Learn to Fish on Tybee Island | Beginner Trip

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Tybee Island
$550 - $700 price range

Summary

Ready to try fishing but not sure where to start? Captain Trey Wagner's half-day trip off Tybee Island is perfect for beginners. Over 4 hours, you'll learn the basics of inshore fishing while targeting redfish, trout, and flounder in Georgia's coastal waters. Capt. Trey takes a patient, step-by-step approach, helping you build skills and confidence at your own pace. There's no pressure – just a fun, supportive environment to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking). All gear is provided, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great way to introduce friends or family to fishing. You'll get a real taste of Georgia's rich inshore fishery and might even land your first catch. Whether you're looking to pick up a new hobby or just want to see what fishing's all about, this trip offers an accessible, hands-on introduction to coastal angling.

Learn to Fish on Tybee Island | Beginner Trip

Coastal Catches

Kids’ first catch right off Tybee

Inshore thrills just minutes from dock

Two summer flounder and spotted weakfish caught at Tybee Island

Cool mornings, hot fishing around Tybee

Family fun on Tybee’s fishing flats

Tybee's Best Beginner Fishing Trip: Cast Away!

Ready to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing? Captain Trey Wagner's got you covered with this laid-back half-day trip off Tybee Island. Perfect for first-timers and families, you'll be reeling in redfish, trout, and flounder before you know it. No experience? No problem. Trey's patient coaching and local know-how make this 4-hour adventure a stress-free intro to Georgia's coastal fishing scene. With all gear provided, you just need to show up ready to learn and have a good time on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're cruising out from Tybee Island as the sun's coming up, the salt air in your face. Captain Trey's at the helm, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories about the area. As a beginner, you might be wondering what you're in for. Don't sweat it – this trip is all about learning the ropes at your own pace. You'll start with the basics: how to hold a rod, bait your hook, and make that perfect cast. Trey's got a knack for breaking it down step-by-step, so even if you've never fished before, you'll be feeling like a pro in no time. The waters around Tybee are calm and protected, perfect for getting your sea legs without any rough stuff. And the best part? There's a good chance you'll be reeling in your first catch before lunch.

Fishin' 101: Gear and Techniques

On this trip, you'll get hands-on with some tried-and-true inshore fishing techniques. Trey's got the boat rigged up with light tackle setups – perfect for beginners and the species we're after. You'll learn how to work a popping cork for trout, which is basically like ringing the dinner bell for fish. For redfish, we might switch to bottom fishing with cut bait or artificials. And if we're targeting flounder, get ready to master the art of slow-dragging a jig across the bottom. Don't worry if this all sounds like gibberish now – Trey's got a way of explaining things that just clicks. He'll have you setting up your own rig and picking the right lure in no time. All the gear's provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, so you don't need to bring a thing except maybe a hat and some sunscreen.

Top Catches This Season

Tybee's waters are teeming with fish year-round, but what's biting best changes with the seasons. In spring and fall, the redfish action heats up as they cruise the flats and hang around oyster beds. Summer's prime time for speckled trout – they love to hit topwater lures early in the morning. Flounder start showing up in numbers as the water warms and stick around through fall. And while they're not our main targets, don't be surprised if you hook into some bonus species like black drum or sheepshead. Trey's always got the inside scoop on what's running, so you'll be in the right spot at the right time to maximize your chances of a great catch.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Also known as red drum, they're famous for their strong fights and distinctive black spot near the tail. Redfish in the Tybee area typically range from 3 to 10 pounds, but don't be shocked if you hook into a bigger bull red – they can top 40 pounds! They love to hang around structure like oyster beds and creek mouths. The best part? Redfish are eager biters and don't give up easily, making them perfect for beginners who want to feel the thrill of a real fish fight.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these guys aren't trout at all, but members of the drum family. Speckled trout (or "specks" as the locals call 'em) are known for their beautiful spotted patterns and delicate flavor. They're typically smaller than redfish, averaging 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. Specks are often found in schools, so once you find them, you might be in for some fast action. They're also one of the tastiest fish in the sea, so if you're looking to bring home dinner, trout are a top pick.

Flounder: These flatfish might look a bit odd with both eyes on one side of their head, but they're masters of camouflage and ambush hunting. Flounder like to bury themselves in the sand and wait for prey to swim by. Catching them requires a bit of finesse – you'll learn to slowly drag your bait across the bottom to tempt them into striking. While they might not put up the strongest fight, the challenge of hooking a flounder and their excellent table fare make them a prized catch. Around Tybee, you can expect to catch flounder in the 1-3 pound range, with some doormats pushing 5 pounds or more.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Tybee Island's fishing scene is a hidden gem that keeps folks coming back year after year. It's not just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. It's the whole package. You've got the laid-back vibe of a classic coastal town, waters that are perfect for learning, and guides like Trey who really know their stuff. Beginners love how easy it is to get started here. You don't need any fancy gear or years of experience to have a great day on the water. And let's be real – there's nothing quite like the feeling of reeling in your first fish. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or just want a fun way to spend a morning with family, Tybee's got you covered. Plus, with the chance to catch dinner and snap some brag-worthy photos, it's a win-win all around.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks – if you've made it this far, you're probably itching to get out on the water. This beginner-friendly trip with Captain Trey is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing. Whether you're a total newbie or just looking to brush up on your skills, you'll come away with new knowledge, great memories, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. Remember, everything's included – rod, reel, bait, and all the know-how you need. All you've got to do is show up ready for a good time. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Catalina Charters a call and get ready to start your fishing adventure off Tybee Island. Who knows? This might just be the start of your new favorite hobby. See you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Redfish

Redfish are the bread and butter of Tybee Island fishing. These copper-colored bruisers, identifiable by their tail spot, typically run 28-33 inches when mature. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mud bottoms. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers can't get enough of redfish for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. They'll hit just about anything when they're feeding, from topwater lures to cut bait on the bottom. My local secret? On hot summer days, look for them "tailing" in flooded grass during high tide. A weedless gold spoon skipped into their feeding zone can trigger explosive strikes.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a go-to inshore species here in Georgia. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see some real lunkers. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to chase shrimp, so we often use soft plastic imitations or live bait under a popping cork. Fall and spring are peak seasons when the water temps are just right. Anglers dig sea trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers - when you find one, you've usually found a school. Pro tip: on calm days, try walk-the-dog style topwaters early in the morning. There's nothing like seeing a trout explode on a surface lure.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a unique catch around Tybee Island. These striped fish, nicknamed "convict fish," typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches. You'll find them hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles to munch on. Spring is prime time as they form big spawning groups offshore. Folks love targeting sheepshead for their strong fight and tasty white meat. Fair warning though - they're notorious bait stealers with those human-like chompers. My tip? Use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crab or oyster as bait. Let it hit bottom, then slowly work it up. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard and hang on. These crafty fish will try to wrap you around structure, so be ready for a tussle.

About the Catalina Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for a laid-back fishing adventure in beautiful Tybee Island? Join Captain Trey Wagner for a relaxed 4-hour trip that's perfect for newcomers to the sport. You'll cruise the calm coastal waters in search of flounder, trout, and redfish, with Trey's patient guidance every step of the way. No need to worry about gear or know-how - everything's provided, and the captain's easygoing approach ensures you'll feel comfortable as you learn the basics. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great opportunity to bring along friends or family for a fun day on the water. Soak in the scenery, enjoy the fresh air, and who knows - you might just reel in your first big catch! Whether you're looking to try something new or simply want a chill day out fishing, this beginner-friendly charter hits the spot.

Sitemap