What You'll Find at Tybee Island Pier

Tybee Island Pier is a 1,600-foot public fishing pier on Georgia's coast near Savannah, built for anglers and sightseers alike. The pier extends into the Atlantic and sits in a zone where freshwater from the Savannah River meets salt water, creating habitat that draws both saltwater and brackish-water species year-round.

The pier is open to the public during daylight hours, and you do not need a saltwater fishing license to fish from it — Georgia exempts public piers from licensing requirements. You will pay an entrance fee to walk the pier, which covers both fishing and non-fishing visitors. The structure is wide enough for foot traffic in both directions, and the railings are sturdy enough to handle rod holders and the movement of fighting fish.

What makes Tybee Island Pier distinct is its position in the transition zone between river and ocean. The bottom is mostly sand and mud, and the pier sits over depths that range from 8 to 15 feet depending on tide and location along its length. This mix of habitat and depth draws a rotating cast of species that changes with the season and water temperature.

Key Takeaways

  • Tybee Island Pier requires no saltwater license to fish, but you do pay an entrance fee to access the structure.
  • The pier sits in brackish water where river and ocean meet, so you will encounter both saltwater and freshwater species depending on season and tide.
  • Spring and fall bring the most consistent action, with Spanish mackerel, flounder, and drum moving through the pier zone during migration.
  • Bring light to medium tackle, live shrimp or mullet, and plan to fish the incoming tide when water movement brings food and fish closer to the pier.

Species and Seasons at Tybee Island Pier

Spanish mackerel are the most reliable target from spring through fall, with peak activity in April through May and again in September through October. These fish are fast, aggressive, and will hit small shiny lures or live baitfish. They typically run 1 to 3 pounds from the pier, though larger specimens are possible. Flounder are present year-round but most active in cooler months — October through March — when they move into deeper water near the pier. Black drum and sheepshead show up in fall and winter, and both will take live shrimp or small crabs. Catfish are present in the brackish sections, especially after rain when freshwater pushes into the pier zone.

Summer (June through August) is the slowest season. Water temperatures climb, and many species move to deeper offshore water or into cooler creeks. You will still catch catfish and occasional flounder, but the action is inconsistent. Winter (December through February) brings sheepshead and black drum, which prefer cold water and will feed aggressively on live shrimp or fiddler crabs. The pier is less crowded in winter, and the fishing can be excellent if you are prepared for cold weather and shorter daylight hours.

Tackle and Bait That Work

Light to medium spinning tackle is ideal for Tybee Island Pier. A 6- to 7-foot rod paired with a reel spooled with 10- to 15-pound braided line will handle Spanish mackerel, flounder, and drum without being overkill. Flounder and drum will test heavier tackle, but the pier's depth and the typical size of fish do not demand it. Bring a small net or a gaff if you plan to land larger fish — the pier railings are high, and netting a fish is safer than trying to hand-line it up.

Live shrimp is the most versatile bait. Buy them from a local tackle shop or bait stand near the pier entrance — they stay alive longer in saltwater and are tougher to cast than frozen shrimp. Live mullet, 3 to 5 inches long, will draw larger flounder and drum. Dead shrimp and squid work for catfish and sheepshead when live bait is unavailable or too expensive. Small shiny spoons and jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) will catch Spanish mackerel and flounder if you prefer casting lures over waiting with bait.

Tides, Time of Day, and Pier Access

The incoming tide is the best time to fish Tybee Island Pier. As water rises, it pushes food and fish closer to the pier structure, and feeding activity increases noticeably. The two hours before high tide and the first hour after are typically most productive. Low tide can be slow because fish move away from the shallows and toward deeper water beyond the pier's reach.

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon into evening are the most active periods. Midday fishing is possible but slower, especially in summer. The pier is open from sunrise to sunset, though exact hours vary by season. Check with the pier office or a local tackle shop for current hours before you go, as they can change with daylight.

The pier is accessible year-round, but weather and water conditions can close it temporarily. High winds, rough seas, or lightning will shut it down for safety. The entrance fee is modest and covers the day — there is no hourly rate. Parking is available in a lot near the pier entrance, though it fills quickly on weekends and holidays.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

Georgia exempts public piers from saltwater licensing, so you do not need a license to fish from Tybee Island Pier. However, size and bag limits still apply to most species. Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches, and you can keep up to 15 per day. Flounder have a 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Black drum must be at least 12 inches, with a 5-fish daily limit. Sheepshead have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish daily limit. Catfish have no minimum size in Georgia, but check current regulations before you fish because rules can change.

Chumming is not allowed on the pier, and you cannot use cast nets. Live bait is permitted, and you can fish with multiple rods if local rules allow — confirm with the pier staff when you arrive. Catch-and-release is always an option, and many anglers practice it to preserve the fishery and reduce the hassle of keeping fish.

Nearby Tackle Shops and Facilities

The pier has a small bait and tackle stand at the entrance where you can buy live shrimp, mullet, and basic tackle. Prices are higher than shops off the pier, but convenience matters if you forgot something or ran out of bait. For a wider selection and better prices, visit a tackle shop in downtown Tybee Island or Savannah before you arrive at the pier.

Restrooms are available at the pier entrance, and there is a small concession stand selling drinks and snacks. The pier itself has no shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Benches are scattered along the length, and the railings have built-in rod holders if you want to set a rod down while you wait. The pier is not crowded most weekdays, but weekends and holidays draw families and tourists, which can make finding space difficult.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Tybee Island Pier is located at the end of Tybrisa Street on Tybee Island, about 20 miles east of downtown Savannah. From Savannah, take US 80 East toward Tybee Island, follow signs to the pier, and park in the lot at the entrance. The drive takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. There is no public transportation to the pier, so you will need a car.

Plan to spend two to four hours at the pier. Morning trips (sunrise to mid-morning) are most productive and give you time to fish the incoming tide. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket even in warm months — wind off the water can cool things quickly. If you are new to saltwater fishing, arrive early in the day when the pier is less crowded and staff can answer questions about current conditions and what is biting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish from Tybee Island Pier?

No. Georgia exempts public piers from saltwater licensing requirements, so you can fish without a license. You do pay an entrance fee to access the pier, which is separate from any licensing requirement.

What is the best time of year to fish Tybee Island Pier?

Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) offer the most consistent action, with Spanish mackerel and flounder moving through the pier zone. Winter brings sheepshead and black drum. Summer is the slowest season.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, as long as they meet Georgia's size and bag limits. Spanish mackerel, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead all have 12-inch minimums. Check current daily limits before you fish, as they can change.

What should I bring if I have never fished saltwater before?

Bring light to medium spinning tackle, live shrimp or mullet, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a small net. Arrive early so pier staff can tell you what is biting and where fish are holding. The pier is a forgiving place to learn saltwater fishing.

Is the pier open year-round?

Yes, but hours vary by season and weather can close it temporarily. High winds, rough seas, or lightning will shut it down for safety. Check with the pier office for current hours before you go.