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World-Class Inshore Fishing in Midway, GA
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Georgia
- $250 - $750 price range
Summary
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Coastal Catches
Shallow water redfish
Big 4’ stingray
Reeling in a huge stingray
Very nice overslot inshore redfish
Couple overslot Georgia redfish
Sight casted a nice 24.5” redfish
Redfish
Reeling in a big stingray
Beautiful Georgia redfish
Shallow water redfish
Big 4’ stingray
Reeling in a huge stingray
Very nice overslot inshore redfish
Couple overslot Georgia redfish
Sight casted a nice 24.5” redfish
Redfish
Reeling in a big stingray
Beautiful Georgia redfish
Shallow water redfish
Big 4’ stingray
Reeling in a huge stingray
Very nice overslot inshore redfish
Full Day Inshore Fishing: Black Drum, Shark & More
Ready to wet a line and see what's biting in Georgia's coastal waters? Captain Justin Harriman's got you covered with this laid-back 8-hour inshore trip out of Midway. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to brush up on your skills, this is the perfect chance to get out on the water and have some fun. We'll be targeting a mix of species like redfish, black drum, and maybe even a bonnethead shark if we're lucky. Don't sweat it if you've never held a rod before – Captain Justin's here to show you the ropes and make sure you're comfortable every step of the way.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll kick things off bright and early at the Midway marina. Once everyone's on board, we'll head out to some of Captain Justin's favorite inshore spots. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety – one minute you might be casting near oyster beds for redfish, the next you could be drifting for black drum in deeper channels. Throughout the day, Captain Justin will be right there with you, offering tips on everything from how to properly cast your line to the best way to reel in that big one. And don't worry about gear – we've got all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and a good attitude!
Techniques for Inshore Success
Inshore fishing is all about adapting to what the fish are doing. We might start off using live bait to entice some sheepshead around structure, then switch to artificial lures if we spot some redfish tailing in the shallows. Captain Justin will walk you through different techniques like bottom fishing, drift fishing, and sight casting. You'll learn how to read the water, spot fish activity, and present your bait in the most appealing way possible. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid grasp on the basics and might even be itching to plan your next trip!
Top Catches This Season
Our inshore waters are teeming with life, and each season brings its own highlights. In the warmer months, redfish and black drum are often the stars of the show. These hard-fighting fish love to hang around structures like docks and oyster beds, making for some exciting battles when you hook into one. As the water cools, we start to see more sheepshead move in – these striped "convict fish" are known for their crafty bait-stealing skills, but they're a blast to catch once you get the hang of it. And let's not forget about the bonnethead sharks – these smaller cousins of the hammerhead provide a thrilling catch for anglers of all skill levels.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the heavyweight champs of inshore fishing. They can grow to over 50 pounds, though we usually catch them in the 5-20 pound range. Black drum love to hang out near structure and will put up a great fight on light tackle. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. The bigger ones make a distinct grunting sound when you pull them in – it's pretty wild!
Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. They'll bury themselves in the sandy bottom, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Catching flounder is all about finesse – you've got to work your bait slowly along the bottom to entice a bite. They're most active in the warmer months, and while they might not put up the strongest fight, they're absolutely delicious if you're planning to keep a few for dinner.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are unmistakable. These clever fish are notorious bait stealers, thanks to their human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs with ease. Fishing for sheepshead is a test of patience and skill – you've got to feel for the lightest nibble and set the hook at just the right moment. They're most abundant in the cooler months and love to hang around pilings and rocky areas.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among inshore anglers. They've got a distinctive black spot near their tail, which helps break up their outline in the water. Redfish can be caught year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an absolute rush – you'll be hooked after your first catch!
