What Little Tybee Island Offers Anglers

Little Tybee Island sits in the Tybee Island National Wildlife Refuge about 3 miles northeast of Tybee Island proper, accessible only by boat. The island itself is closed to landing, but the shallow waters surrounding it—averaging 2 to 6 feet—hold redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder year-round. The marsh grass and oyster beds that ring the island create ideal habitat for sight-casting to tailing redfish in fall and winter, and for working deeper channels during summer when fish move to cooler water.

The real draw is the combination of solitude and consistent fish. Because access requires a boat and the island prohibits landing, you will encounter far fewer anglers than at Tybee's public beaches or the nearby Savannah River. The shallow flats also mean you can fish effectively from a kayak, skiff, or small center console—you do not need a large offshore boat to reach productive water.

Key Takeaways

  • Little Tybee Island is accessible only by private boat or charter; there is no dock, ferry service, or land access.
  • Redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder are the primary species, with redfish most reliable in fall and winter on the shallow flats.
  • Waters around the island range from 2 to 6 feet deep, making kayaks and shallow-draft skiffs ideal for sight-casting.
  • The island itself is closed to landing as part of the wildlife refuge, but fishing the surrounding water is open year-round.
  • Tides matter significantly here—incoming tides push fish into the shallows, while outgoing tides concentrate them in deeper channels.

Seasons and What Fish Are Active

Fall and early winter (October through December) is prime time for redfish. As water temperatures drop, redfish move into the shallow flats around Little Tybee to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. You can sight-cast to tailing fish in 2 to 3 feet of water, particularly on incoming tides when fish push into the marsh grass. Spotted seatrout are also active during this window, though they tend to hold in slightly deeper water—3 to 5 feet—along the channel edges.

Spring (March through May) brings spotted seatrout into shallower water as they move inshore to spawn. Flounder also become more active as water warms. Summer (June through August) is slower for sight-casting because fish move to deeper channels and drop-offs to escape heat, but early morning and late evening tides can still produce redfish in the shallows. Winter (January through February) is cold and windy, making boat access difficult, though fish remain concentrated and catchable if conditions allow you to get out.

Species You Will Encounter

Redfish are the signature fish here. They range from 18 inches to over 30 inches, and the shallow flats make them ideal for sight-casting. Look for tailing fish in 1 to 3 feet of water, especially along the marsh grass edges. Redfish eat shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish; soft plastics like 3-inch paddle-tail shrimp and small swimbaits work well, as do live shrimp under a popping cork.

Spotted seatrout (also called speckled trout) are abundant and aggressive. They typically run 12 to 18 inches but can exceed 20 inches. They hold in slightly deeper water than redfish—3 to 5 feet along channels—and respond to the same soft plastics and live shrimp. Trout are most active on incoming tides and during low-light periods (early morning and late evening).

Flounder are present year-round but most reliable in spring and fall. They are bottom-feeders that hold in deeper channels and along drop-offs. Live mullet or small baitfish work best; cast near structure and let the bait sit on the bottom. Flounder rarely exceed 18 inches here, but they are solid table fare.

How to Get There and What You Need

You must have your own boat or hire a charter to reach Little Tybee. The nearest launch is at Tybee Island, where several public ramps provide access to the Tybee River and Calibogue Sound. From the ramp, the run to Little Tybee takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on your boat speed and which ramp you use. Lazaretto Creek Ramp and the Tybee Island Boat Ramp are the most convenient options.

Bring a GPS or chart plotter because the waters are shallow and marked by scattered oyster beds and sandbars. A depth finder is essential—it helps you navigate safely and locate deeper channels where fish concentrate during slack water. If you are sight-casting, polarized sunglasses are critical for spotting tailing redfish and cruising trout in the shallows.

Kayak anglers should plan for a 30 to 45-minute paddle from Tybee Island and be comfortable navigating open water. The paddle is manageable in calm conditions but can be rough if wind picks up. Check the forecast before you go, and consider launching earlier in the day when conditions are typically calmer.

Tides, Weather, and Timing

Tides control fishing here more than anywhere else on the Georgia coast. Incoming tides push redfish and trout into the shallow flats to feed; this is your best window for sight-casting, typically 2 to 3 hours before high tide. Outgoing tides concentrate fish in deeper channels and along drop-offs, making them easier to locate but harder to sight-cast to. Slack water (the brief period between tide changes) is often slow.

Wind and weather matter significantly because Little Tybee offers no shelter. A 15-knot wind can make the run from Tybee Island uncomfortable and the shallow flats choppy. Check the marine forecast before you launch. Spring and fall typically offer the most stable weather; summer can bring afternoon thunderstorms, and winter brings cold fronts that push water out and make fish sluggish.

Regulations and What You Must Know

Georgia saltwater fishing regulations apply. You need a valid Georgia Saltwater Fishing License unless you are fishing from a licensed charter boat (the captain holds the license). Redfish have a slot limit: you may keep one fish between 18 and 27 inches per day. Spotted seatrout have a 12-inch minimum with a 15-fish daily limit. Flounder have a 12-inch minimum with a 10-fish daily limit. These regulations change periodically, so check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website before you fish.

Little Tybee Island itself is closed to landing as part of the Tybee Island National Wildlife Refuge. You can fish the surrounding water, but you cannot step foot on the island. Respect this boundary—the refuge protects nesting habitat for shorebirds and sea turtles.

Gear and Tackle That Works

A 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line is ideal for sight-casting to redfish and trout. Braid casts farther, floats, and lets you feel the bottom and detect strikes in shallow water. A 12-pound fluorocarbon leader (2 to 3 feet) reduces visibility without sacrificing strength.

Soft plastics dominate here. Stock 3-inch paddle-tail shrimp in natural colors (tan, pearl, chartreuse), 4-inch swimbaits, and small crabs. Rig them on 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigheads depending on water depth and current. Live shrimp under a popping cork is equally effective and often outproduces artificials, especially for trout. Bring multiple cork sizes so you can adjust depth as tides change.

For flounder, use live mullet or small baitfish (3 to 4 inches) on a basic Carolina rig or drop-shot. A 1/4-ounce sinker keeps the bait on the bottom where flounder hunt. Bring extra tackle because oyster beds and grass will snag you—plan to lose a few rigs to the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Little Tybee Island without a boat?

No. The island is accessible only by private boat or charter. There is no ferry, dock, or public water access from shore. If you do not own a boat, hire a charter captain who operates out of Tybee Island; most offer half-day and full-day trips to the flats around Little Tybee.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

October through December is peak season for redfish on the sight-casting flats. March through May is excellent for spotted seatrout and flounder. Summer is slower because fish move deeper, and winter weather makes boat access difficult. Fall offers the most consistent fishing and the most comfortable conditions.

Do I need a fishing license to fish around Little Tybee?

Yes, unless you are fishing from a licensed charter boat. A Georgia Saltwater Fishing License is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or at most tackle shops in Tybee Island.

What happens if I land on Little Tybee Island?

The island is closed to landing as part of the Tybee Island National Wildlife Refuge. Landing is prohibited to protect nesting shorebirds and sea turtles. You can fish the surrounding water legally, but you cannot step on the island itself.

How shallow can I fish around Little Tybee?

Waters range from 1 to 2 feet on the flats to 6 to 8 feet in the deeper channels. A kayak or shallow-draft skiff (6 inches or less) works best. Avoid the area during low tide if you are in a boat with significant draft; use a depth finder to navigate safely around oyster beds and sandbars.