Damn Good Inshore Fishing Charters In St. Marys

**Inshore Fishing in St. Marys: Where the River Meets the Sea**

St. Marys, Georgia, is a place where the saltwater of the Atlantic meets the freshwater of the river, creating a fishing haven right on the Georgia-Florida border. This is inshore fishing at its finest—quiet, unhurried, and full of possibilities. The waters here are brimming with life, from the shallow estuaries to the winding creeks that feed into the St. Marys River. Whether you’re chasing redfish in the grass flats, targeting speckled trout around the oyster beds, or looking for a tough-fighting flounder along the shorelines, St. Marys offers a wealth of opportunities. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety: one moment, you could be casting for a slot red, and the next, you’re reeling in a hard-hitting trout or a monster black drum.

The best time to fish these inshore waters is in the cooler months, from fall to spring, when the fish are more concentrated and the weather is perfect for a long day out on the water. Fall, especially, brings a shift in the fish patterns as the water cools down, and the schools of redfish and trout begin to feed more aggressively. This is the season for slow, deliberate casts, with the gentle pull of the tide pushing the fish towards the shallows. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or wading the flats, the peace of the surroundings is matched only by the thrill of hooking into a solid fish. The sunsets over the salt marshes are just a bonus as you watch the water come alive with every cast.

By spring, the waters start to warm, and the bite gets even better. With the arrival of migrating species like tarpon and larger redfish, the inshore fishing in St. Marys reaches its peak. The rivers and tidal creeks come alive with life, and the fish are more active, feeding heavily before the heat of summer. These months are perfect for light tackle, as you chase after the fish that give the best fight for their size. Whether you’re after a big bull red or casting into the reeds for a speckled trout, inshore fishing in St. Marys offers a laid-back yet rewarding escape. The serenity of the region and the diversity of species make it a go-to spot for anglers who prefer the quieter side of fishing but still want the challenge of a hard-fought battle.

**Inshore Fishing Seasons in St. Marys: Timing the Tides**

In St. Marys, Georgia, the inshore fishing seasons are as much about patience as they are about timing. From fall to early spring, the cooler months provide some of the best opportunities to target redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the rich estuarine waters. As the water cools, the fish are more concentrated, seeking out warmer shallows and creek mouths where they can feed before the real chill sets in. Fall is when the bite really picks up, and the calmness of the marshes makes every cast feel like a step closer to something big. The fall run of reds, in particular, is a must-do for anyone looking to reel in a trophy-sized fish with some real fight in it.

Winter may bring quieter conditions to the waters of St. Marys, but the fish don’t disappear—redfish, black drum, and sheepshead remain active, though their feeding patterns slow. During this season, the key is targeting deeper channels and tidal flats, where these fish huddle for warmth and food. While the weather may keep the crowds away, it’s this time of year that offers a bit of solitude on the water, with plenty of space to find your own little corner of the marsh. The winter months in St. Marys are perfect for those looking for a slower-paced, reflective type of fishing, where every catch feels earned.

As spring approaches and temperatures rise, so does the action. By April and May, the inshore waters of St. Marys heat up, and the fishing explodes. The arrival of larger redfish, black drum, and even the occasional tarpon brings excitement back to the creeks and flats. The spring months are all about active feeding, with fish pushing toward the shallows to chase baitfish and crabs. The tides rise and fall, making it the perfect time for light tackle, casting along the shoreline or into the nearby estuaries. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or wading through the flats, spring brings a new energy to St. Marys’ inshore fishing, where every cast offers the potential for a serious catch. It’s a time of abundance, and the fish are hungry.

Inshore fishing in St. Marys, Georgia, is an adventure that combines the serene beauty of the marshlands with the thrill of reeling in local favorites. One of the most popular techniques here is fishing with live bait—shrimp or mud minnows, dropped on the bottom or near structure like oyster beds or marsh grass. These baitfish draw in species like redfish and speckled trout, two of the area’s most coveted catches. When targeting redfish, it’s all about finding those spots where the fish are feeding—shallow flats and tidal creeks are prime real estate. Cast your baited hook near drop-offs or submerged oyster reefs, and be prepared for a good fight as a red drum takes the bait.

For anglers looking to go a little deeper, fishing with artificial lures can yield great results in St. Marys’ inshore waters. Topwater lures, like poppers and walking baits, are especially effective early in the morning or around dusk when redfish and trout are active and feeding near the surface. As you work your lure through the water, keep a steady retrieve, but don’t be afraid to change things up. Sometimes a slow and steady approach will make the fish bite, and other times a quicker, more erratic movement will spark their curiosity. It’s all about experimentation—these fish are crafty, and your next cast might be the one they can’t resist.

If you're after something a little different, fishing for flounder along the sandy bottoms of St. Marys' tidal creeks is a rewarding pursuit. Flounder tend to lie in wait, blending with the sandy or muddy substrate, so slow, deliberate presentations are key. Jigging with soft plastics or live bait along the bottom works well in the deeper channels, where flounder are most likely to strike. This type of fishing requires a bit of finesse, as you need to feel for those subtle bites as the fish picks up the bait. Whether you’re casting for redfish, working the surface for trout, or searching the bottom for flounder, St. Marys’ inshore waters offer a rich variety of species and techniques to suit any angler’s style.

Inshore fishing in St. Marys, Georgia, is a treasure trove of species that’ll keep your rod bent and your heart racing. One of the primary targets here is the redfish, or red drum. These elusive fighters are often found cruising the shallow flats, estuaries, and tidal creeks around St. Marys, making them a top catch for anglers. Redfish love structure, so look for them near oyster beds, submerged rocks, or grass lines, where they’re feeding on crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. Whether you’re casting live bait or throwing soft plastics, redfish will test your patience and technique as they tug, spin, and dart beneath the surface.

Alongside redfish, the speckled trout is another favorite species in St. Marys’ inshore waters. These spotted beauties are a blast to chase, especially during the early mornings or late afternoons when they’re actively feeding. They’re most often found near the surface in shallow waters, making them a great target for topwater lures. Work your way around tidal flats and creek mouths, and you’ll likely find trout lurking in the shallows, waiting for a bite. Whether you’re popping a topwater plug or using soft plastics, speckled trout are a reliable catch that’ll keep you on your toes as you chase them through the calm, clear waters of St. Marys.

For those looking to target something a little different, St. Marys also offers opportunities to catch flounder, which are perfect for those who enjoy a more methodical approach to fishing. These flatfish tend to hang out near the bottom, camouflaged against the sandy or muddy floors of the creek channels and deeper flats. Flounder are notorious for being sneaky, so slow, deliberate jigging with live bait or soft plastics is the key to coaxing them out of hiding. Whether you’re after the strength of a redfish, the finesse of a trout, or the quiet patience of a flounder, St. Marys’ inshore waters are a haven for anglers seeking a diverse, rewarding fishing experience.