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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Savannah
Redfish Fishing in Savannah, GA
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is a popular gamefish found in Savannah's inshore waters. These powerful fighters are immediately recognizable by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. They typically range from 30-61 inches in length and can weigh between 10-45 pounds, providing an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels. - Found in shallow coastal waters around oyster beds, grass flats, and creek mouths. - Known for their strong pulls and determined fights when hooked. - Often targeted using both artificial lures and live bait techniques. - Winter fishing can be particularly productive as redfish school in deeper channels.
Fishing Charter by Captain Zachary Holick in August
Meet your Captain Zachary Holick
- Unforgettable Fishing Adventures in Savannah, GA
Summary
Saturday February brought non-stop redfish action on our 4-hour inshore fishing charter in Savannah, GA. Captain Zach's Fishing Charter headed to the productive waters around Little Tybee Island under partly cloudy skies - perfect conditions for targeting redfish. Using a variety of techniques including bottom fishing, live bait, and casting artificial lures, we maintained consistent bites throughout the trip. Winter fishing in Savannah offers some of the best inshore opportunities, particularly for anglers seeking the thrill of battling these powerful gamefish. Whether you're experienced or new to fishing, our local knowledge of Savannah's waterways ensures a productive day targeting these sought-after inshore species.
Fishing Charter with Zachary Holick – Rates & Booking
Captain Zachary Holick of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter offers Saturday February inshore fishing trips targeting the winter redfish bite in Savannah. Our 4-hour inshore charters provide all necessary fishing equipment, licenses, and expert guidance to maximize your chances of success on the water. We specialize in both artificial and live bait techniques to adapt to conditions and preferences. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, our trips accommodate all skill levels with patient instruction and local expertise.
Fishing the productive waters around Little Tybee Island gives our guests the best opportunity to experience consistent redfish action. Winter in Savannah offers excellent inshore fishing conditions when you have a guide who knows the seasonal patterns. Book your charter today for a day of non-stop action on the water - availability is limited, especially during prime fishing seasons.
Highlights of this Savannah Fishing Charter
This winter fishing trip in Savannah stands out for its consistent redfish action throughout the day. Departing in the morning under partly cloudy skies created ideal conditions for targeting these hard-fighting gamefish. The waters around Little Tybee Island proved highly productive, with our variety of fishing methods - including bottom fishing, live bait presentations, and casting artificial lures - all producing strikes.
What makes this 4-hour inshore trip special is the accessibility for anglers of all experience levels. The redfish were eager to bite, providing exciting fights and memorable catches for everyone aboard. This shorter trip duration is perfect for those wanting to experience quality fishing without committing to a full day, while still having enough time to locate and target these prized inshore species.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) thrive in Savannah's diverse inshore habitats, particularly around the oyster beds, shallow flats, and creek mouths of Little Tybee Island. During winter months, these fish often school in deeper holes and channels where water temperatures remain more stable. Our techniques vary seasonally, but winter success typically comes from fishing slower presentations near structure and depth changes.
What makes redfish particularly exciting to target in Savannah waters is their aggressive feeding behavior and powerful fights. When hooked, even modest-sized redfish provide substantial resistance, making them a favorite among sport anglers. Their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive tail spot make them easily identifiable and a prized catch for both photographs and dinner plates for those keeping their catch.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 4-hour inshore fishing charter in Savannah, dress in layers appropriate for the season - winter mornings can start cool before warming up. Our boat is fully equipped with quality fishing gear, safety equipment, and fish-finding technology to maximize your success. We recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, and a camera to document your catches.
Most inshore trips depart in the morning to take advantage of prime feeding times, though we adjust schedules based on tides and conditions for optimal fishing. The captain will confirm your exact meeting location when booking. Light snacks and water are recommended, and don't forget any personal medications you might need while on the water. Bathroom facilities are limited during the trip, so plan accordingly before departure.
Fishing in Savannah: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. This iconic gamefish is immediately recognizable by its copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot(s) near the tail - a feature believed to confuse predators into attacking the less vulnerable tail region instead of the head. In Savannah waters this February, these powerful fighters provide some of the most exciting inshore action available.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore species along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, prized by anglers for their powerful fights and table qualities. They're a resilient species that can thrive in various water conditions, from brackish backwaters to nearshore ocean environments, making them accessible to anglers with boats of all sizes.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico, though they're particularly abundant in the Southeast, including Georgia's coast. Around Savannah, redfish favor oyster beds, grass flats, creek mouths, and marsh edges. During winter months, they often move to deeper holes and channels where water temperatures remain more stable, concentrating in schools that can provide exceptional fishing when located.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. Juvenile redfish (often called "rat reds" by locals) are commonly caught inshore, while the larger "bull reds" are often found near passes and in nearshore waters, particularly during spawning season.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders with a diet consisting primarily of crustaceans, mollusks, and smaller fish. Their feeding behavior is often visible as they cruise shallow flats with their backs and tails exposed ("tailing") while rooting for crabs and shrimp in the bottom sediment. This behavior makes them exciting targets for sight fishing in clear, shallow water.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall when they gather in large schools near coastal passes and inlets. During this time, mature fish move from inshore waters to nearshore areas to reproduce. Water temperature is a key factor, with spawning typically occurring when temperatures range from 70-75°F. After spawning, many adult fish return inshore while others remain in deeper waters.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For targeting redfish in Savannah waters, several techniques prove effective. Live bait fishing with mud minnows, shrimp, or blue crabs works exceptionally well, particularly when fished near structure. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and scented baits are also highly productive. In February around Savannah, focus on deeper channels and holes where water temperatures remain more stable, using slower presentations as the cooler water makes redfish less aggressive but still willing to feed.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with mild, slightly sweet white flesh that flakes nicely when cooked. It's versatile in the kitchen, suitable for grilling, blackening, baking, or using in fish tacos and chowders. The meat is high in protein and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Smaller to mid-size redfish (18-27 inches, depending on local regulations) generally provide the best eating quality, as larger specimens can sometimes have a coarser texture.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Savannah?
A: Live shrimp, mud minnows, and blue crabs are top natural baits for Savannah redfish. For artificial options, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and jigs with soft plastic tails in natural colors consistently produce strikes.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Savannah?
A: Redfish are commonly found around Little Tybee Island, the Wassaw Sound, Ossabaw Island, and throughout the intracoastal waterway. Look for them around oyster beds, creek mouths, marsh edges, and deeper channels during winter months.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with mild, sweet white meat that works well with various cooking methods. Smaller to medium-sized fish typically offer the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Savannah?
A: Redfish can be caught year-round in Savannah, but fall through early spring offers some of the most consistent action. Winter fishing can be particularly productive as redfish school in deeper channels and holes, making them easier to target once located.
Q: What size redfish can you keep in Georgia?
A: Georgia fishing regulations typically allow harvest of redfish within a slot limit (check current regulations as they may change). This management approach protects both young fish and larger breeding stock while allowing harvest of mid-sized fish.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish in Savannah?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning tackle with 10-20 lb test line works well for most Savannah redfish situations. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining enough backbone to handle these powerful fighters.
