Fishing statement: To try to insure that fishing stays in the hearts that love it and to help the ones that are going too!



World famous Doctor Karl Coxhead and Captain Judy Helmey

Inshore Fishing Report Fishing in the sounds

Well, I have to say, “Inshore fishing for red fish, spotted sea trout, and flounder has been a little spotty!” Those that just want some fishing catching action have leaned more to targeting the sharks, whiting, tarpon, summer trout, and stingrays. Laugh if you would like, but if you want your line stretched and as well as your rod bent then I suggest heading out to the sound to do a little bottom fishing. As far as bait, when fishing on the bottom I suggest using small pieces of air dried shrimp. For the large fish such as the tarpon and shark..I suggest menhaden live or cut up in pieces…or live whiting or croaker.

Red fish, spotted sea trout, and flounder

However, for those fishermen that want to target red fish, spotted sea trout, and flounder it is very doable. Best baits are live shrimp (this is one bait that is not too hardy at this time of the year, the water is so hot, I suggest adding some ice to you bait well so as to cool the shrimp down a bit) finger mullet, peanut menhaden, small pin fish…the live stuff is really the bait of choice …the reason being is there is lots of baits in the creeks, rivers, and sounds…Please don’t use a leader or size hook that is going to hinder the movement of your bait…you want it to act as normally as possible and you want to be able to try and escape when being stalked..
Spanish mackerel



Nice Spanish mackerel! Tracy Vaugh group!

The Spanish are starting to show up in the sounds, beachfronts, Savannah Shipping Channel also known as Tybee roads, and the artificial reefs…watch for any feeding birds…Large school of squid have not arrived yet, which really gets the mackerel bite a going..however, after August 9 this is all going to change..lots of mackerel should start showing up! Best baits are the standard Clark spoons 0 and 00 size pitched in the school or trolled…Got-Cha lures (by Sea Striker) are also very good for trolling and pitching!

Artificial Reefs
Bottom fishing is not so good, but if you can find an isolated spot in 40 to 60 feet of water it should be holding black sea bass, summer trout, trigger fish, and other biters…best bait is cut squid and fish
Savannah Snapper Banks…
There is very good bottom fishing action, bait your hook, catch a fish, bait your hook, catch a fish, and I think you can take it from there…top water fish ..big king mackerel and occasional dolphin also known as Mahi Mahi have arrived! Now let go fishing!

Savannah Snapper Banks
Meet “The Tomtateinator” tied by Patrick Crow.

Fly fishing at the banks..It’s very doable!



“The Tomtateinator” tied by Patrick Crow.

This past week, Patrick Crow and crew had me booked for an offshore ten hour snapper banks trip, which unfortunately had to cancel due to bad weather. However, Patrick still stopped by and we got to see “The Tomtateinator” up close and personal!

While getting information about the fishing trip Patrick asked Captain Deidra Jeffcoat if it would be ok to bring along his fly rod? She replied “Yes” and this was just about when a very interesting conversation was had between Patrick and Captain Deidra. While discussing this possible fly fishing quest, Deidra said, “It would be great trying to hook up an amberjack.” She then started suggesting favorite baits that we use to get this fish to the hook.” As soon as Deidra described the tomtate better known to us locals as “Miss Ruby Red Lips, Patrick said, “I think I can tie a fly that will imitate this bait fish.” Well, the rest could be fish catching history that is if you are on the right end of the line. If you are interesting in obtaining the tomtateinator please contact Patrick Crow [email protected]




Tomtate aka Miss Ruby Red Lips



The Tomtateinator by Patrick Crow