February 2026 — Savannah / Coastal Georgia: Sheepshead Peak, First Cobia Reports. February is a late winter month with water in the 38-48°F range — tautog and offshore wrecks; first signs of spring stirring late month; blue catfish. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — February 2026
Primary targets this month: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Wahoo.
Redfish
Winter reds in the marshes of Wassaw, Ossabaw, and Sapelo Sounds, Tybee back creeks, the Wilmington and Skidaway River systems, the Brunswick marshes, and the St. Simons-Jekyll backcountry — Georgia’s tidal marshes are some of the most productive redfish habitat on the East Coast. Look for the warmest water — dark mud bottoms, deeper canals, creek mouths warming on afternoons. Gold spoons, scented soft plastics, live shrimp under a popping cork.
Speckled Trout
Trout holding in the deep creek mouths and grass flats of Wassaw and Ossabaw, the Wilmington River channels, the Brunswick River system, and the back bays of St. Simons. Live shrimp under a popping cork, soft plastic jigs in natural colors (root beer, new penny, opening night).
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are stacked for the winter/early-spring spawn. Target the Savannah River jetty, the Tybee pier, the Brunswick area docks and rip-rap, and the inshore wrecks. Fresh fiddler crabs and live shrimp on a #1 or #1/0 octopus hook with minimal weight. Bites are subtle — set on the slightest tap. Vertical jigging tight to structure produces best.
Wahoo
Wahoo on the Black Gulley and Snapper Banks in fall and winter, the offshore current edges. High-speed troll (12-15 knots) with heavy lures (Marauders, Yo-Zuri Bonita), or live bait at slower speeds. Wire leader essential — 80-130 lb single-strand or coated.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 38-48°F. Tautog and offshore wrecks; first signs of spring stirring late month; blue catfish. Georgia has the second-highest tidal range on the East Coast (6-9 feet on big tides) — the entire fishery is tide-driven. Falling water out of the marshes concentrates bait at creek mouths and produces the best redfish action. The big spring tides flood the marsh grass, opening up tailing-redfish flats accessible only on the highest tides of the month.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Limited inshore. Tautog on wrecks, offshore wrecks for sea bass and cod, and winter striper offshore where available.
- Green crab is gold for tautog — fresh halved crabs on 4/0 octopus hooks with minimal weight.
February Outlook
Winter patterns hold; cobia/spring migrations begin showing in southern waters by month-end.
Regulations Reminder
Redfish: 18-27″ slot, one per angler per day (verify FWC zone-specific rules). Seatrout/Speckled Trout: FL: 15-19″ slot, 3 per day (verify zone). TX: 15-25″ slot, 3 per day. LA: 12″ minimum, 15 per day (verify current). Sheepshead: 12″ minimum, 8 per day (FL). Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Coffee Bluff Marina (Savannah); B&B Tackle (Tybee); Tybee Island Marina; Hogans Marina (Wilmington Island); Coastal Marsh Outfitters (Brunswick); St. Simons Bait & Tackle.
Public Boat Ramps: Lazaretto Creek (Tybee), Frank G. Murray ramp (Skidaway), Bell’s Landing (Savannah area), Halfmoon Marina (Sapelo), Mackay River Landing (Brunswick), Blythe Island Regional Park (Brunswick), St. Simons Landing.
Charter Fishing: $500–$800 inshore (marsh, sound trips); $700–$1,100 nearshore (cobia, kings, tarpon); $1,500–$2,500 offshore (Snapper Banks, Gulf Stream).
More Savannah / Coastal Georgia Resources
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