What Wassaw Offers and How to Fish There

Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge is a 10,000-acre barrier island refuge about 15 miles east of Savannah that sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Calibogue Sound. The refuge protects maritime forest, salt marsh, and beach habitat, but the real draw for anglers is the saltwater fishing in the tidal creeks, marsh edges, and nearshore waters that surround the island. You can fish from a boat in the sound and creeks, or wade the shallow flats and marsh edges during low tide.

Access is by boat only — there is no bridge to Wassaw, and the refuge does not operate a ferry. Most anglers launch from nearby public ramps in Savannah or Tybee Island and run 20 to 45 minutes to reach productive water. The refuge itself is closed to public landing except for a small research dock that is not available to recreational anglers, so you fish the waters around the island but do not step ashore except in designated emergency areas.

Fishing pressure here is moderate compared to other Georgia coastal spots. The refuge status means no commercial fishing and strict protection of nesting birds and sea turtles, which keeps the ecosystem stable and the fish populations healthy. Water clarity, tidal flow, and the mix of habitat types make Wassaw reliable year-round, though spring and fall are peak seasons for most species.

Key Takeaways

  • Wassaw is accessible only by private boat launched from Savannah or Tybee Island, with a run time of 20 to 45 minutes depending on your launch site.
  • Redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder are the primary target species, with tarpon and permit present in summer months for anglers with the skill to pursue them.
  • Tidal creeks and marsh edges hold fish year-round, but spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most consistent seasons.
  • Georgia saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older, and you must follow all state size and bag limits regardless of refuge status.
  • The refuge is closed to landing except in emergencies, so plan your trip as a day outing with all supplies and fuel loaded before departure.

Target Species and Seasonal Patterns

Redfish are the most reliable target at Wassaw. They feed in shallow marsh creeks and along grass beds year-round, with the heaviest concentrations in spring and fall. Sight-casting to tailing fish in 1 to 3 feet of water is the classic approach, though blind casting along creek edges works when visibility is poor. Fall redfish tend to be larger and more aggressive than spring fish.

Spotted seatrout school in deeper creek channels and around structure — oyster bars, dock pilings, and submerged logs. They bite best on incoming tide and are most abundant from April through October. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the standard method, though soft plastics work well in deeper water. Winter trout fishing is possible but inconsistent; most anglers focus on redfish during cold months.

Flounder hold on sandy bottoms and creek edges, especially where current flows over structure. They are present year-round but most catchable from May through September. Drifting live mullet or casting soft plastics along drop-offs is effective. Flounder fishing here is secondary to redfish and trout but can produce quality fish if you target the right habitat.

Tarpon move into Calibogue Sound and the creeks in June and July, with occasional fish present through August. These are large, powerful fish that require heavy tackle, wire leaders, and significant skill. Most anglers targeting tarpon hire a guide familiar with the refuge's tidal patterns and tarpon behavior. Permit are also present in summer but are rare and difficult to sight-cast to.

Tides, Currents, and Navigation

Wassaw sits in a tidal zone with a range of 6 to 8 feet between low and high tide. Incoming tide pushes water into the creeks and over the marsh, concentrating fish and making sight-casting easier. Outgoing tide drains the shallow areas and pushes fish into deeper channels. Most anglers fish the last two hours of incoming tide and the first two hours of outgoing tide for the best action.

Calibogue Sound is shallow — much of it is 2 to 4 feet at high tide — and navigation requires attention to tide stage and local knowledge. Oyster bars and sandbars shift with storms and dredging, so a GPS unit with current charts is essential. Tidal current can run 2 to 3 knots during peak flood or ebb, which affects boat handling and casting accuracy. Slack tide (the period between tide changes) is when the water is calmest and sight-casting is easiest.

Weather can change quickly on the open water. The sound is exposed to Atlantic swells and wind, so check the marine forecast before launching. Morning conditions are usually calmer than afternoon, and many anglers launch at dawn to fish the incoming tide and avoid afternoon wind. Fog is common in spring and fall, so a GPS and compass are not optional.

Regulations and Licensing

All anglers 16 and older must hold a Georgia saltwater fishing license. You can purchase a three-day, annual, or lifetime license through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or at most tackle shops in Savannah and Tybee Island. The cost varies by license type, but a three-day license is the least expensive option for visiting anglers.

Size and bag limits are set by Georgia and apply everywhere in state waters, including Wassaw. Redfish must be 18 to 27 inches (only one fish over 27 inches is allowed per day), spotted seatrout have a 12-inch minimum with a five-fish daily bag, and flounder are 12 inches with a ten-fish bag. Tarpon and permit have no bag limit but must be released immediately if caught. Check the current Georgia saltwater regulations before you fish, as limits change periodically.

The refuge itself has no additional fishing restrictions beyond state law, but you must respect all posted signs and stay out of nesting areas during bird and sea turtle season (April through August). Drones are prohibited, and you cannot land on the island except in genuine emergencies. Violation of refuge rules can result in federal citations and fines.

Boat Launch Sites and Logistics

Desoto Fishing Camp on the Wilmington River near Savannah is the closest public launch to Wassaw, about 20 minutes by boat. The ramp is well-maintained, parking is available, and fuel and supplies are on-site. This is the most popular launch for Wassaw anglers and fills early on weekends.

