BY THE NUMBERS
12 Minimum length in inches for legally harvested black sea bass
15 Daily limit per angler for black sea bass
15 Daily limit per angler for spotted sea trout
Summer is the season to head to the Georgia coast for some saltwater fishing. Savannah is a relatively overlooked area for metro Atlanta anglers to participate in vacation angling. The fishing is good both inshore and offshore this month.
Captain Judy Helmy is a second-generation charter-boat captain. Her family has guided anglers on the waters around Savannah for more than 50 years, and she is an excellent source of information on what’s biting in that area.
Helmy reports that the inshore fishing for spotted sea trout is heating, along with the summer temperatures. These fish often are referred to as speckled trout and are favorites of local and visiting anglers. Live shrimp is the best bait for these fish right now.
Using circle hooks for trout fishing is a good idea. You are likely to catch a number of trout shorter than the 13-inch minimum length for harvest. Circle hooks are designed to hook the fish in the lip, making it much easier to release them in good shape.
Offshore the hot fishing is for black sea bass. The season for catching them in federal waters beyond three miles offshore opened Saturday.
Helmy reports that the sea bass have been so plentiful during the closed season that catching and releasing them has been a nuisance when targeting other species. Sea bass are easy to catch and excellent on the dinner plate.
This year for the first time, anglers in saltwater in Georgia need to have a Saltwater Information Program permit in addition to a regular fishing license. The SIP is free and available wherever licenses are sold. You also can get the permit online at georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes.
Helmy’s daily audio or weekly written fishing reports are available on her website at missjudycharters.com.
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