Georgia Charter Fishing – Capt Greg Hildreth

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  • St Simons Island July Fishing Report

    St. Simons Island Fishing Report: Sizzling Summer Action in July

    Get ready to reel in a great catch! July on St. Simons Island brings some of the hottest fishing action of the year, both inshore and nearshore. As the Georgia coast heats up, so does the bite for a variety of popular species. From the thrill of battling a mighty Tarpon to the rewarding pursuit of Speckled Trout, here’s your guide to what’s biting, where to find them, and the best baits to use this month.

    Inshore Fishing: Redfish, Trout, and More

    The inshore waters of St. Simons are alive with activity in July. Anglers can expect to find a strong bite for several sought-after fish.

    • Speckled Trout: The early morning and late evening hours are prime time for targeting speckled trout. They are congregating in creek mouths, around oyster beds, and other structured areas.
      • Hot Tip: A noisy popping cork with a live shrimp is a classic and effective combination. For artificial lures, try soft plastic jerk baits or jigs.


    • Redfish: Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a year-round favorite. In July, they can be found moving with the tides and feeding in the shallow marsh grass.

      • Hot Tip: Look for tailing redfish in the grass during high tides, especially around full and new moons. Try live bait like mud minnows or cut bait, or artificial lures like a 1/4-ounce jig head with a Gulp! Swimming Mullet.


    • Flounder: Flounder fishing really picks up in the heat of the summer. Target creek mouths, bridges, and dock posts where they lie in wait to ambush bait.

      • Hot Tip: A Carolina rig with a mud minnow or live shrimp on the bottom is a proven method. You can also have success with a jig head and a soft plastic lure.

      Nearshore and Offshore: Big Game and Big Fun

      For those looking for a bigger fight, the nearshore and offshore waters are producing some fantastic catches.

      • Tarpon: The “Silver King” arrives in good numbers starting in July. These powerful fish can be found off the beaches and in offshore channels, often seen rolling on the surface near schools of baitfish.
        • Hot Tip: Live menhaden (pogies) are a top choice for bait, fished under a cork or free-lined.


      • Sharks: Shark fishing is in full swing in July. You can catch various species like Blacktips and Spinners both inshore and nearshore.

        • Hot Tip: Use a piece of fresh fish on the bottom near the ocean. For a more exciting experience, drift a live menhaden through bait schools off the beach.


      • Whiting: Whiting fishing is a great option for a relaxing day on the beach or pier. They are abundant and biting well in July.

        • Hot Tip: Use dead shrimp on a Carolina rig fished on the bottom.

        Essential Tips for July Fishing

        • Beat the Heat: With the heat index averaging over 105°F, it’s crucial to fish during the cooler parts of the day. The early morning bite is often the most productive.
        • Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen to stay safe on the water.
        • Match the Hatch: Live bait, especially shrimp, mullet, and pogies, are often the most effective. Pay attention to what the fish are feeding on in the area you are fishing and try to use similar bait.

  • St. Simons Island Fishing Report – June 2025

    St. Simons Island Fishing Report – June 2025

    Summer is in full swing on the Georgia coast, and St. Simons Island fishing charters are delivering unforgettable action both inshore and offshore. With warm waters and calm seas, anglers are enjoying some of the best fishing conditions of the year.

    Inshore Action

    The inshore bite is red-hot right now. Spotted seatrout and redfish are feeding aggressively around oyster beds and grass lines during the early morning tides. Live shrimp under popping corks and soft plastics like Vudu Shrimp are producing consistent hookups. Flounder are also showing up in good numbers near creek mouths and sandy drop-offs.

    Nearshore & Offshore

    For those booking St. Simons Island fishing charters targeting nearshore wrecks, king mackerel, cobia, and Spanish mackerel are the stars of the show. Kingfish are striking slow-trolled live baits, while cobia are cruising structure and responding well to bucktail jigs. Offshore, anglers are reporting solid catches of red snapper, vermillion snapper, and even gag grouper—though be sure to check current regulations before heading out.

    Shark & Tarpon Season

    June also marks the beginning of shark and tarpon season. Blacktip and bonnethead sharks are abundant and provide thrilling action for anglers of all ages. Tarpon are starting to roll in, especially around the mouths of the Altamaha and Satilla Rivers. These silver kings are a bucket-list catch and a specialty of many St. Simons Island fishing charters.

    Book Your Charter

    Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, now is the perfect time to book a St. Simons Island fishing charter.

  • St. Simons Island Fishing Charters Report – May 2025

    St. Simons Island Fishing Charters Report – May 2025

    Looking for St. Simons Island fishing charters? May has been a prime month for anglers exploring inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Whether you’re booking a guided fishing trip or heading out solo, the local waters are thriving with Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Cobia, and more!

