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Caught a trophy redfish in Savannah Savannah
Redfish Fishing in Savannah
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The Redfish belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These popular gamefish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds when fully grown. - Redfish are commonly found in onshore waters, flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore environments. - Known for their distinctive spot(s) near the tail and copper-red coloration. - Prized by anglers for their strong fighting ability and excellent table fare.
Fishing Charter by Captain Zachary Holick in October
Meet your Captain Zachary Holick
- Unforgettable Fishing Adventures in Savannah, GA
Summary
Saturday October with Captain Zach's Fishing Charter delivered some quality redfish action in Savannah's inshore waters. Working with bottom fishing and still fishing techniques, we found success despite partly cloudy conditions that turned to afternoon rain. The fall season brings cooler temperatures and active fish, making it prime time for targeting redfish in these waters. Our 6-hour trip format gives plenty of time to adjust techniques based on conditions and what's biting. Whether you're new to fishing or have experience, our proven methods consistently produce results when targeting redfish and other inshore species in Savannah. All tackle and equipment is provided, making this an accessible option for visitors looking to experience the excellent inshore fishing Savannah has to offer.
Fishing Charter with Zachary Holick – Rates & Booking
Captain Zachary Holick of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter offers Saturday October trips targeting redfish and other inshore species. Our 6-hour inshore trips provide ample time to work different areas and techniques based on conditions and fish activity. All necessary tackle and gear is included, with expert guidance to put you on fish using proven local methods. We accommodate both beginners and experienced anglers, focusing on productive techniques like bottom fishing and still fishing that consistently produce results in Savannah waters. Fall provides excellent opportunities with active fish and comfortable temperatures. Trips depart early morning to maximize your fishing time, with flexibility to adjust to weather and tides for the best experience.
Highlights of 6 Hour Trip – Inshore
Our inshore fishing trips target Savannah's productive redfish fishery using specialized techniques that work in these waters. Bottom fishing and still fishing with bait proves consistently effective, even as conditions change throughout the day. The fall season brings excellent redfish opportunities as these fish become more active in the cooling waters. Light tackle setups enhance the experience, providing exciting fights when you hook into these powerful fish.
Early morning departures take advantage of prime feeding times when redfish are most active. We'll work different areas based on tide, conditions, and recent fish activity to maximize your chances of success. The 6-hour format gives us plenty of time to adjust approaches if needed, ensuring you get the most from your time on the water.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Savannah waters thrive in our diverse inshore ecosystem. These copper-colored fighters, identifiable by their characteristic tail spots, inhabit shallow flats, oyster beds, creek mouths and deeper channels depending on tide and season. Fall brings particularly good redfish action as cooling temperatures trigger increased feeding activity.
The most productive techniques for Savannah redfish include bottom fishing with cut bait near structure and still fishing along current seams where these fish patrol for food. Light to medium tackle provides the perfect balance of control and fighting fun when you hook into one of these hard-pulling fish. Whether you're casting along grass edges during high tide or working deeper holes on the outgoing, our local knowledge puts you in the right place at the right time for redfish success.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our fishing charters include all necessary tackle, bait, and equipment—just bring your personal items like sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing. We recommend wearing non-marking shoes, bringing a light jacket (even in warm months), and packing snacks and drinks. Morning trips begin early to take advantage of prime feeding times, typically departing around sunrise. Our boat comfortably accommodates up to four anglers with plenty of fishing space and basic amenities. We prioritize both safety and comfort, with US Coast Guard-approved safety equipment and techniques tailored to your experience level.
Fishing in Savannah: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belong to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These distinctive fish are characterized by their copper-bronze backs that fade to white bellies and their signature spot or spots near the tail. In Savannah waters this October, anglers specifically target these hard-fighting fish as they become more active in the cooling fall temperatures.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most prized inshore gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their reputation for strong runs and determined fights makes them a favorite target for both casual and serious anglers. The species is highly adaptable, thriving in various water conditions from shallow flats to deeper channels and everything in between.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico, with particularly strong populations along the southeastern United States. Around Savannah, they can be found in diverse environments including tidal creeks, oyster beds, grass flats, and deeper channels. They're often spotted feeding in very shallow water, sometimes with their tails visibly breaking the surface as they root for prey.
Redfish Size and Weight
While juvenile redfish (often called "rat reds" locally) may be just a few pounds, mature specimens typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. The largest specimens, often referred to as "bull reds," are typically found in nearshore waters during fall spawning runs.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily consume crustaceans, small fish, and marine worms. Redfish are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often creating visible disturbances in shallow water as they chase baitfish or dig through bottom sediment for crabs and shrimp. They commonly feed during moving tides when prey is disoriented by current.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs from late summer through fall, with peak activity in August through October. During this time, larger breeding adults gather in coastal waters and near inlets. In Savannah, this fall spawning behavior creates excellent fishing opportunities as larger fish move into more accessible waters.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several approaches work well for Savannah redfish. Bottom fishing with cut bait (mullet, menhaden, or blue crab) produces consistent results, especially around structure and deeper holes. Still fishing along creek edges during moving tides is highly effective. Light to medium tackle with 10-20 lb test line provides the ideal balance of casting ability and fighting power. In October, Savannah anglers often find redfish congregating around oyster beds and channel edges as water temperatures begin to drop, making these prime areas to target.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish are considered excellent table fare, prized for their mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh. The meat holds up well to various cooking methods, with blackening, grilling, and baking being particularly popular approaches. They're also nutritionally valuable, offering a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids with relatively low mercury content compared to some larger predatory species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: In Savannah waters, cut mullet, blue crab, and shrimp are top natural bait choices for redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics on jigheads, and weedless spoons work well depending on conditions.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Savannah?
A: Redfish in the Savannah area can be found in tidal creeks, around oyster beds, along grass edges, and near dock structures. During fall months, focus on creek mouths and deeper holes on outgoing tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent eating with a sweet, mild flavor and medium-firm white flesh. It's versatile and works well with many cooking methods, particularly blackening and grilling.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Savannah?
A: Fall months (September through November) offer some of the best redfish action in Savannah as water temperatures cool and fish feed more aggressively. The moving tides, particularly the first few hours of incoming and last few hours of outgoing, typically produce the best results.
Q: What size redfish can I keep in Georgia?
A: Georgia fishing regulations specify a slot limit for redfish, typically allowing harvest of fish between 14-23 inches, with a daily bag limit. Always check current regulations as they can change seasonally.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium action spinning gear with 10-20 lb test line works well for most Savannah redfish situations. A 7-foot rod offers good casting distance while maintaining control for fighting these strong fish.
