proven bottom fishing and still fishing techniques that consistently produce redfish and other inshore species. The fall season brings cooler temperatures and active fish, making it an ideal time for both experienced anglers and newcomers to target these prized gamefish. We work the shallow flats, backcountry waters, and nearshore zones where redfish are holding, using light tackle and effective bait presentations. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques or put your skills to the test, our charter provides the local expertise and quality equipment needed for a successful day on Savannah's productive inshore waters. Book online to secure your spot for an authentic Georgia coastal fishing experience.
Fishing Charter with Captain Zachary Holick – Rates & Booking
Captain Zachary Holick of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter on Saturday October offers 6-hour inshore fishing trips targeting redfish and other local species. Our charters include all necessary tackle, bait, and safety equipment, with rates starting for full-day excursions. We specialize in bottom fishing and still fishing techniques that work effectively in Savannah's shallow waters, flats, and backcountry areas. As a licensed local guide with extensive knowledge of these waters, Captain Zach provides instruction for all skill levels while focusing on productive fishing zones. Book your charter online or call to check availability for your preferred dates.
Highlights of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter
Our inshore fishing charters focus on the productive waters around Savannah, where redfish, trout, and other species thrive in the shallow flats and backcountry areas. The 6-hour trip format allows time to work multiple locations and adjust techniques based on current conditions and fish activity. We use light tackle setups that provide excellent sport while being manageable for anglers of all experience levels.
Fall fishing in Savannah offers some of the year's best opportunities, with cooler temperatures bringing active fish into the shallows. Our bottom fishing and still fishing approaches let you effectively target redfish in their preferred habitat zones, from 1 to 4 feet of water where these copper-colored gamefish feed and patrol.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish are perfectly suited to Savannah's coastal environment, thriving in the shallow flats, tidal creeks, and backcountry waters that define our local fishing landscape. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails are most active during the cooler months, making fall an excellent time to target them. They feed aggressively in shallow water, often in just 1 to 4 feet, where their red backs blend with the bottom structure. The combination of still fishing and bottom fishing techniques works particularly well because redfish are opportunistic feeders that will take properly presented baits in their feeding zones.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour charter includes all fishing equipment, tackle, bait, and safety gear needed for a successful day on the water. We accommodate small groups, allowing for personalized instruction and attention to each angler's needs. Trips typically start early morning to take advantage of optimal fishing conditions, though we can adjust departure times based on tides and weather. Captain Zach provides local knowledge about current fishing patterns, seasonal movements, and the most effective techniques for the day's conditions. Bring sun protection, snacks, and drinks for your comfort during the trip.
Fishing in Savannah: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a highly prized gamefish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by their reddish backs that fade to white bellies and one or more black "eyespots" near their tails. In Savannah waters this October, redfish are particularly active as cooler temperatures bring them into the shallow feeding areas where anglers love to target them.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Atlantic coast, valued for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They're perfectly adapted to coastal environments, thriving in the mix of saltwater and brackish conditions found in Georgia's tidal waters. These fish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, making them a favorite target for light tackle fishing.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Red drum prefer shallow coastal waters, typically found in depths ranging from 1 to 4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and tidal creeks. Around Savannah, they frequent the extensive salt marsh systems, backcountry waters, and nearshore areas where they can ambush prey. These fish are well-suited to the variable salinity levels found in Georgia's coastal estuaries.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (those within legal harvest limits) are generally in the 18 to 27-inch range, while the larger "bull" redfish that exceed the slot provide incredible sport on light tackle but are typically released to preserve the breeding population.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders consume crabs, shrimp, small fish, and marine worms. They often feed by "tailing" in shallow water, where their tails break the surface as they root around the bottom for food. Redfish are most active during moving tides, particularly during the two hours before and after tide changes when baitfish and crustaceans are most vulnerable.
Redfish Spawning Season
Red drum spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall, typically from August through November. During this period, large schools of adult fish gather in deeper waters offshore. The cooler water temperatures of fall trigger increased feeding activity as fish prepare for spawning, making autumn an excellent time for targeting them in Savannah's inshore waters.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Bottom fishing with cut bait, live shrimp, or crab works exceptionally well for redfish. Still fishing allows baits to stay in the strike zone longer, which is effective when fish are holding in specific areas. Popular techniques include using circle hooks with natural baits, sight fishing with artificial lures, and working the edges of oyster bars and grass flats. In October, anglers around Savannah find success working the falling tide along marsh edges and creek mouths where redfish ambush baitfish.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish within the slot limit offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is versatile and works well grilled, blackened, or baked. Red drum is high in protein and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many offshore species, making it a healthy seafood choice.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live or cut shrimp, blue crab, and cut mullet are top choices. Fresh dead shrimp on a circle hook works consistently well in Savannah's waters.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Savannah?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster bars, tidal creek mouths, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water, especially during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, slot-size redfish (18-27 inches in Georgia) have excellent, mild-flavored white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months like October offer excellent redfish action, with moving tides and early morning or late afternoon being prime times.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium spinning tackle with 15-20 lb braided line, circle hooks, and a 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader works well for most situations.
Q: Do redfish fight hard?
A: Absolutely! Redfish are known for powerful initial runs and stubborn fights, especially in shallow water where they can use their broad tails effectively.
