Introduction:
I’m Capt. David Edens, a local angler/guide. I have been guiding for 15 years and fishing the inshore waters around St. Simons for over 40 years. While I am a fly-fishing enthusiast, I thought it would be interesting to share with you some of my best tips and tricks for fishing in St. Simons GA with conventional tackle.
Saint Simons Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Georgia, and it’s surrounded by some of the best inshore fishing grounds in the Southeast. The island is home to a variety of fish species, including redfish, spotted sea trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, and more.
I may be biased, but If you’re new to inshore fishing, or if you’re looking to improve your skills, I recommend hiring a fishing charter guide. There are many experienced and knowledgeable guides who operate in the Saint Simons area, and they can help you find the fish and equip you with the right gear.
Even if you’re experienced, hiring a guide, here is a link to my contact page. can still be a great way to learn new techniques. And, of course, it’s always more fun to fish with friends!
Best times to fish:
The best times for fishing in Saint Simons are during the spring and fall. During these times of year, the water temperatures are mild and the fish are active. However, you can catch fish year-round in Saint Simons, as long as you know where to look.
Best places to fish:
There are many great places to fish in Saint Simons. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Saint Simons Sound: This sound is home to a variety of fish species, including redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead.
- Satilla and Little Satilla rivers: These rivers empty into the ocean behind and South of Jekyll, which is a little South of St. Simons, and they are great places to catch redfish, trout, and black drum.
- Marshes: The marshes surrounding Saint Simons Island and between St. Simons and Sea Island are home to a variety of fish species, including redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead.
Best gear:
The best gear for inshore fishing in Saint Simons depends on the species of fish you’re targeting. However, there are a few basic items that you’ll need:
- Rod and reel: A 7-8 foot medium-light to medium-heavy action spinning or baitcasting rod is a good all-around choice for inshore fishing.
- Line: Braided line is a good choice for inshore fishing, as it’s strong and resistant to abrasion.
- Lures: A variety of artificial lures can be used for inshore fishing, including jigs, spoons, and soft plastics. If you’re fishing live bait, shrimp and mud minnows are good choices.
Fishing tips:
Here are a few fishing tips for inshore fishing in Saint Simons:
- Tide: The tide plays a big role in inshore fishing. Fish are generally more active during incoming and outgoing tides.
- Structure: Fish are often attracted to structure, such as oyster beds, grass flats, and docks.
- Presentation: It’s important to present your lure or bait naturally. If you’re casting, make sure to let your lure sink to the bottom before you start reeling. If you’re fishing live bait, use a popping/slip cork rig to keep your bait from becoming hung up on oysters.
Conclusion:
Inshore fishing in Saint Simons, GA is a great way to catch a variety of fish species and enjoy the beautiful scenery. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success and have a great time on the water.
Personalized tips:
Here are a few personalized tips for inshore fishing in Saint Simons, GA:
- If you’re targeting redfish, try fishing with a topwater lure early in the morning or late in the evening.
- If you’re targeting trout, try fishing with a jig or soft plastic around oyster beds and creek mouths. Live shrimp is the most popular bait for speckled sea trout.
- If you’re targeting flounder, try fishing with a live shrimp or mud minnows on the bottom near structure. Lightweight jig heads with Gulp or curly tail plastics work well too.
- If you’re targeting sheepshead, try fishing with a fiddler crab or shrimp around docks and pilings.
- If you’re targeting black drum, try fishing with a live crab or shrimp on the bottom around creek mouths.