In the Coastal Georgia “Winter Fishing Report 2025” we will discuss inshore, nearshore, and offshore as well as the weather.
Fishing around St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Cumberland Island in February offers a variety of opportunities, both inshore and nearshore. This winter fishing report will go over the different options. While weather conditions can be unpredictable, targeting specific species can yield successful outings. When booking this time of year, we suggest our “Captains Choice” trips, which allows you and your guide to discuss weather and conditions the day before to determine what will be the most productive bite.
Inshore Fishing:
During February, our inshore fishing trips can be productive for species like Redfish and Speckled Trout. These fish often congregate in deeper pockets and creek mouths, especially near structures such as oyster beds and submerged timber or docks. Given the typically clearer and cooler water conditions it’s important to fish the right spots at the right tide. That’s where our full time guides knowledge kicks in. We choose to fish light tackle with live shrimp or artificial lures that mimic local baitfish. Slowing down is a must as fish are cold blooded and also slow down when the waters are cold.
Shallow Water Sight Fishing:
Shallow water site fishing in the winter months is at its finest. Winter months generally have less rain and cooler water. This combination provides great sight fishing with light tackle and fly rods. Clear water and blue skies are ideal and of course light winds when fly fishing. We use a variety of light tackle spinning rods and casting reels paired with soft plastics and skimmer jigs.
When fly fishing 6-9wt rods with floating lines are best and flies can vary in size, color, and pattern. This all depends on where and at what depth the water is and how spooky the fish are. Slick glassed out conditions on the flats require smaller, lighter flies for a more technical presentation. When fishing in creeks at low water, you might be fishing a little larger fly with lead eyes. We hope you are enjoying this winter fishing report 2025.
Nearshore Fishing: (ocean out to 15 miles)
For those looking to venture out with us to fish nearshore reefs and wrecks, species like Black Sea Bass, Red Snapper, trigger fish, and Sheepshead are prevalent during this time. Trophy-sized Redfish also known as Bull Reds congregate on the near shore artificial reefs as well. Some of these include F, SFC, A, and C, which are all known to hold these fish during winter months. Using cut bait like squid or fish chunks can attract larger Black Sea Bass. Additionally, Sheepshead, known for their cautious feeding habits, can be targeted using fiddler crabs or barnacles as bait. It’s beneficial to have updated GPS coordinates of these reef structures to enhance fishing success.
Offshore Opportunities: (ocean 15-40 miles)
February is an ideal time to target the offshore waters out to 40 miles on the right days for trigger fish, vermilion snapper(b-liners), cobia, grouper, kingfish, wahoo, as well as mutton, mangrove, and red snapper. These trips are very dependent on sea condition and weather. We only do a handful of these trips a season, but when Mother Nature lets us go, the rewards are worth the ride! We use and have success on both artificial lures, such as diamond/vertical jigs, and natural baits like cut fish, squid, and live bait.
Weather Considerations: (local forecast click HERE)
February weather can have all kinds of different personalities with temperatures ranging from the low 30s to the mid 70s. It’s essential to discuss with your captain the forecast before planning the trip, as conditions can change rapidly. The rides to and from your fishing spots can range from 15 minutes (inshore) to several hours (offshore). Layers and a rain suite are a must for any spray on the ride and for near shore and offshore we can provide bean bands for a more comfortable ride. It’s all about getting there and back comfortable because once you get there the fishing is almost always worth the ride!
In a nutshell the winter months can provide some great weather and even better fishing. It’s about being prepared and getting the right weather days.
Until next time! Go get outdoors
Captains Scott & Rob