Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Savannah, GA (2026 Guide)

Wassaw Sound is a remote barrier island sound accessible only by boat, and that remoteness is exactly what makes it exceptional. The Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuge protects the area from development, keeping the habitat pristine and the fish population relatively undisturbed. On flood tides, large red drum pour onto the extensive grass flats in the sound, and sight fishing to tailing reds in skinny water is at its absolute best here. The deeper channels hold bull reds — fish in the 30 to 50 inch class — on the outgoing tide. A wide variety of presentation angles and depths means both fly anglers and conventional tackle anglers can find productive water. Plan for a full day trip when visiting Wassaw.

Ossabaw Island is managed by Georgia DNR as a heritage preserve, and the limited human impact has allowed the inshore fishery to thrive at exceptional levels. The island’s extensive creek and flat systems hold both slot-sized red drum and the large bull reds (over-slot fish in the 27+ inch range) that make Georgia famous among red drum enthusiasts. Wade fishing on the expansive flats during flood tides is a transcendent experience — the water is often surprisingly clear, fish are plentiful, and the scenery is pristine barrier island wilderness. Because access requires a boat and the island has limited public landing facilities, always do your homework before visiting. The effort is absolutely worth it.

Tybee Island is the most accessible fishing destination near Savannah, and it delivers year-round. The tidal flats near the Tybee inlet provide excellent spotted seatrout and flounder action, particularly at low tide when fish concentrate in the deeper depressions and channel edges. The Tybee jetties are outstanding for sheepshead on barnacle-encrusted rocks year-round and produce Spanish mackerel during spring and fall migrations. Shore anglers can access the south jetty via the public parking areas near Fort Screven. Wade fishing the backside of Tybee Island on an incoming tide is excellent for trout and redfish, especially early morning when the flats are quiet.

The mouth of the Savannah River where it meets the Atlantic is a major tidal gateway that produces outstanding fishing for structure-oriented species. Large black drum and sheepshead hold on the jetty rocks year-round, feeding on crabs, mussels, and barnacles. Spanish mackerel school outside the jetties in fall and can be targeted with silver spoons or small jigs on medium tackle. Red drum work the current seams along the jetty edges on incoming tides. The South Carolina side of the river mouth (which falls under SC jurisdiction) offers additional access points. Strong currents are the defining challenge here — use heavier jig heads and terminal tackle than you normally would to get down to fish.

The Bull River is a tributary of Wassaw Sound that offers slightly more sheltered fishing than the open sound while still holding excellent populations of red drum and trout. The river’s grass flat edges on the inside bends are prime morning redfish locations — fish the incoming tide as reds push up onto the grassy margins to feed. Kayak anglers will find the river particularly well-suited to their craft: shallow enough to access key spots, protected from offshore wind, and relatively quiet compared to the main sound. Flounder are consistent in the deeper holes and along the channel edges throughout the warmer months. The boat ramp access near the Bull River Marina makes this one of the most logistically convenient spots in the Savannah area.

Skidaway Narrows is a tidal channel system near Skidaway Island that creates significant current constriction, concentrating baitfish and attracting predators in numbers disproportionate to the area’s modest size. When the tide is running hard, trout and flounder stack in the current seams on the downcurrent sides of bends and structure. The dock and pier structure along the narrows holds sheepshead year-round and is excellent for redfish on falling tides when bait washes against the pilings. Skidaway Island State Park provides public access to the waterway for kayakers and small boat anglers. Fish the last two hours of outgoing tide for the most concentrated predator action at current seams.

Turner Creek near the Thunderbolt Marina is one of the most accessible fishing spots in the greater Savannah area, making it popular with both local regulars and visitors looking for a quick, productive trip. The small tidal creek drains a productive marsh system, and morning redfish on the grass flat edges are a reliable pattern on incoming tides from spring through fall. The creek is short enough to fish thoroughly from a kayak in a half-day session. Trout hold in the slightly deeper water at the creek’s junction with the Wilmington River. While it doesn’t have the remote wilderness appeal of Ossabaw or Wassaw, Turner Creek delivers consistent results for anglers who know the tides and timing.

Little Tybee Island is an uninhabited barrier island accessible only by kayak or shallow-draft boat, and the lack of human presence makes it one of the finest sight fishing destinations near Savannah. On flood tides, red drum move up onto the open sand and shell flats in numbers that can be breathtaking — tailing fish visible for hundreds of yards in clear conditions. The island’s shallow flats require a careful, quiet approach: pole or paddle well upwind and uptide of your target area, move slowly, and cast well ahead of visible fish. Calm mornings in spring and fall produce the best sight fishing conditions. The absence of motor noise in the no-motor areas allows you to hear feeding fish before you see them — the distinctive mulling sound of a redfish feeding on the bottom.