Redfish Adventure on the Skidaway River
Rich local history
Field Note Submitted by:
Chrissy
The Skidaway River isn’t just scenic—it’s a prime fishing spot tucked along Georgia’s coast, full of opportunities if you know how to work with the water. This tidal river winds through salt marshes and past Skidaway Island, bringing with it strong currents, feeding fish, and plenty of action for anglers.
Observations
Rich local history
Unique tidal river
Diverse fish species
Strong currents present
Scenic nature views
Boating and fishing fun
What You’ll Catch
Redfish (aka red drum) are the headliners here, especially around oyster beds and grassy shorelines. You’ll also find speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead depending on the season. Live bait like shrimp and mud minnows are great go-to’s, but soft plastics work too—especially when the water’s clear.
Want to compare this experience? Check out our Wilmington River Fishing field notes to see how these waters stack up.
Timing Is Everything
Because it’s tidal, fishing the Skidaway River is all about timing. Plan your trip around moving water—either an incoming or outgoing tide. Fish feed when the current’s moving, not when it’s slack. Generally, the hour or two before and after peak tides are your sweet spot.
For more seasonal tips, don’t miss our blog on Winter Fishing.
Watch the Currents
This river moves. Literally. The tidal swing can be significant, and currents get strong. Make sure your boat is anchored securely if you're staying in one spot, and keep an eye on your depth—it can drop fast. If you're wading or fishing from shore, stay cautious. The mud can be sticky, and footing changes with the tides.
Where to Fish
Look for creeks, points, and drop-offs—especially around marsh edges and oyster mounds. Redfish love hanging in the shallows during high tide and moving into deeper holes as the water drops. Docks and pilings are great spots for sheepshead, especially in cooler months.
Gear Up Right
Medium-light spinning gear is perfect for most Skidaway catches. Use 10–15 lb braided line with a fluorocarbon leader for stealth. Circle hooks help reduce gut-hooking, especially when fishing with live bait.
For family trips, you might also enjoy our guide: Teach Kids to Fish.
Plan Your Redfishing Adventure
Thinking about booking a guided trip to make it stress-free? You can search, compare, and book fishing charters worldwide via FishingBooker (affiliate link): https://fishingbooker.com/#6868577d4e08e
Recommended Gear from Our Shop
To make the most of Skidaway River redfishing, here are some essentials from our store:
Fresh Essentials from Your Shop
Polarized Wooden Bamboo Sunglasses – Unisex: Stylish, eco-friendly bamboo frames with polarized lenses reduce glare—great for spotting structure and fish in bright marsh water.
5-Gallon Collapsible Mesh Bucket for Live Fishing Bait: Durable, quick-dry mesh with aeration keeps shrimp and minnows lively. Collapses for transport and fits neatly in your boat or kayak.
18-In-1 Multipurpose Tool Kit: Compact stainless steel kit packs pliers, screwdrivers, knife, saw, hammer, and more—a perfect backup for on-the-water fixes or emergencies.
PENN Wrath II Spinning Combo (6'6" Medium Light): A reliable rod-and-reel combo with graphite body and EVA grips, built for both freshwater and light saltwater use—ideal for redfishing versatility.
