Winter Time Red Fishing in Jekyll and St. Simons Island, GA

by | Dec 12, 2023 | Captains Musings

Winter time red fish

Winter Time Red Fishing: Your Guide to Success

Winter time red fishing in the Golden Isles of Georgia, including Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, can be outstanding.  The Golden Isles are renowned destinations for fly anglers due to their diverse ecosystems and abundant fish populations. While the fishing scene thrives year-round, there’s something particularly special about fly fishing for redfish in the winter.

Why Winter is a Great Time to Fly Fish for Redfish

During the colder months, redfish tend to aggregate in larger schools, making them easier to locate and target. This period also boasts crystal clear waters, At the water cools, the plankton, algae, etc. die and settle to the bottom offering anglers a prime opportunity to sight fish for these beautiful creatures.

Ideal Locations for Winter Redfish Fishing in the Golden Isles

Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island offer a plethora of excellent spots for fly fishing redfish in winter. Here are some of the most notable areas:

  • The Jekyll Island Causeway: This expansive flat provides ample opportunities to sight fish for redfish tailing in the shallows.
  • St. Simons Sound: This vast sound harbors numerous oyster beds and grass flats, attracting redfish and other inshore species.
  • The Marshes surrounding Jekyll  and St. Simons Islands: These marshlands offer a unique environment for fly fishing, with redfish frequently cruising the edges in search of prey.
  • The Brunswick River: This nearby river system holds healthy redfish populations, especially during the winter months.

Tips and Techniques for Winter Redfish Fly Fishing

To maximize your chances of success while fly fishing for redfish in the Golden Isles during winter, keep these tips in mind:

  • Choose the right flies: Opt for smaller flies that imitate shrimp, such as the Clouser Minnow, the Prawn’s Revenge, or the St. Simons Scampi.
  • Lengthen your leader: As the water cools and clears, redfish become more wary, so using a longer leader (12-15 feet) is crucial for stealthy presentations.
  • Cast accurately and quikcly: Redfish have keen eyesight, so making precise casts with minimal false casts is essential to avoid spooking them.
  • Fish the tide changes: Redfish often move with the tides, so timing your fishing sessions around incoming or outgoing tides can be highly productive.
  • Be patient: Redfish can be fickle, so patience and perseverance are key to success.

Additional Considerations

Remember to be mindful of the regulations and conservation efforts in place. Always check for current fishing licenses and size limits for redfish in the Golden Isles. Respecting the environment and practicing responsible fishing ensures the sustainability of the redfish population for future generations. Fly Cast Charters is 100% catch and release on redfish.

Beyond the Redfish: Winter Fly Fishing Adventures in the Golden Isles

While redfish are undoubtedly the star attraction for winter fly fishing in the Golden Isles, other species also offer exciting opportunities. Anglers can target speckled sea trout, sheepshead, and even black drum during this season.

Experience the Thrill of Winter Fly Fishing in the Golden Isles

Fishing for redfish in the Golden Isles during winter offers a unique and rewarding experience. With its stunning scenery, clear waters, and abundant fish populations, this destination is a true fly fishing paradise. So, grab your gear, refine your skills, and prepare to enjoy unforgettable winter time fishing for red fish in the heart of Georgia’s coastal beauty.

Check out my weekly fishing reports on Orvis.com.

Additional Resources

Embark on your winter fly fishing adventure in the Golden Isles and create memories that will last a lifetime!  Contact Capt. Dave at Fly Cast Charters today:
Fly Cast Charters Contact Page
Red Fish Tailing in the Grass

Spring Fishing Report and Special Announcement

Fly Fishing Film Festival is coming to Brunswick on April 12

A full day of fly-fishing goodness is planned on April 12.  Special fly tying with Blane Choclett, Vendor Tents and a skiff show with the Film Festival starting at 6:00.  This is the major fundraiser for the Georgia Saltwater Anglers Association.  This is one of the few organizations pushing for red fish and general fisheries conservation.  Make plans today to attend.

We are in the Spring pattern for fishing.  The big winter schools of reds seem to have broken up.  On good wind days, we can find these fish on the flats or at the backs of creeks.  However, they are not everywhere, and it is necessary to actively seek them out.  As the Spring progresses, the weather will become more stable, with light Southerly winds in the morning changing to the sea breeze in the afternoon

Trout are coming back shallow and are being found on Oyster bars and at creek mouths.  You must move around during this season.  We find them one here and one there.

The Triple Tail are back.  This is a unique fishery where these fish free float in front of Jekyll Island.  It is also a spotty fishery.  Sometimes they pop up and other times they don’t.  Look at my blog on Triple Tail fishing on my Captain’s Musings Page. You must have light, westerly winds to hunt these fish in the ocean.  At this time of year, if the conditions are right, I like to combine shallow water sight fishing for reds with sight fishing for Triple Tail.  Catching your first Triple Tail on the fly is an exhilarating experience.

At the water approaches 70 degrees, the May flood tide fishing should be excellent.  We have good tides for tailing reds on the evenings of May 23-25 and June 14, then June 21-23.  Call if you are interested in booking one of these days.

I have lots of availability for the flood tides of September and October.  There are some excellent tide dates still available.  Call, text or email to enjoy this Classic Southern Fly Fishing to tailing redfish in the flooded marsh.

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Call, text or Email for more information:  706.430.1276 or Flycastcharters@gmail.com