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Caught a Trophy Redfish Inshore in Savannah
Redfish Inshore in Savannah
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Belonging to the Sciaenidae family, these powerful fish are identified by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. - Typically ranges from 30-61 inches in length and 10-45 pounds in weight. - Thrives in shallow coastal waters including flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore environments. - Known for powerful runs that test an angler's skills and equipment.
Fishing Charter by Captain Zachary Holick in August
Meet your Captain Zachary Holick
- Unforgettable Fishing Adventures in Savannah, GA
Summary
Spring fishing in Savannah is hard to beat, as our recent trip with Captain Zach's Fishing Charter proved. We set out at sunrise under partly cloudy skies, with perfect conditions around Tybee Island and Wilmington Island for our inshore adventure. The tide was in our favor for our 4-hour trip, and we quickly got into action with some bottom fishing for Spotted Weakfish. As the Saturday April morning progressed, we switched to trolling, which led to the highlight of our day—a monster 36-inch Redfish. We rounded out our techniques with some surf casting, giving us the full Savannah fishing experience. If you're looking to experience these productive inshore waters with an experienced local guide, Captain Zach provides all the necessary gear and expertise to put you on fish.
Fishing Charter with Zachary Holick – Rates & Booking
Captain Zachary Holick of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter offers Saturday April trips that showcase the best of Savannah's spring fishing. Our 4-Hour Inshore package is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to target species like Redfish and Spotted Weakfish. We provide all necessary fishing gear, licenses, and expert guidance to maximize your time on the water. The waters around Tybee Island and Wilmington Island are especially productive this time of year, with comfortable temperatures and very active fish.
Highlights of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter
Our inshore trips focus on the productive waters around Tybee Island and Wilmington Island, where we employ multiple fishing techniques to keep the action consistent throughout your trip. We start with bottom fishing, which typically produces quick results with species like Spotted Weakfish. As conditions change throughout the day, we adapt our approach, switching to trolling or surf casting to target different areas and species.
The trophy Redfish are the stars of our spring trips, with specimens reaching well over 30 inches. These powerful fish put up incredible fights and make for memorable catches. Our local knowledge of tides, structures, and seasonal patterns helps ensure you have the best chance at landing these prized gamefish during your time on the water.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, thrive in Savannah's diverse inshore ecosystem. These bronze-colored fish with distinctive black tail spots prefer the shallow flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths found throughout our local waters. In spring, they become particularly active as water temperatures warm, making this an ideal time to target them. The most effective techniques include slow-trolling with live bait along channel edges, sight casting on the flats during high tide, and working soft plastics around structure. Their powerful runs make them one of the most exciting inshore species to catch in Georgia waters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our charter boats are well-equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for inshore fishing. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and bringing a camera to capture your catches. Morning trips typically begin around sunrise when the fish are most active, though afternoon trips can be productive as well. Our vessels comfortably accommodate small groups, making this an ideal outing for families, friends, or solo anglers looking for personalized attention from an experienced captain.
Fishing in Savannah: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and the order Perciformes. These distinctive fish are characterized by their copper-bronze coloration and one or more black spots near the tail, which serve as a defense mechanism by creating the illusion of eyes to predators. In Savannah waters during spring, these prized gamefish become particularly active in the warming shallows.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most popular inshore gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Anglers prize them for their strong fighting ability, accessibility from shore, and excellent table fare. Their ability to thrive in various water conditions makes them a reliable target throughout much of the year.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit a variety of coastal environments including estuaries, tidal creeks, oyster bars, seagrass flats, and nearshore waters. In Savannah, they're commonly found around Tybee Island and Wilmington Island, particularly in areas with structure like oyster beds, creek mouths, and shallow flats. Younger redfish (often called "puppy drums") typically stay in estuaries, while larger adults may move to deeper nearshore waters.
Redfish Size and Weight
These impressive fish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and 10 to 45 pounds in weight. The 36-inch specimen mentioned in our trip report represents a trophy-class fish for inshore waters. In Georgia, slot-size regulations protect breeding-age redfish, with most keepers falling in the 18-27 inch range depending on current regulations.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, along with small baitfish and mullet. They often feed in shallow water, creating visible "tailing" behavior as their tails break the surface while they root for prey in the bottom sediment. Redfish are most active during dawn and dusk, though they can be caught throughout the day with the right approach.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall, with peak activity in August and September when they form large schools in nearshore waters. During this time, larger breeding adults (often called "bull reds") move from estuaries to offshore waters. Spring represents a post-wintering period when they become increasingly active in the shallows as water temperatures rise.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for Savannah redfish. Bottom fishing with cut mullet or blue crab near channel edges and creek mouths is highly productive. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and scented soft plastics rigged on jigheads also produce consistently. In April around Savannah, anglers often find success targeting redfish around oyster bars and creek mouths during falling tides, when these fish move to predictable ambush points to feed on baitfish and crustaceans being swept out with the current.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh. It's versatile in preparation—blackened redfish became famous thanks to Chef Paul Prudhomme, but it's equally delicious grilled, baked, or used in fish tacos. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other gamefish.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in Savannah?
A: Live or fresh-cut blue crab, shrimp, and mullet are top natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and shallow-running jerkbaits are consistent producers.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Savannah?
A: Focus on tidal creeks around Tybee Island and Wilmington Island, especially areas with oyster beds, marsh edges, and creek mouths. During higher tides, redfish often push up onto shallow flats to feed.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking and nutritious, being high in protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Savannah?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round, spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) typically offer the most consistent action. Early morning and evening during moving tides generally produce the best results.
Q: What size Redfish can I keep in Georgia?
A: Georgia typically maintains a slot limit for redfish. Always check current regulations before your trip, as these can change, but generally, only fish within a specific size range (often 14-23 inches) may be kept, with a daily bag limit restriction.
Q: What pound test line should I use for Redfish?
A: For inshore redfish fishing around Savannah, 10-20 pound test line works well. Use lighter line for clearer water conditions and heavier line around structure like oyster beds where abrasion resistance is important.
