Learn Everything You Need To Know About Fishing St Simons Island: Fishing Guides & Charters Included
Any day is a great day for fishing on the Georgia coast – especially along the barrier islands of the Golden Isles. This enchanted coastline is home to a unique collection of thriving ecosystems that combine to create an assortment of experiences for novice and seasoned anglers alike, as well as a series of habitats playing host to an impressive population of fish species.
Visitors to the Golden Isles can choose from fly fishing, pier fishing, surf fishing, trolling, and deep sea fishing, inshore, near shore, or offshore along a system of salt marshes, reefs, tidal creeks, rivers, sounds, and of course – the Atlantic Ocean. Consider a fishing charter trip to make sure you hit the right spots at the right times with the local pros who know the waterways. Most excursions will include all the equipment you need for a safe and successful day on the water.
Fishing License
The State of Georgia requires a fishing license for all anglers over the age of 16. Fishing licenses are good for one year, and carry a fee of $15 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Day licenses are also available for non residents at $10 for the first day and $3.50 for each additional day. Saltwater fishing requires a Saltwater Information Permit (SIP), which is available at no cost. Mountain trout fishing and commercial fishing also require separate permits. These rules apply statewide, but regulations may vary offshore in federal waters. Find out more about current licensing guidelines and purchase your fishing license online before your visit!
Fishing Spots
St. Simons Island Pier
Mallery Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Located on the south end of St. Simons Island, Pier Village serves as the hub of entertainment and fun on the island. Its centerpiece is the St. Simons Island Pier. At 325 feet in length over St. Simons Sound into the Atlantic causeway, the pier is a favorite spot for fishing, sightseeing, and moonlight strolls. Visitors are likely to spot any number of native or migratory residents during their visit to the pier, including dolphin, seabirds, storks, and North Atlantic Right Whales, along with massive cargo ships passing day and night. Neighboring Neptune Park is a favorite spot for family fun and exploration. The St. Simons Island Pier is well lit and lined with benches. It is equipped with tray tables and water hoses for fish and bait prep. Equipment and supplies are available nearby at St. Simons Bait & Tackle. Popular catches include trout, redfish, flounder, and sharks.
Jekyll Island Pier
Clam Creek Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Jekyll Island Pier is a longstanding landmark adjacent to the Clam Creek Picnic Area on the northern tip of Jekyll Island. Jutting 360 feet into St. Simons Bay, the pier is a prime location for both fishing and crabbing, as well as taking in wildlife views and endless horizons. Just a short walk from the pier, guests can find public picnic and grilling areas to take advantage of the day’s haul, which is likely to include such species as whiting, croaker, sheepshead, perch, kingfish, and shark. Stay close to the shore to lure crabs and flounder, and you’re welcome to strive for a new state record if you can top Janice Youmans’ prize catch of a 15 lbs., 10 oz. flounder, caught here in 1990. The pier is located next to the Jekyll Island Fishing Center where ice, snacks, bait, gear, licenses, and more are available for purchase. Some sections of the pier are covered, providing shaded spots for those long, sunny days.
Gascoigne Bluff
1000 Arthur J. Moore Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Sometimes referred to as the gateway to St. Simons Island, Gascoigne Bluff is a historic site on the western side of the island that has served as a Native American settlement and Franciscan monastery before becoming the first naval base in the Province of Georgia. Gascoigne Bluff is also home to 24 acres of unspoiled greenspace, including a public pier, and marina, floating dock, and additional recreation facilities for a full day of outdoor fun. The Gascoigne Bluff Pier is about 255 feet in length, extending over the waters of the Frederica River, setting the scene for several annual events and fishing tournaments.
What’s Biting?
The Golden Isles of Georgia host an array of ecosystems and waterways, making the species pool vast and diverse. Choose from deep sea, near shore, and inshore fishing options covering marshes, streams, and the sea. The unique elements of the southern Georgia coast create a variety of experiences for all levels and styles of anglers, seeking any number of freshwater and saltwater species.
Trolling with live bait in open waters can lure cobia, snapper, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, grouper, and amberjack, peaking from May to September. Closer to shore during the same timeframe, shark and tarpon can often be found. Stick to the pier areas, beaches, and causeway bridges for the best chance of hooking sea trout or to catch the spring arrival of tripletail.