Tybee Island Boat Ramp at the north end of the island is another option, about 30 to 40 minutes from Wassaw depending on your route. The ramp is free, parking is plentiful, and the area has tackle shops and restaurants. The run is longer than from Desoto, but the ramp rarely fills up.

Lazaretto Creek Ramp on Tybee Island is smaller and less crowded than the main ramp, with a shorter run to Wassaw. Parking is limited, and the ramp can be tight at high tide, but it is a good backup if the main ramp is full.

Fuel up before you leave the launch — there are no fuel docks near Wassaw, and running out of gas on the sound is a serious problem. Bring more water and snacks than you think you need, a first-aid kit, and a working VHF radio. Cell service is spotty on the water, so do not rely on your phone for emergency communication.

Tackle and Technique

For redfish and trout, a 7 to 8-foot medium-power spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braided line is standard. Redfish require heavier tackle than trout because they are strong and often found in shallow, grassy water where they can wrap your line. A 12 to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader (20 to 25-pound test) reduces visibility without adding bulk.

Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most versatile setup for trout and redfish. Cast the rig near structure, let it sit, and pop the cork occasionally to attract fish. Soft plastics — 3 to 4-inch paddle-tail shads in natural colors — work well when live bait is hard to find or when you want to cover water quickly. Topwater plugs produce strikes in shallow water during low-light periods.

For flounder, use a heavier setup (20 to 30-pound line) and fish live mullet or large soft plastics on the bottom. Drift along drop-offs and creek edges, keeping your bait or lure in contact with the bottom. Tarpon require 50 to 80-pound braided line, a heavy rod, and wire or heavy fluorocarbon leaders to withstand their teeth and head shakes.

Sight-casting to tailing redfish is the most exciting and effective technique at Wassaw. Pole the boat slowly through shallow water, looking for fish feeding with their tails out of the water. Cast ahead of the fish, let the bait or lure settle, and strip it back slowly. Redfish often eat on the first cast if you do not spook them, so accuracy and a quiet approach are critical.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is peak season. Water temperatures rise, redfish move into the shallows to spawn, and trout become active. Sight-casting is excellent, and you can expect to see and cast to multiple fish per day. Crowds are heavy on weekends, so plan for a weekday trip if possible.

Summer (June through August) brings heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and tarpon. Redfish and trout are still present but deeper and less active during the heat of the day. Early morning fishing is essential. Tarpon fishing is best in June and July, but it requires skill and patience. Expect afternoon wind and afternoon rain most days.

Fall (September through November) is the second-best season. Water cools, redfish move back to the shallows, and trout bite aggressively. Sight-casting is excellent again, and the weather is more stable than summer. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, making fall a great time for a quieter trip.

Winter (December through February) is the slowest season. Redfish are still catchable, but they are deeper and less aggressive. Trout fishing is inconsistent. Water temperatures drop into the 40s, and weather is unpredictable. Winter trips require patience and flexibility, but you will have the refuge mostly to yourself.

Hiring a Guide and Planning Your Trip

If you are new to saltwater fishing or unfamiliar with Wassaw, hiring a guide is worth the cost. Guides know the tidal patterns, where fish are holding on any given day, and how to navigate safely. Most guides operate out of Savannah and Tybee Island and charge between $400 and $600 for a full day (usually 6 to 8 hours). A half-day trip is less expensive and a good option if you have limited time.

Guides can be found through tackle shops in Savannah and Tybee Island, or by searching online for "Wassaw fishing guide." Ask about the guide's experience with the specific species you want to target and whether they provide tackle or require you to bring your own. Most guides provide all tackle and bait, but confirm before you book.

If you are fishing on your own, plan your trip around tide tables and weather forecasts. Launch early, fish the incoming tide, and be off the water by mid-afternoon to avoid afternoon wind and weather. Bring a tide table or download a tide app so you know when slack tide and peak current occur. A GPS unit with current charts is essential for safe navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Wassaw, or can I wade from shore?

You need a boat. The refuge is accessible only by water, and there is no public beach or wading access. You can fish from a boat in the sound and creeks, but you cannot land on the island except in emergencies. Launching from Desoto Fishing Camp or Tybee Island is the standard approach.

What is the best time of year to fish Wassaw?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most consistent seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, redfish are in the shallows, and sight-casting is excellent. Summer is hot and stormy, and winter is slow and unpredictable, though both seasons have fish if you are willing to work for them.

Can I keep tarpon if I catch one?

No. Tarpon have no bag limit in Georgia, but they must be released immediately. Tarpon are a catch-and-release fishery everywhere in the state. If you want to keep a tarpon, you cannot do it legally in Georgia waters.

What should I bring for a day trip to Wassaw?

Bring more water and snacks than you think you need, sunscreen, a hat, a first-aid kit, a working VHF radio, a GPS unit, tide tables, and a fully charged phone. Fuel up before you leave the launch. Wear polarized sunglasses to see fish in shallow water, and bring a rain jacket because weather can change quickly on the sound.

Is Wassaw crowded, or can I find solitude?

Wassaw is moderately crowded on weekends during spring and fall, especially near the main creeks. Weekday trips are much quieter, and winter is nearly empty. If you want solitude, fish on a weekday or visit in winter. Early morning trips also see fewer boats than mid-morning.