Savannah, Georgia Jack Crevalle Fishing
Fish Savannah, Tybee Island, Bluffton, Richmond Hill, and Pooler, GA Lowcountry for jacks. Anglers of all abilities welcome.
Savannah Jack Fishing
Jack crevalle are some of the most underrated fish in the inshore world. Built like tanks and packed with power, these fish are aggressive, fast, and violent eaters. When jacks show up in the sounds and deeper creeks around Savannah, Tybee Island, Bluffton, Richmond Hill, and Pooler, it’s usually not subtle. They announce their presence with blitzes on bait balls and visual surface explosions.
These fish typically show up when the water heats up, from late spring through early fall. They move in schools, sometimes small packs of large adults, sometimes dozens of jacks corralling bait into tight balls and crushing them on the surface. They feed heavily on mullet, menhaden, and just about anything else they can chase down and fit in their mouths.
Pound for pound, jack crevalle are one of the hardest-fighting fish you can hook inshore, and when they’re around, it’s all gas and no brakes.
Light Tackle Fishing for Jack Crevalle
Jacks are an ideal target for conventional tackle when they’re in the area. They don’t require light line or sneaky presentations. We use medium to heavy spinning rods with 30–50 lb braid and stout fluorocarbon leaders. Topwater plugs are a favorite as poppers, walking baits, and big surface sliders all get hammered. Fast-moving swimbaits and spoons also work well, especially when fish are deep or the bite slows.
When a school of jacks is actively feeding, it’s a visual and audible event. We often chase birds, surface explosions, or baitfish sprays to get in front of them. Once we’re in range, we throw into the chaos and crank. Hooking one usually results in a screaming drag, bent rod, and long fight.
Even outside of blitzes, jacks can be found cruising structure, chasing bait against rip lines, or laid up in deeper channels. These fish are always on the move, and when they’re feeding, it’s a full-contact sport.
Fly Fishing for Jack Crevalle
Fly fishing for jacks is all about speed, reaction, and raw power. These are not technical or picky fish. If you can get a fly in front of one, they will eat it. The challenge is not in fooling them, it’s in finding them, feeding them in the chaos, and surviving the fight.
We typically fish 10- to 12-weight rods with floating lines and heavy leaders. Baitfish flies that push water are key. Large streamers in white, chartreuse, or blue work well when stripped fast and hard. Sometimes jacks are so fired up they’ll eat a fly you just dropped into the water before you even get a strip in.
Jacks on fly usually happen fast: you spot a bust, reposition the boat, and fire a cast into the melee. A hard strip set connects you to a freight train headed for the horizon. These fish fight dirty with long runs, head shakes, and plenty of torque. It’s not finesse fly fishing, but it’s some of the most fun you can have with a fly rod in your hand.
Savannah Jack Fishing Seasons
Jack crevalle are warm-water predators and typically show up when the temperatures rise.
Spring (April–May): First arrivals may start to appear as water temps climb. Small pods and singles begin pushing into the rivers and creeks.
Summer (June–August): Prime time for jacks. Big schools blitz bait in the sounds and river mouths. Mullet and menhaden are everywhere, and the feeding is aggressive.
Fall (September–October): Jacks remain active into early fall. Some of the biggest fish of the season are caught during this time as they bulk up before moving out.
Winter (November–March): Gone. Water temps drop and jacks head for warmer climates. We shift focus to redfish and trout.
Savannah Jack Crevalle Fishing Charter Details
Tall Tides Charters offers full day, half day, and specialty light tackle and fly fishing charters for jack crevalle out of Savannah, Tybee Island, Bluffton, Richmond Hill, and Pooler, GA. Multiple boats are available for groups of more than 2 people. Contact us for current rates and availability. All trips include GA and SC fishing licenses, tackle, fuel costs, launch fees, and a cooler with water and ice.
Payments And Deposits
Cash, Check or Venmo.
$150 per day per guide deposit for all trips
Venmo or mail deposits to:
Tall Tides Charters
438 E 51st St.
Savannah, GA 31405
What To Bring
Polarized sunglasses (amber, copper, and green lenses preferred)
Hat and any needed sun protection
Quick drying conditions appropriate clothing
Rain gear, jackets and pants
Shoes with non-marking soles
Booking/Cancellation Policy
We take safety seriously. Our Captain’s will use their discretion during times of adverse conditions. Any cancellations made by the Captain can be rescheduled or refunded entirely. Deposits are due at time of booking. Final payments are due by the date of trip. Bookings are non-refundable and any cancelled days will result in a credit that can be used within one year of original booking date.
More Target Species: Redfish and Tarpon
Redfish
Redfish (Red Drum) are the staple of our inshore fishery. Year-round residents, they can be targeted in all seasons with artificial lures and fly crawling on flood tide grass flats, swimming creeks and shorelines, and schooled up in the deeper rivers and bays. Summer and fall is is considered prime time, with aggressive eats and fish pushing double digits in the creeks and rivers.
Tarpon
Tarpon arrive in summer, typically between June and September. These giants show up hungry in the sounds and larger rivers on the tail end of their northward migration, cruising edges while looking for bait. Hooking into a tarpon is one of the most exciting things in all outdoor pursuits and we are fortunate enough to have them around the Georgia Lowcountry for a few months every year.
