Ready to feel your heart race as you reel in one of the ocean's top predators? Captain Zach's Fishing Charter has you covered with our Private Half-Day Shark Fishing Trip out of Savannah, GA. We're talking serious action just a few miles offshore, where blacktips, sandbars, and even hammerheads cruise the warm Atlantic waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge or a first-timer wanting to test your mettle, this trip delivers an adrenaline rush you won't soon forget.
As soon as we clear the inlet, you'll feel the excitement build. Captain Zach knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have us headed straight for the shark hotspots. We'll set up our drift, get the chum flowing, and before you know it, you'll be watching that rod tip for signs of action. When a shark takes the bait, hold on tight! These powerful fish put up one heck of a fight, and you'll need all your strength and skill to bring them boatside. Don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Zach's there to coach you every step of the way. And trust me, nothing beats the rush of seeing that dorsal fin break the surface as you bring in your catch.
We don't mess around when it comes to tackle. You'll be using heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with braided line that can handle the stress of a big shark's initial run. Circle hooks are our go-to – they're great for catch-and-release, hooking right in the corner of the mouth for an easy removal. As for bait, we typically use fresh-caught fish or chunks of oily fish like mackerel or bonito. The fresher the bait, the better your chances of attracting a hungry shark. Captain Zach's got all the gear covered, so you just need to bring your game face and maybe a pair of polarized sunglasses to cut the glare on the water.
"Such a fun trip! Would definatly go again! Captain is great and will try to get you on some good sharks!" - Kayla
Bonnethead Shark: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these little cousins of the hammerhead put up a scrappy fight. Usually hanging out in shallower waters, bonnetheads are perfect for lighter tackle and great for beginners. They're most active in the warmer months and love crab and shrimp, so we might switch up our bait if we're targeting these guys.
Blacktip Shark: Now we're talking some serious action. Blacktips are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. These sharks can hit 6 feet long and put up a fight that'll test even experienced anglers. They're around most of the year but really fire up when the water warms up in late spring and summer. Watching a blacktip go airborne when it feels the hook is a sight you won't forget.
Lemon Shark: These yellowish-brown predators are a favorite among shark anglers. They can grow up to 10 feet long and have a reputation for being stubborn fighters. Lemons like to hang around the bottom, so we'll often use heavier weights to get our bait down where they're cruising. They're here year-round, but spring and fall seem to be the peak seasons.
Scalloped Hammerhead: Landing one of these is the holy grail of shark fishing off Savannah. With that distinctive hammer-shaped head, they're unmistakable when they come up to the boat. Scalloped hammerheads can grow massive – we're talking 12 feet or more – and they've got the power to match. They're not as common as some other species, but when they show up, usually in the hotter summer months, it's an all-hands-on-deck situation. Hooking into one of these giants will test everything you've got as an angler.
Look, I could go on all day about the rush of shark fishing, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. With Captain Zach at the helm, you're in for a safe, exciting day on the water with a real shot at hooking into something big. Our half-day trips are perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to add some serious excitement to their Savannah visit. We've got room for up to 5 guests, so grab your crew and let's hit the water. The sharks are out there waiting – are you ready to take them on? Book your spot now and get ready for some real fishing action, Savannah style!
August 19, 2024
Blacktip sharks are a popular target here, usually 4-5 feet long and known for their energetic fights. You'll find them cruising the nearshore waters, especially around sandbars and drop-offs. They're most active in summer when the water warms up. Blacktips are famous for their aerial displays - don't be surprised if you see one leap clear out of the water chasing bait fish. That excitement carries over when you hook one - expect hard runs and acrobatic jumps. Fresh cut bait like mullet or mackerel works well. Try fishing the tide changes for best results. One local trick: if you see birds diving, there's a good chance blacktips are feeding below. These sharks give you a real workout on medium tackle, and their meat is pretty good eating too if you want to keep one for the grill.
Bonnethead sharks are the smallest hammerhead species, usually 3-4 feet long. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, especially around estuaries and bays. These guys are pretty timid, often swimming in small schools. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. Summer's the prime time to catch them off Savannah before they head south for winter. Bonnetheads put up a spirited fight on light tackle, making them fun to catch even for beginners. Just be ready for some acrobatics - they're known to leap out of the water when hooked. To improve your odds, try chumming with crushed crab and fishing the outgoing tide near oyster bars. Remember, these sharks are quick and agile, so keep your line tight and be patient. It's all about finesse with bonnetheads.
Lemon sharks are hefty customers, often 6-9 feet long with a stocky build. They like warm, shallow coastal waters and you'll often spot them near mangroves or seagrass beds. Spring and early summer are prime times to target them off Savannah as they move north. Lemons are known for their strength and endurance - hooking one means you're in for a long, powerful fight. They're not as fast or jumpy as some sharks, but they make up for it with sheer muscle. Fresh fish like mullet or jack crevalle make great bait. One tip: lemons have an excellent sense of smell, so a good chum slick can really get them fired up. Patience is key - they often investigate bait several times before committing. When fishing for lemons, use stout tackle and be prepared for a battle of attrition. It's a real rush when you finally bring one of these brutes boatside.
Scalloped hammerheads are impressive sharks, females reaching up to 8 feet long. They're typically found in deeper offshore waters, but sometimes cruise closer to shore. Summer's your best bet for catching them off Savannah. These sharks are known for their unique hammer-shaped head, which gives them an almost 360-degree view. They're swift swimmers and put up an intense fight when hooked. Expect long runs and powerful dives. Fresh oily fish like mackerel or bonito work well as bait. One local secret: hammerheads often follow schools of rays, so keep an eye out for rays jumping - there might be a hammerhead in pursuit. While we practice catch and release with these endangered sharks, just seeing one up close is unforgettable. Their odd head shape and piercing eyes make for an encounter you won't soon forget.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 37
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Such a fun trip! Would definatly go again! Captain is great and will try to get you on some good sharks!