Georgia Saltwater Fishing Report – November 2006

Saltwater:

Inshore: On the southern part of Georgia’s coast, the fishing is very good for seatrout and smaller redfish, according to Capt. Greg Hildreth, who fishes out of the St. Simons area. “I’ve been using shrimp as well as DOA shrimp (an artificial) under a popping cork. The sight fishing for the inshore reds has been doing well also. I’ve been taking these fish on Bite-A-Bait floaters and She Dogs on the fly. We have been using bunny-hair flies and spoon flies.” The inshore bite has also been hot up the coast toward Savannah. “Seatrout can be found schooling and on the move,” according to Capt. Judy Helmey. “Usually the best fishing is around the top or bottom of the tide.” During flood tides last month the best bite was toward the sounds. “Spring tides blow the shrimp out the creeks and river,” Capt. Judy said. “Concentrating on the sounds during big tides is usually more productive than heading upriver. As tides fall from the nine-foot range to the seven-foot range, fishing picks up. Fishermen during the fall might find good fish on literally any spot along the marsh,” she said. Try float rigs or Carolina-style rigs with live shrimp. “The best way to get a trout to hit your bait especially in this situation is to move it. Retrieve slowly for your best chances for a hook up,” said Capt. Judy.

Nearshore: Excellent for big redfish. Capt. Greg says the big redfish are tearing it up in the surf. “The nearshore fishing for the bull reds is on fire. I’ve been getting 12 to 20 fish a trip. I’ve been catching them on live pogies and cut whiting,” he said.

Offshore: Excellent, according to Capt. Judy. “The bottom-fishing season has started on the high side. It’s no big secret that bottom fishing is great during this time. The truth of the matter is that you really never know what you are going to catch when you drop your baited hook,” Capt. Judy said.