    Inshore Fishing Charters

    • Speckled Trout and Redfish are biting aggressively along the marsh edges and oyster beds, making for exciting action on local St. Simons Island charter boats.
    • Flounder catches have been consistent, with anglers seeing great success using live bait and artificial shrimp around the creek mouths.
    • Triple Tail fishing near floating buoys and debris has been excellent—great for sight fishing charters!

    Nearshore & Offshore Fishing Trips

    • Cobia season has arrived! Many St. Simons Island offshore fishing charters have reported solid catches.
    • Gag Grouper fishing has been phenomenal, with charter captains putting anglers on large, hard-fighting fish.
    • Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Albacore are providing high-energy fishing for those trolling offshore.

    Best Baits & Charter Fishing Techniques

    • Live shrimp and mud minnows are the top bait choices for inshore fishing.
    • Cut bait and jigs have been producing well for offshore species.
    • Fly fishing charters are having great success with shrimp and baitfish patterns for Redfish and Trout.

    Weather & Conditions for Charter Fishing

    • The weather has been ideal, with warm temperatures and calm seas benefiting St. Simons Island fishing charters.
    • Tidal movement has been key to catching fish—experienced charter captains are using the tides to their advantage!

    Book a St. Simons Island Fishing Charter Today!

    May has been a spectacular month for St. Simons Island fishing charters! Whether you’re targeting Redfish in the marshes or Grouper offshore, there’s something for every angler. Book a fishing charter today and experience the best guided fishing trips in St. Simons Island!

  • Brunswick, GA Fishing Report – March 2025

    Brunswick, GA Fishing Report – March 2025

    March is a turning point month for fishing in coastal Georgia, as water temperatures begin to rise steadily. Despite the crazy winter weather earlier in the year, fish have rebounded quickly, making for an exciting season.

    Inshore Fishing

    • Redfish & Trout – Expect redfish and spotted seatrout to be active, especially as trout begin moving from rivers and creeks toward the sounds.
    • Black Drum & Whiting – These species should be present in good numbers, with whiting showing up near sandbars in the sound.
    • Flounder & Trophy Redfish – As fish become more active, flounder and large redfish will be on the move and feeding.

    Best Baits & Techniques

    • Whiting Fishing – Use small pieces of peeled shrimp on No. 4 to No. 6 khale hooks or classic j-hooks for best results.
    • Bottom Fishing – A Carolina-style rig is recommended to keep bait near the bottom, increasing hook-up chances.
    • Light Tackle Setup – A 10- to 15-lb. test main line works well for targeting whiting and other inshore species.

    Water Temperature & Conditions

    • Water temperatures will rise steadily, making fish more active.
    • The 65-degree mark is when everything truly comes alive, but fishing is productive even at 60 degrees.

    March is a great month to get out on the water, as fish are hungry and on the move. Whether you’re targeting trout, redfish, or flounder, there’s plenty of action to be had!

  • St. Simons Island Fishing Charters – January 2025 Fishing Report

    St. Simons Island Fishing Charters – January 2025 Fishing Report

    Looking for St. Simons Island fishing charters this winter? January brings cooler temperatures, but fishing remains strong for inshore and offshore anglers. Whether you’re targeting redfish, trout, sheepshead, or black drum, local charter captains know exactly where to find them.

    Inshore Fishing with St. Simons Island Fishing Charters

    • Redfish & Speckled Trout – Winter patterns mean redfish and trout seek warmer backwater areas and deep holes near structure. Charter guides recommend live shrimp and soft plastics for the best success.
    • Sheepshead & Black Drum – Sheepshead bite best near docks, reefs, and pilings, with fiddler crabs being the go-to bait.
    • Flounder & Whiting – Whiting schools are present offshore, while flounder stick to deeper channels and creek mouths.

    Offshore Fishing with St. Simons Island Fishing Charters

    • Black Seabass Bonanza – Offshore charters targeting 75-90 ft depths report excellent catches of black seabass, triggerfish, and spadefish.
    • Bottom Fishing for Grouper & Snapper – While cooler temps slow the bite, charter captains still find quality reef fish in deeper waters.

    Best Baits & Charter Techniques

    • Sheepshead Fishing – Use fiddler crabs or shrimp near reefs and docks.
    • Trout & Redfish – Live shrimp and soft plastics work well in deep holes and slow-moving currents.
    • Offshore Charter Setup – Heavy tackle recommended for black seabass, grouper, and triggerfish.

    Water Temperature & Fishing Conditions

    • Water temperatures hover between 50-60°F, meaning charter guides target feeding windows carefully.
    • The best St. Simons Island fishing charters focus on incoming tides, as fish bite best during these transitions.

    Booking a St. Simons Island fishing charter in January guarantees expert local knowledge and a great chance to land trophy fish. Whether you’re going inshore or offshore, charters provide everything needed for an unforgettable day on the water.