The Best Georgia Saltwater Fishing

Georgia saltwater fishing takes off in May each year, when the water temperatures rise and several of the saltwater species gather in their migration back to the coast. All matter of fish are targeted during Georgia saltwater fishing season, ad speckled seatrout are no exception. In fact, these are probably some of the most sought after species in along the Georgia coastline, and the large number of them available makes them even more desirable to anglers not wishing to be greatly challenged.

Georgia fishing for speckled trout is best in the spring when water temperatures rise and they leave the rivers and creeks where they reside in deep holes the winter for the beaches to prepare for spawning. With speckled trout, the spawning season is prolonged, beginning in May and running through September. Water temperatures of 68 to 70 degrees are required, and eggs are usually laid in the waters near sandbars close to beach areas on sounds and creeks.

If you want to participate in Georgia fishing, you should begin with a trip to Christmas Creek on Cumberland Island, which is famous for spawning trout. Start during low tide, when the fish are easily found, and find a run-off along the beach. Use live shrimp or mud minnows or even 3 to 4 inch menhaden as bait. Use these baits under a float or on a fishfinder rig. Note that a 10-inch cork may work best because it will stand up high in the water and can easily be seen in the waves.

If live bait isn't available when you choose to make your fishing excursion, speckled trout will also bite some artificial jigs, especially those about 3 or 4 inches in size and colored green, chartreuse, white, or even smoke. With these, use a - or 3/8 inch jighead for best results. You may find that the waves tend to tug on the line a lot with this method, but you'll quickly learn the difference between this and a bite. Use a 7-9-foot limber rod when cork fishing for the best results.

Other species that are found during saltwater fishing season include tripletails. Look for these mainly off Jekyll Island, especially in May. These fish, also known as eddy fish, prefer to stay around piling and other strucure on the downcurrent or eddy side, where they can ambush any prey swimming by. A lot like freshwater bream, these fish can get up to a mean 30 pounds in size. They are very strong fish and can provide quite an exciting struggle when actually biting the line.