Early Summer Fishing Report – St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island & Golden Isles

Golden Isles Fishing Report – Early Summer Pattern

St. Simons Island fishing report for Spring and early summer. Fishing along the Georgia coast is very exciting times of the year. As we roll into spring, water temperatures are climbing, bait is everywhere, and a wide variety of species become active across inshore, nearshore, and beachfront waters around St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Brunswick, and Cumberland Island.

This is the time of year where you can truly mix it up—sight fishing in the backcountry one day and chasing tarpon or tripletail just offshore the next.

Inshore Fishing – Redfish & Trout Heating Up

The inshore bite remains strong and consistent heading into early summer.

Redfish

Redfish continue to be the most reliable target and are feeding aggressively with the abundance of shrimp, mullet, and small baitfish. Early mornings and moving water have been producing the best action.

Sight fishing opportunities remain excellent on lower tides
Fish are staging along oyster edges, grass lines, and creek mouths
Flood tides are beginning to build—setting up for upcoming tailing fish opportunities

Speckled Trout

Trout fishing is improving as water temps stabilize.

Best bite is early morning on topwater plugs
Live shrimp under corks producing consistent action
Expect mixed catches with ladyfish and small jacks keeping rods bent as water tempatures rise.
Speckled sea trout feeding early on topwater baits in the Golden Isles—one of the best early summer bites along the Georgia coast.

Nearshore Fishing – Action Just Off the Beach

When the water cleans up, nearshore fishing can be hard to beat this time of year.

Tripletail

Tripletail season is in full swing.

Fish are being found around buoys, crab trap floats, and debris
Excellent sight fishing opportunities with both spinning and fly gear
Peak months are late spring through June
Tripletail floating near buoys off St. Simons and Jekyll Island—one of the most unique and visual sight fishing opportunities of early summer.

Sharks & Big Action

For anglers looking for excitement, the shark bite is strong in mid spring.

Fishing behind shrimp boats has been producing blacktip and spinner sharks
Great option for families and older kids trips
Non-stop action when conditions line up

Cobia

Cobia are starting to show more consistently.

Often found cruising near structure, rays, and bait pods
Be ready—these fish can appear at any time
Live bait, jigs, or well-placed fly presentations all work

Cobia swimming near the surface off St. Simons Island Georgia nearshore waters

Cobia cruising the nearshore waters off St. Simons and Jekyll Island—one of the most exciting sight fishing opportunities of early summer.

Flood Tide Fishing – Tailing Redfish Season Begins

As we move into spring, the first of the flood tides start to build, bringing one of the most exciting opportunities of the entire year—sight fishing tailing redfish in the grass.

Sight fishing tailing redfish in the grass.

During these higher tides around the new and full moons, water pushes deep into the spartina grass, and redfish follow to feed on crabs and shrimp. This creates a unique scenario where anglers can visually stalk fish in extremely shallow water, often seeing their tails waving above the surface.

Peak flood tide season runs late spring through early fall
Best trips are timed precisely around tide windows
Ideal for both fly fishing and light tackle anglers
Requires stealth, accurate casting, and patience

These trips are highly specialized and are some of the most rewarding experiences we offer along the Georgia coast. If you’re interested in this style of fishing, check out our fly fishing charters or give us a call to plan around the best tides.

Tailing redfish on a flood tide in St. Simons Island Georgia marsh grass

Sight fishing tailing redfish during a summer flood tide in the Golden Isles of Georgia.

Tarpon Season Begins

June marks the start of tarpon season along the Georgia coast.

Tarpon begin showing up along the beaches, sounds, and nearshore waters as bait schools increase and water temperatures rise.

Early fish are being spotted rolling and feeding in May
Best opportunities will continue to improve into June through September
Fly anglers should start preparing now—the peak season is just ahead and we book up fast!

This is one of the most exciting fisheries we have, and availability becomes limited quickly during peak months.

What to Expect in April-June

These 3 months offer one of the most diverse fisheries of the entire year:

Inshore: Redfish, trout, flounder, and more
Nearshore: Tripletail, cobia, sharks, spanish mackerel, snapper, and more
Beachfront: Tarpon, big jacks, sharks

You can expect calm mornings, warm water, and plenty of bait, creating ideal conditions for both experienced anglers and families.

Book Your Early Summer Fishing Trip

If you’re planning a trip to St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, or the Golden Isles, now is the time to get on the calendar. Early summer dates fill quickly—especially as tarpon season ramps up.

Whether you’re looking for:

Light tackle fishing
Fly fishing charters
Family-friendly trips
Or chasing bucket-list species like tarpon

Southeastern Angling has you covered.

📞 Call: 912-270-7300

🌐 Book Online: www.southeasternangling.com

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