Salt Water Fishing in Savannah, Georgia

Salt Water Fishing in Savannah, Georgia
Photo Credit fishing image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com

Savannah is a Georgia coastal city along the Atlantic ocean that offers excellent salt water fishing resources. The fishing grounds around Tybee Island in Savannah provide great inshore fishing for several species including redfish, tarpon and trout. Grouper, shark and tuna are among the popular species that inhabit deeper waters accessible by the many charter boating facilities that are available. Fishing is an excellent way to spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying nature, and receiving the benefits of moderate exercise. Fish is also a recommended food group for improving heart and vascular health.

Background and History

Savannah Georgia is a historic waterfront city located within Chatham county in the state of Georgia. Savannah was founded in 1733 as the first settlement colony in Georgia. Savannah has antebellum homes, historic cemeteries and museums rich in southern tradition. Savannah is also has modern hotel and condominium facilities including Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn. Savannah Georgia is a recreation and vacation destination that provides an exceptional salt water fishing destination by virtue of it's location in proximity to the Atlantic ocean.

Regulations

Anglers age 16 and over must have a fishing license while fishing in fresh or salt water within the state of Georgia. Licenses can be purchased at state parks, marinas, bait and tackle facilities and online at gofishgeorgia's website. The cost of an annual fishing license for residents and non-residents is $9. Senior citizens over the age of 65 can obtain a lifetime fishing permit for free by furnishing proof of age.

Fishing Spots

The Downing Piers within the city provide access to a large variety of inshore species, particularly red drum, croaker and spots The Salt Creek also has an access point that is inland and provides a sheltered habitat for fishing for fresh and salt water species including spotted bass, catfish and red drum. It is an excellent venue for family outings. Tybee Island extends out into the Atlantic ocean and is located approximately 18 miles east of Savannah. Tybee is known as an excellent salt water fishing habitat using a boat, pier or fishing from the beach and surf.

Fishing Strategies

There are over 20 miles of Savannah coast waterways that hold natural reefs in 50 to 75 feet of water. It is helpful to locate where birds are feeding near the top of the water as an indicator of bait fish on the surface and schools of larger fish underneath. Redfish, trout, spots, and whiting are popular species to fish for inshore using cut fish or shrimp as bait. Bottom fishing tactics are used when fishing for grouper, amberjack, tuna and larger species from charter boats. Live bait fish, shrimp and squid are excellent baits to use to attract the larger species. Although artificial lures and cut fish baits may be used, live baits are strategic to catching larger fish.

Charter Fishing Operators

The best offshore fishing opportunities are found around natural structure including cliffs and coral reefs. and man made structure such as ship wrecks in deeper waters. Local charter boat operators are familiar with these waters and knowledgeable about the location of the best fishing locations. Many charter boat operators are located along the coast of Georgia including:

Miss Judy Fishing Charters
One More Cast Charters
Action Fishing Charters
Amick's Deep Sea Fishing Inc.
Scales and Tails Inshore Fishing Charter‎

References

Article reviewed by DanRyan Last updated on: Dec 7, 2010

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