Bonnethead Shark: Don't let their small size fool you – bonnethead sharks pack a punch! These mini-hammerheads usually run 2-4 feet long and are common in our inshore waters during the warmer months. They're fast, strong fighters that'll give your gear a workout. Catching a shark, even a smaller species like this, is always a thrill. Just remember, we practice catch-and-release with these guys to help maintain healthy populations.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing these Georgia inshore waters. Maybe it's the way the sun sparkles on the water as you cast your line, or the rush of adrenaline when you feel that first tug. Could be the satisfaction of learning a new skill or the pride of landing your personal best catch. Whatever it is, folks tend to leave this trip with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Captain Justin's laid-back approach takes the pressure off, so you can focus on having fun and soaking in the experience. Whether you're out with family, friends, or flying solo, this trip has a way of creating memories that'll have you planning your next outing before you even hit the dock.
Time to Book Your Spot
So, what do you say? Ready to get out on the water and see what's biting? This full-day inshore trip with Captain Justin is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of Georgia fishing. With room for up to 2 guests, it's ideal for a couple, a parent-child duo, or a pair of buddies looking for some quality time on the water. Remember, all the gear is provided, so you don't need to worry about a thing – just show up ready to learn and have a good time. The fish are waiting, and Captain Justin's got the local know-how to put you on them. Don't let this chance slip away – book your spot now and get ready for a day of inshore action you won't forget!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and mudflats. They're most active in spring during spawning season, forming large schools that are easier to target. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and tasty meat, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They're not picky eaters, so live bait like crabs, clams, or shrimp works great. When fishing for them, use a sturdy rod and reel combo with 20-30 lb test line. My local tip: try using a half blue crab on a circle hook. Let it sit on the bottom near structure, and be ready for a hard-hitting bite. Just remember, these fish have powerful jaws, so set the hook quickly and firmly when you feel that telltale tug.
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnethead sharks are the smaller, friendlier cousins of the hammerhead family. These little guys typically run 3-4 feet long and are pretty common in our shallow coastal waters. You'll spot them by their unique shovel-shaped head. They're most active in warm months, often cruising in small schools near beaches and in estuaries. Bonnetheads are bottom feeders, munching on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their spunky fight and the novelty of catching a shark from shore. To hook one, use a medium-heavy rod with 20-30 lb test line and a wire leader. Fresh cut bait or crab works well. My local tip: try fishing near sandbars or channel edges during incoming tide. When you feel a bite, give it a moment before setting the hook. These little sharks can put up a surprisingly good fight, so hang on tight!
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing. They love shallow waters, often tailing in just 1-4 feet deep. You'll spot them by their copper color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most reds we catch are "slot" size, between 18-27 inches, but they can grow much larger. These fish are ambush predators, so look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love reds for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To target them, try sight fishing with light tackle and artificial lures like soft plastics or topwater plugs. My local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their tails breaking the surface. Cast ahead of them and work your lure slowly – the strike can be explosive. Just be ready for a drag-screaming run when you hook up!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the toothy convicts of the inshore waters, easily spotted by their black and white stripes. These structure-loving fish typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around docks, bridges, and oyster beds. Spring is prime time for catching them, as they gather to spawn. Anglers prize sheepshead for their sweet, white meat and the challenge they present – they're notorious bait stealers with those human-like chompers. To catch them, you'll need patience and finesse. Use light tackle and small hooks baited with fiddler crabs, oysters, or barnacles. My go-to trick is to scrape some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum slick. Position your bait right next to the structure and wait for that subtle bite. When you feel it, set the hook hard and fast. These fish put up a great fight, so be ready for some fun when you hook into a big one.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. They average 15-20 inches but can grow up to 26 pounds. Look for them in coastal waters, inlets, and bays, especially from spring to fall. These ambush predators lie in wait for smaller fish and are known for their aggressive strikes. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicious white meat and the challenge they present. They're not called "doormats" for nothing – landing a big one is quite a feat. To up your chances, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like minnows or mullet. A local trick is to use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid, bouncing it slowly along the bottom. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel steadily to bring it in.
About the Big Red’s Fishing Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
