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Beginner Inshore Fishing at St. Simons Island
- Published Date: October 18, 2025
- Fishing
- St Simons Island
- $400 - $600 price range
Summary
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Coastal Catch Snapshots
Massive redfish catch out of the Gulf!
Heavyweight tripletail on deck!
Epic tarpon release in calm backwaters!
Smooth release on a monster tarpon!
Tarpon caught in Georgia waters
Fired up redfish bite on the Gulf!
Powerful Jack Crevalle trio from the Gulf!
Smiling wide with a table full of speckled trout!
Strong hookup with this inshore redfish!
Pumped with this spotted redfish catch!
Massive redfish catch out of the Gulf!
Heavyweight tripletail on deck!
Epic tarpon release in calm backwaters!
Smooth release on a monster tarpon!
Tarpon caught in Georgia waters
Fired up redfish bite on the Gulf!
Powerful Jack Crevalle trio from the Gulf!
Smiling wide with a table full of speckled trout!
Strong hookup with this inshore redfish!
Pumped with this spotted redfish catch!
Massive redfish catch out of the Gulf!
Heavyweight tripletail on deck!
Epic tarpon release in calm backwaters!
Smooth release on a monster tarpon!
Beginner's Guide to Inshore Fishing at St. Simons
Ready to wet a line in the rich coastal waters of St. Simons Island? This half-day inshore fishing trip is tailor-made for newcomers looking to learn the ropes and land their first big catch. With Captain Drew Jones at the helm, you'll explore the twisting creeks and grass flats that make Georgia's coast a angler's playground. Whether you're hoping to hook a hard-fighting redfish or outsmart a crafty sea trout, this trip offers the perfect mix of hands-on learning and pure fishing fun.
What to Expect on the Water
As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build. Captain Drew will get you set up with quality rods, reels, and live bait – all the gear you need to start fishing like a pro. We'll cruise through the marshy backwaters, keeping an eye out for tailing redfish or schools of trout. The beauty of inshore fishing is you're always in protected waters, so no worries about seasickness here. Throughout the trip, Capt. Drew will share tips on casting, setting the hook, and playing fish. By the end of the day, you'll have the skills to come back and fish on your own.
Fishing 101: Inshore Edition
Inshore fishing is all about reading the water and finding the spots where fish like to hang out. We'll use light tackle and live bait, perfect for beginners to get a feel for the bite. You might find yourself tossing a popping cork for trout one minute, then sight-casting to tailing redfish the next. Don't worry if you're new to this – Capt. Drew will walk you through each technique. We'll cover everything from how to properly handle a rod to the best way to unhook and release a fish. It's hands-on learning that's way more fun than any fishing show you've watched on TV.
Top Catches This Season
St. Simons Island is home to a variety of gamefish that'll give you a run for your money. Here's a rundown of what you might hook into:
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish love to cruise the shallow flats and oyster beds. In the fall, big schools of bull reds move into the area, offering the chance at a true trophy catch.
Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a blast on light tackle. They've got a soft mouth, so finesse is key when fighting them. Look for sea trout around grass beds and drop-offs, especially during the cooler months.
Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bottom for unsuspecting prey. While they might not look like much, hooking into a big "doormat" can really make your day. Late summer and fall are prime time for flounder fishing.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are often called "convict fish." They're notorious bait stealers, making them a challenge even for experienced anglers. We target them around pilings and rock jetties where they feed on barnacles and crabs.
Tarpon: The "silver king" makes an appearance in Georgia waters during the hot summer months. While we don't target them on every trip, hooking into one of these acrobatic giants is an unforgettable experience. Even a small tarpon will test your skills and endurance.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
St. Simons Island isn't just a fishing destination – it's a slice of coastal paradise. The meandering creeks and vast salt marshes create a maze of fishing opportunities. One day you might be sight-fishing for tailing redfish in gin-clear water, the next you could be drifting live shrimp under docks for trophy trout. The diversity of fishing spots means we can always find somewhere productive, regardless of weather or tides. And let's not forget the chance to spot dolphins, ospreys, and maybe even a manatee while we're out there.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to catch your first fish or just want to experience the beauty of Georgia's coast, this beginner-friendly inshore trip hits the mark. Captain Drew Jones brings years of local knowledge to ensure you have the best shot at hooking into some quality fish. Remember, all the gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready to learn and have a good time. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Unreel Charters GA a call today and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Who knows – you might just catch the fishing bug and find yourself planning your next trip before this one's even over!
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. Most run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, but bulls over 40 inches do show up. Look for them year-round in shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, often tailing in just inches of water. They're suckers for live or cut bait, but will readily hit artificial lures too. Anglers love sight-fishing for them - spotting that copper-colored back or waving tail gets the heart pumping. They put up a great fight and are excellent eating. My local tip: On calm days, cruise the flats and look for "pushes" - V-shaped wakes made by redfish moving through shallow water. Cast ahead of the wake and hold on tight. There's nothing quite like watching a red chase down your lure in gin-clear water.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though gators over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them year-round in grass flats, creek mouths, and around oyster bars. They really turn on during cool weather. Trout are fun on light tackle and great eating too. Anglers love their aggressive strikes on topwater lures at dawn and dusk. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet. For artificial, try a soft plastic on a jighead. My tip: When you find a school, work the area thoroughly. Sea trout often hold in groups, so where there's one, there's usually more. Fan-cast the area and vary your retrieve until you dial in what they want.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are quirky little brawlers, usually 1-8 pounds but can reach 20. Look for their distinctive black and white stripes around docks, pilings, and oyster beds. They love crunching barnacles and crabs with those freaky human-like teeth. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. But they put up a solid fight and make great table fare. To catch 'em, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp. Fish right up against structure, keeping your line tight to feel the bite. My local tip: When you feel that telltale nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Let them get the bait in their mouth first. Patience pays off with these convict-striped tricksters.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the heavyweights of inshore fishing. These silver giants can grow over 6 feet long and top 200 pounds, though most run 80-100 pounds. They're known for spectacular aerial displays, leaping clear out of the water when hooked. Look for them in deeper channels and around structures like bridges from late spring through fall. They migrate through our area, so timing is key. Anglers love targeting tarpon for the intense fight and bragging rights - landing one is a real accomplishment. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but artificials can produce too. My tip: When a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to give it slack. Otherwise that powerful head shake might throw the hook. Just remember, these are catch-and-release only - too bony to eat, but an amazing sportfish.
Tripletail
Tripletail are odd-looking but delicious fish, usually 2-15 pounds. They're masters of camouflage, often floating sideways to mimic debris. Look for them around buoys, crab trap floats, and drifting seaweed from late spring through fall. Sight-fishing for them is a blast - it's like a aquatic game of hide and seek. They put up a good scrap for their size and are fantastic eating. Live shrimp or small baitfish work great, but they'll hit artificial lures too. My tip: When you spot one, don't cast directly at it. They spook easily. Instead, cast past it and slowly work your bait into its field of vision. Be patient and let the tripletail make the first move. When it does, hold on tight - they're stronger than they look!
About the Carolina Skiff
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki engine
Maximum Cruising Speed: 15
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70
