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Beginner Inshore Fishing | Savannah's Best Trip
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Savannah
- $150 - $1,000 price range
Summary
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Savannah's Inshore Catches
Reel In Fun: Savannah Inshore Fishing 101
Ready to wet a line in Savannah's rich coastal waters? Captain Zach's 3-hour inshore trip is perfect for newcomers looking to learn the ropes and seasoned anglers alike. You'll cruise through scenic salt marshes and estuaries, casting for some of the area's most sought-after inshore species. With all gear provided and expert guidance from the Captain, you're in for a relaxed day of fishing and soaking up those classic Georgia coast vibes.
What's the Scoop?
Picture this: You and up to three buddies hop aboard Captain Zach's well-equipped boat for a morning or afternoon of laid-back fishing. No need to lug any gear – the Captain's got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. As you putter out into Savannah's maze-like waterways, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, ospreys, and maybe even a gator sunning on the bank. Captain Zach knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll hit up all the local honey holes where the fish are biting.
Bait, Cast, Repeat
New to fishing? No sweat. Captain Zach's all about helping folks learn the ropes. He'll show you how to bait your hook, cast like a pro, and read the water for signs of fish. You might start off with some simple bottom fishing, dropping your line near oyster beds or creek mouths where redfish and trout love to hang out. As you get the hang of things, you might try your hand at sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or working a topwater lure for some explosive trout action. The beauty of inshore fishing is how varied it can be – one minute you're finessing a soft plastic for flounder, the next you're battling a bruiser redfish that's trying to wrap you around a dock piling.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Known for their strong fights and that distinctive black spot on their tail, redfish (also called red drum) can be found year-round in Savannah. In the cooler months, you might tangle with some real giants in the 30-40 inch range. Reds love to cruise the shallow flats and hang around oyster bars, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these guys aren't trout at all, but members of the drum family. Locals call 'em specks, and they're prized for both their fight and their tasty fillets. Spring and fall are prime time for trout fishing, when water temperatures are just right. These aggressive feeders will hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures, often providing fast action when you find a school.
Flounder: Masters of camouflage, these flatfish lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing unsuspecting prey. While they might not look like much, flounder put up a surprisingly good fight and are absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Late summer and early fall see good numbers of flounder moving through the inshore waters. Drift fishing with live mud minnows or slowly working a jig along the bottom are great ways to target these tasty flatties.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead look a bit like convicts of the sea. These crafty fish have powerful jaws lined with human-like teeth, perfect for crushing the crabs and barnacles they love to munch on. Sheepshead fishing requires finesse and patience, but landing one of these tough fighters is always rewarding. You'll find them around structure like pilings and seawalls, especially during the cooler months.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Savannah's inshore waters are a fish-filled playground, and Captain Zach's trip is the perfect way to experience it. Whether you're a total newbie or just looking to sharpen your skills, you'll come away with new techniques and a deeper appreciation for this unique ecosystem. The laid-back pace means there's plenty of time to chat, swap fish stories, and soak in the natural beauty of the Georgia coast. And let's be real – there's nothing quite like the thrill of feeling that first tug on your line, knowing you're connected to a fish that's probably older than you are.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to trade the city streets for salt marsh creeks? Captain Zach's 3-hour inshore trip is calling your name. It's the perfect taste of what Savannah fishing has to offer, whether you're squeezing in a quick trip during a vacation or looking for a fun way to spend a morning with the family. Remember, the boat only takes four anglers, so spots fill up fast – especially during peak seasons. Don't miss your chance to create some lasting memories (and maybe even catch dinner). Give Captain Zach a call and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Southeast has to offer. Trust me, once you feel that redfish pull, you'll be hooked for life!
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are a staple of our inshore fishery. These bronze-colored battlers typically run 3-10 pounds in the shallows, but big bulls over 30 pounds show up in deeper water. Look for them tailing in skinny water or cruising grass flats and oyster bars. They're active year-round but really fire up in fall as water temps cool. Redfish are famous for their powerful runs and dogged fights - even smaller ones will test your drag. They'll hit a variety of lures, but it's hard to beat a gold spoon or scented soft plastic. Live bait like finger mullet or cut mullet works great too. When sight fishing, make long casts and lead the fish - they spook easily in shallow water. One local trick: on cloudy days, try bright-colored lures to help them stand out. Redfish make excellent table fare with their firm, white meat, though we encourage catch and release for the bigger breeders.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 1-3 pounds, but trophy "gator" trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially on moving tides. They're aggressive predators and will hit a variety of lures - topwaters early in the morning can be exciting. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always productive too. Fall through spring is prime time, as they move into shallower waters. Sea trout put up a good fight on light tackle and make excellent eating with their mild, flaky meat. One tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip down and don't horse them in. They have soft mouths, so a gentle touch helps prevent them from throwing the hook. Night fishing around lighted docks can be especially productive and a fun change of pace.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are one of the oddballs of inshore fishing, with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These tough fighters usually run 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20. You'll find them around any hard structure - docks, bridges, jetties - where they use those chompers to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that telltale nibble, give them a second to fully commit before setting the hook hard. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or even oysters make great bait. Use a small, strong hook and just enough weight to hold bottom in the current. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for the challenge and their excellent table fare. The white, flaky meat is delicious but can be tricky to clean - I always offer to fillet them for my guests.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder are a popular inshore target, typically weighing 1-8 pounds. These flatfish have both eyes on their left side and can change color to blend with the bottom. You'll find them in estuaries and nearshore waters, often hanging around structure or sandy areas. They're ambush predators, so look for them near drop-offs or hiding spots. Fall is prime time, as they migrate to deeper waters for winter. Flounder put up a decent fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, white meat. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give them a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and sweep the rod to the side for a solid hookset. Live bait like minnows or finger mullet work great, but soft plastics can be deadly too. Drift fishing or slow trolling are effective techniques to cover ground and find active fish.
About the Captain Zach’s Fishing Charter
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
