Inshore Fishing Report Savannah, GA./Tybee Island. Spring 2022

Inshore Fishing Report Spring 2022 – Savannah, Ga./Tybee Island

This spring we’ve had lots of wind. Typically if is the forecast is for the wind to be at 10 to 15 knots the reality is more likely 15 to 20 withs gusts.

My wife says she like the wind. Occasionally I’ll come across an inshore fishing article where the author likes the wind. I’ll say this exception not the rule. The wind can make simple things like tying knot or docking a boat difficult. I realize the wind is mixing and mingling the atmosphere which a good thing for a healthy environment but when fishing in the wind it can pose unique challenges.

I like to windward as often as possible but what’s possible one day might not the next. My standard is to look at the flags. If the flags are straight out that usually mean stick to the creeks (the most protected waters).

In Savannah live shrimp in bait shops has been inconsistent. Recently bait shops in the southern parts of the county are reporting availability of shrimp. That said most these are large white shrimp (not the best bait size). Shortly these large shrimp will fall out into deep holes in the river then vanish till later in the year. For fishermen depending on shrimp finding bait can be expensive and frustrating. Live shrimp are still a great bait and perhaps the best bait for fishing on the coast. Another good bait is the lowly mud minnow.

This time of the year we’re fishing live and dead bait: shrimp, mud minnows and fiddler crabs, as well as cut bait and soft plastics. Fishermen are always for next hot lure and there are several. The main thing is confidence in the lure or bait you fish. If you have confidence in your lure/bait you’ll likely catch fish with it. You won’t find any shortage of ideas from local tackle shops and online. Pick a few and stick with them. If you’re like me you’ll find one then go to the next. An all round good search bait is a white curl tail and a darker colored bait (such as new penny). One fisherman has said a redfish will eat anything. Well almost anythings. The net result is that most lures will fish but there is an art to color selection, body style, feel and smell and the jig. Try to keep things simple and start with a 1/4 oz. jig. Think bright colors for sea trout and brown and down for reds.

This spring we’ll been mostly fishing for reds. We’ve caught some whiting in the sounds and a couple of early sand bars sharks (water temp 62). Sea trout are beginning to move: some large sea trout at the jetties and in the rivers.

This spring will likely produce some good fishing once the weather straightens out.

We caught some reds sight casting and fishing structure. Sea trout fishing clean water and current. Sea trout are spread out and be found in around jetties, in the rivers and upriver.

Could be a good year for inshore fishing shaping up!

I hope this of interest and help!

Fish On!

Jack

Capt. Jack McGowan
Coastal River Charters