COASTAL GEORGIA FISHING

Fishing is one of the most popular sports and leisure-time activities in Southeast Coastal Georgia and the Golden Isles. Both salt water and fresh water fishing opportunities abound. For salt-water fishermen, placid waters in hundreds of tidal creeks wind through rich salt marshes, which serve as nurseries for many economically important fish and shellfish species and offer an abundant variety of edible fish. Crab and Georgia’s delicious wild white shrimp can be caught from docks, piers and along the beaches. Georgia’s wide rivers and broad sounds offer more opportunities for anglers in all seasons. It’s easy to find the popular inshore fishing spots… on the rising tide, you’ll see small boats congregating near deep “fising holes” on the Intercoastal Waterway.

The following fish can be found in Georgia’s coastal waters year round: Red Drum, Snapper, Black Sea Bass, Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Sheepshead, Spotted Sea Trout, Dolphin, Gag Grouper, White Marlin, and King Mackerel. Between March 16 and December 31, Amberjack, Bluefish, Cobia, Tarpon, and Spanish Mackerel can be caught.

Offshore, the continental shelf slopes gradually for over 80 nautical miles before joining the Gulf Stream. This broad, shallow shelf consists mainly of dynamic sand/shell expanses. Because natural reef communities, which provide food and shelter for popular varieties of game fish, cannot grow from this foundation, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources maintains several offshore artificial reefs. Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, a popular fishing and diving destination located 17 nautical miles east of Sapelo Island attracts pellagic game fish, such as King Mackerel, Amberjack, Barracuda, Dolphin, and wahoo. The eight Navy Towers, located 40 to 60 nautical miles offshore, were erected in the 1980’s as part of the Tactical Aircrew Combat System. Reaching 180 feet in height, these highly visible structures are a popular destination for offshore anglers.

A license is required of all resident anglers, 16 years and older, for both fresh water and saltwater fishing. The season runs from April 1-March 31. A fishing license is not required when fishing in a public pond. Public harvesting of oysters and clams is permitted year-round in approved picking areas with the following limits: Two bushels of oysters per person, six bushels per boat; one bushel of clams per person, two bushels per boat. The use of crab traps does not require a permit.

For more information about inshore and offshore fishing, including current sport fishing regulations, visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division website, www.gadnr.org, select “Coastal Resources Division.” For information on local charter captains, visit our concierge.