What You'll Find at Tybee Pier and Pavilion

Tybee Pier and Pavilion is a public fishing pier on Tybee Island, about 18 miles east of Savannah. The pier extends 1,600 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is open year-round for fishing. You do not need a saltwater fishing license to fish from the pier itself — that's the main draw for casual anglers and visitors who want to try fishing without the paperwork.

The pier is also a working recreation area with a pavilion, restrooms, and a small tackle shop. Parking is available on-site, though it fills quickly on weekends and during peak season. The pier charges an entry fee to fish; the cost varies by season and whether you're a resident or visitor.

The structure itself is concrete and well-maintained, with railings on both sides and benches along the length. It's exposed to open ocean, so weather and swell can make it uncomfortable or unsafe on rough days. The pier is closed during severe weather and hurricane conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • No saltwater fishing license is required to fish from Tybee Pier, making it accessible to anyone who pays the entry fee.
  • Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and pompano are the most common catches in spring and fall; flounder and whiting appear in cooler months.
  • The pier is open year-round but is most crowded April through September; winter offers fewer people and different species.
  • Bring your own rod and tackle or rent equipment on-site; the tackle shop sells live and frozen bait.
  • Parking fills quickly on weekends; arrive early or visit on weekdays to find a spot more easily.

What Species You Can Catch and When

Spanish mackerel and king mackerel dominate the spring and fall runs, typically April through May and September through October. These are fast, aggressive fish that strike hard and fight well — they're the reason many anglers make the trip. Spanish mackerel average 2 to 4 pounds; kings run larger and less predictable.

Summer brings pompano, permit, and jack crevalle. Pompano are smaller (1 to 3 pounds) but plentiful and fun on light tackle. Flounder and whiting show up in fall and winter, along with occasional black drum. Tarpon pass through in late spring and early summer, though they're rare from the pier and require heavy tackle and patience.

Bait choice matters. Live mullet and live shrimp work best for mackerel and pompano. Frozen shrimp and cut mullet catch flounder and whiting. The tackle shop stocks both; if you bring your own, plan ahead because bait shops on the island close early or have limited hours.

Seasons and Crowds

April through September is peak season. The pier is busiest on weekends and holidays, especially in June and July. Expect shoulder-to-shoulder fishing during these months, which means less space to cast and more tangled lines. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday or come between October and March.

Winter (December through February) is actually excellent for flounder and whiting, and the pier is far less crowded. Water temperature drops, which changes the bite — you'll need to fish slower and lower in the water column. Spring (March through May) brings the first mackerel run and moderate crowds. Fall (September through November) is the second mackerel peak and offers good weather and fewer people than summer.

Access, Parking, and Fees

Tybee Pier is located at 14th Street and the Atlantic Ocean on Tybee Island. From Savannah, take Victory Drive (US 80) east toward Tybee Island; follow signs to the pier. Parking is in a dedicated lot adjacent to the pier entrance. The lot holds roughly 100 spaces and fills by mid-morning on weekends during peak season.

Entry fees vary. As of the most recent information, daily fishing passes cost one amount for residents and a higher amount for non-residents; multi-day and annual passes are also available. Prices change seasonally and are set by the City of Tybee Island. Call ahead or check the pier's website to confirm current fees before you go.

The pier is open dawn to dusk year-round, though exact hours shift with the season. Restrooms are available on-site. The tackle shop rents rods and reels if you don't have your own; rental rates are reasonable and include basic instruction if you ask.

What to Bring and Rent Options

If you own a saltwater rod and reel, bring it. A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod works for most pier fishing here. Bring your own tackle box with hooks, weights, and leaders — the tackle shop sells these items but at higher prices than you'd pay elsewhere. Sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses are essential; the pier offers no shade.

If you don't own gear, the tackle shop rents complete rod-and-reel combos for a daily rate. The rental equipment is functional but basic; if you plan to fish the pier more than twice a year, buying your own rod is more economical. The shop also sells live and frozen bait, ice, snacks, and sunscreen.

Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish. The pier has no fish-cleaning station, so you'll need to clean your catch at your lodging or take it to a local fish market. Check Georgia saltwater fishing regulations for size and bag limits before you fish; these change by species and are enforced.

Regulations and Licensing

You do not need a Georgia saltwater fishing license to fish from Tybee Pier — that exemption is specific to public piers. However, you must follow all state size and bag limits. Flounder must be at least 12 inches; Spanish mackerel at least 12 inches; king mackerel at least 24 inches. Bag limits vary by species and change annually, so check the current Georgia Department of Natural Resources saltwater fishing guide before you go.

If you fish from a boat or wade in the water, you will need a license. The pier exemption applies only to fishing from the pier structure itself. Catch-and-release does not require a license, but if you keep fish, the regulations apply.

Weather and Safety Considerations

Tybee Pier is fully exposed to the Atlantic, which means weather changes fast. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; the pier closes during lightning. Swell and wind can make the pier unsafe or uncomfortable, especially in winter and during nor'easters. Check the forecast before you go and be prepared to leave early if conditions deteriorate.

The pier is slippery when wet. Wear shoes with good grip. The railings are sturdy, but keep children supervised at all times. The water is cold in winter and can have a strong current; do not attempt to retrieve lost tackle or fish by wading or swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Georgia exempts public piers from the saltwater fishing license requirement. You pay the pier entry fee instead. If you fish from a boat or wade in the water, you will need a license.

What's the best time of year to fish Tybee Pier?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best fishing for mackerel and the fewest crowds. Summer is busiest but has good pompano fishing. Winter is quiet and productive for flounder and whiting if you don't mind cold weather.

Can I rent a rod and reel at the pier?

Yes. The tackle shop rents complete rod-and-reel combos daily. Rental rates are reasonable, though if you plan to fish more than twice a year, buying your own rod is more cost-effective.

What should I do if the pier is closed due to weather?

The pier closes during lightning and severe weather. Check the City of Tybee Island website or call ahead if conditions look questionable. Alternative fishing options on Tybee Island include wade fishing in the sound and hiring a charter boat.

Are there fish-cleaning facilities at the pier?

No. You'll need to clean your catch at your lodging or take it to a local fish market. Bring a cooler with ice to keep your fish fresh until you can clean it.