The Golden Isles of coastal Georgia are said to be among the best sites for fly fishing and sight fishing on the East Coast of the United States. The region is home to year-round schools of redfish (peaking in the winter months), while late summer into fall sees the highest success in trout, flounder, and tarpon fishing.
Crabbing is permitted year round on the barrier island, with the population peaking on the north end of St. Simons Island from August through October. Regulations are in place detailing the per day allowance in both size and quantity, and a fishing license is required for crabbing.
Fishing Charters
Island Catch Charters
Captain Chris McIntosh and Island Catch Charters is your place to get on the bite! Capt. Chris is a USCG Licensed Master Captain and has well over 30 years of experience.
The Georgia Fishing Company
301 Sea Island Road, #12, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
Deep sea and inshore charters, shark and tarpon fishing, reef fishing, and kids trips. Locations for Brunswick, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island fishing. Two hours – full day trips available.
Southeastern Angling
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1000 Arthur J Moore Drive, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
Inshore, near shore, offshore, fly fishing, and family trips. Covering the barrier Islands and backwaters around Sapelo Island, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, Brunswick, Cumberland Island, and the Atlantic Ocean. Options range from two hours to full day trips.
Creekside Charters
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1000 Arthur J Moore Drive, Saint Simons Island, Georgia 31522
Inshore, near shore, and kids fishing trips with Capt. Richard Latham. Covering St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Jekyll Island. Winning fishing guide for the largest trout in the 2006 Redbone Red Trout Series. Fishing trips range from two to eight hours.
Island lure charters
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1000 Arthur J Moore Drive, Saint Simons Island, Georgia 31522
Charter fishing trips from St. Simons, Jekyll Island, St. Marys, Brunswick, and The Golden Isles. Specializing in larger species, inshore fishing, and fishing trips for kids. Led by lifelong Golden Isles resident, Capt. Jeremy Petro.
Georgia Sport Fishing Charters
307 Hickory Bluff Drive, Waverly GA, 31565
Serving St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island, Georgia Sport Fishing offers a range of charters, including those aimed at targeting giant redfish, tarpon, and spinner sharks. Deep sea and kids trips also available.
The St. Simons Fishing Center – Captain Mark Noble
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104 Marina Drive, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
https://www.goldenislesfishing.com/ • https://www.georgiafishing.net/
Full-service inshore, near shore, offshore and Gulfstream sport fishing charter services. The St. Simons Fishing Center is also home to the annual St. Simons Bull Red Drum Tournament. Trip options include St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Cumberland Island.
SouthEast Adventure Outfitters
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313 Mallery Street, St Simons, GA 31522
Locations in Brunswick and St Simons Island at Pier Village. Cruise the coastal marshes or river watersheds aboard the Loose Goose, or opt for power boat fishing from Village Creek Landing, Kayak fishing is also available from either location.
Coastal Georgia Inshore Charters
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1000 Hampton Point Dr, St Simons, GA 31522
Charter trips for anglers of any age and ability serving St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick.All-inclusive, half and full day trips.
Lighthouse Trolleys Land & Sea Tours
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Covering both land and sea tours, Lighthouse Trolleys offers inshore, near shore, and offshore fishing charters, including family and group options, as well as excursions aimed at bull redfish, sharks, sea trout, and flounder.
Reel Stoked Charter Fishing
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Offer near shore and inshore St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island fishing tours for trout, redfish, and tripletail. Four, six, and eight hour excursions available.
Georgia Charter Fishing – Hildreth Charters
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Capt. Greg Hildreth specializes in inshore and offshore fishing for shark and tarpon, as well as family trips. He has been featured in many publications and on several television shows focused on the sport of fishing. Full day, half day and multiple day fishing charters available.
Hook & Knife Charters
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Experience a unique Golden Isles fishing-dining adventure with Captain Chef Dave Snyder for a half or full day excursion in the Golden Isles. Trips typically depart from Hampton Point Marina to Little St. Simons and Sapelo Islands.
Local Tips
- January is a great time for near shore fishing aimed at bull redfish, seabass, and sheepshead.
- Make a shift to the marshes and creeks for the springtime arrival of cobia and tripletail.
- During the winter, cast a line just after a cold front passes for the best fishing opportunities.
- Always consult a tide chart and fishing reports for waterway access and fish activity before your fishing trip.
