Georgia Saltwater Fishing Report – January 2006

Saltwater:
Inshore: Though fewer folks go after sea trout this time of year, Capt. Greg Hildreth said the trout fishing is very good. “We’ve had mild weather this month. The water temperature is still 60 degrees, which is perfect for trout. They’re just beginning to move to the deep holes,” Greg said. Last weekend a boat had three limits of keeper trout. The inshore sheepshead bite is also good. Fish with a fiddler crabs close to structure like docks, pilings, wrecks, debris, and rock piles.
Nearshore: The whiting bite has been very good when weather and conditions allow. Fish just off the beaches, and use dead shrimp or cut squid.
Offshore: Capt. Judy Helmey says it’s a hit-and-miss situation this time of the year due to the ever-changing weather patterns, but when the weather allows, the offshore bite in the winter is excellent. “The artificial reefs are holding an amazing number of black sea bass, blue fish, and an occasional flounder,” Capt. Judy said. “All you need is some squid and cut fish as bait. The Savannah Snapper Banks is another place that doesn’t fall short with the big bottom bite this time of the year. You could find yourself hooking up with a large red snapper or big grouper. The sky is the limit at this time. All you need in the bait department for a big fish is some live bait, which can be caught right on location.”