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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Savannah
Redfish Fishing in Savannah, GA
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is a highly prized gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. These powerful fighters can reach impressive sizes between 30-61 inches and weights from 10-45 pounds, though most inshore catches are typically in the lower range. - Redfish are easily identified by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. - They thrive in shallow coastal waters including marshes, oyster beds, and grassy flats. - Winter months in Savannah often produce excellent redfish action as the fish school up in deeper holes and channels.
Fishing Charter by Captain Zachary Holick in August
Meet your Captain Zachary Holick
- Unforgettable Fishing Adventures in Savannah, GA
Summary
Winter fishing in Savannah brought non-stop action on this Saturday February charter with Captain Zach's Fishing Charter. We headed to the productive waters around Little Tybee Island for a 4-hour inshore trip focused on redfish. The partly cloudy conditions created perfect fishing weather as we employed various techniques including bottom fishing, live bait fishing, and casting artificial lures. The redfish were consistently biting throughout our adventure, providing steady action that kept everyone engaged. This inshore fishing trip showcases why Savannah's winter waters are prime territory for anglers looking to target red drum. With all gear provided and expert guidance from Captain Zach Holick, this trip offers an excellent introduction to the rich inshore fishery that makes Savannah a top destination for both experienced anglers and newcomers to the sport.
Fishing Charter with Zachary Holick – Rates & Booking
Captain Zachary Holick of Captain Zach's Fishing Charter on Saturday February offers exceptional 4-hour inshore fishing trips targeting redfish in Savannah's productive waters. All necessary fishing equipment is provided, making this trip perfect for both experienced anglers and beginners. The focus on Little Tybee Island's productive fishing grounds gives you the best opportunity to experience consistent redfish action. Winter in Savannah offers some of the most productive fishing opportunities of the year, with redfish actively feeding in the inshore waters. Captain Zach's local knowledge and experience ensure you'll be positioned in the prime spots where redfish are biting.
Highlights of this Inshore Trip
This 4-hour inshore fishing trip delivers consistent action targeting redfish in Savannah's productive waters. The trip features various fishing techniques including bottom fishing, live bait fishing, and casting with artificial lures, maximizing your chances for success on the water. The waters around Little Tybee Island provide an ideal habitat for redfish, especially during winter months when the bite can be particularly strong.
Partly cloudy conditions created perfect fishing visibility without harsh glare, allowing us to work different areas effectively throughout the day. Captain Zach's extensive local knowledge means you'll benefit from years of experience finding where the redfish are actively feeding, regardless of conditions or season.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (also known as Red Drum) thrive in Savannah's inshore waters, especially around the oyster beds, marsh edges, and creek mouths near Little Tybee Island. These bronze-colored gamefish with their distinctive tail spot are known for their strong, determined fights that make them a favorite target for inshore anglers. In winter months, redfish often school in deeper holes and channels where the water temperature remains more stable.
When targeting redfish in Savannah, bottom fishing with cut bait or live shrimp proves particularly effective, especially during falling tides when they move out of the marsh grass. Artificial lures like gold spoons and soft plastic jigs in natural colors also produce excellent results when worked slowly along bottom structure. The winter months actually offer some of the most consistent redfish action of the year in Savannah's waters, as the fish concentrate in predictable areas.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your inshore fishing charter with Captain Zach includes all necessary fishing gear, bait, licenses, and ice for your catch. The boat is well-equipped for comfortable fishing with safety equipment on board. Trips typically begin early morning for optimal fishing conditions, though afternoon trips are also available. It's recommended to bring sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, drinks, and a camera to document your catch. Captain Zach welcomes anglers of all experience levels and provides instruction for beginners while also accommodating more experienced fishermen looking for specific techniques.
Fishing in Savannah: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family in the order Perciformes. This iconic saltwater species is immediately recognizable by its bronze-copper coloration and one or more distinctive black spots near the tail base. In Savannah waters this February, redfish provide consistent action for anglers targeting the productive inshore areas around Little Tybee Island.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are a premier inshore gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, valued by anglers for their strong fighting ability and excellent table qualities. They're known for powerful runs and determined fights that make them exciting targets for both conventional and fly anglers.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in various coastal environments including marshes, estuaries, oyster beds, and grassy flats. They're commonly found in waters ranging from extremely shallow flats to moderate depths around structure. In Savannah, they concentrate around oyster bars, creek mouths, and deeper holes during winter months, especially during falling tides when water temperatures cool.
Redfish Size and Weight
While redfish can grow to impressive sizes between 30-61 inches and weights from 10-45 pounds, most inshore catches in Savannah typically range from 3-8 pounds. Trophy "bull reds" exceeding 30 pounds are occasionally caught in deeper channels and near offshore structures, particularly during their fall spawning aggregations.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, along with small baitfish and mullet. They often reveal their presence by creating visible "tailing" action in shallow water as they feed along the bottom, with their tails breaking the surface. They typically feed most actively during moving tides, especially the first and last hours of daylight.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall, with peak activity in August through October. During this period, larger breeding fish often gather in large schools near coastal inlets and passes. After spawning, juvenile redfish utilize the protected estuary systems as nursery areas, gradually moving to deeper waters as they mature.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For consistent redfish success in Savannah waters, bottom fishing with cut mullet, live shrimp, or blue crabs proves highly effective, especially during winter months. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits in natural colors, and scented soft plastics on jigheads work well when fished slowly along bottom structure. In February around Savannah, focus on deeper creek channels and holes during low tide periods, then follow the fish as they move onto the flats with the rising tide.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that flakes easily when cooked. It's versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, blackening, or baking. The fish is nutritionally valuable, providing a good source of lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids while maintaining relatively low mercury levels compared to many other saltwater species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Savannah?
A: Live or fresh cut mullet, blue crabs, and live shrimp are the most productive natural baits for Savannah redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics on jigheads, and shallow-running crankbaits in natural colors work particularly well in the local waters.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Savannah?
A: The most productive redfish spots around Savannah include the waters around Little Tybee Island, Wassaw Sound, and the Wilmington River system. Focus on oyster beds, creek mouths, and deeper holes during winter months, especially during falling tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh. It's particularly delicious when prepared blackened, grilled, or baked with light seasoning that doesn't overpower its natural flavor.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Savannah?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Savannah, the winter and early spring months (December through April) often produce the most consistent action for inshore redfish. During these cooler months, the fish typically school up in more predictable locations, making them easier to target.
Q: What size redfish can I keep in Georgia?
A: Georgia fishing regulations specify that redfish must be between 14-23 inches in length to keep, with a daily bag limit of five fish per person. Always check current regulations before fishing as limits and seasons may change.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-action spinning gear with 15-20 pound test line works well for most inshore redfish situations. A 7-foot rod paired with a 3000-4000 series reel provides good casting distance and fighting power for the average Savannah redfish.
