Glynn County, GA · Atlantic Ocean
St. Simons Island Beach
St. Simons Island Beach offers public shoreline and pier access on the Atlantic coast in Glynn County. Common targets include sheepshead, bluefish, summer flounder, red drum, and spotted seatrout.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Bluefish, Red Drum & Spotted Seatrout — tied at the top (82/100)
3 species tied for best of 5 tracked at St. Simons Island Beach.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:23 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 12:18 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 6:13 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
Species at St. Simons Island Beach
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Bluefish Great day to fish for Bluefish. In season 82/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — bluefish prefers incoming tide
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Pomatomus saltatrix — Toothy, aggressive pelagic predator. "Snapper blues" invade the lower Bay and coastal bays in summer; bigger choppers along the Atlantic coast. Hits metal jigs, topwater, and cut bait savagely — wire leaders recommended.
Prefers. Water 60–80°F (ideal 70°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–50 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 15
12" fork-length minimum, 15/person/day. Open May 1–Feb 28.
Source: Georgia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Red Drum Great day to fish for Red Drum. In season 82/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — red drum prefers incoming tide
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Sciaenops ocellatus — Also called channel bass, redfish, or (as juveniles) puppy drum. Summer and fall target around the lower Bay shoals and the Eastern Shore coastal bays. Big "bull reds" cruise the surf in fall.
Prefers. Water 65–85°F (ideal 75°F) · incoming tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 23"
- Daily creel
- 5
14–23" slot, 5/person/day.
Source: Georgia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Spotted Seatrout Great day to fish for Spotted Seatrout. In season 82/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — spotted seatrout prefers incoming tide
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Cynoscion nebulosus — Popularly called "speckled trout" or "specks." Summer-fall target in the lower Bay grass beds and the Eastern Shore coastal bays. Topwater walkers at dawn and soft plastics on jigheads are standard.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 72°F) · incoming tide · depth 3–15 ft.
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 15
14" minimum, 15/person/day.
Source: Georgia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#4 Sheepshead Workable day for Sheepshead. In season 66/100
What's helping
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — sheepshead prefers slack tide
About. Archosargus probatocephalus — Structure-oriented crustacean eater with famously human-like teeth. VA piers, jetties, and the rocks and pilings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are the classic targets. Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or small pieces of shrimp on a knocker rig right against the structure. Expect to lose tackle.
Prefers. Water 60–82°F (ideal 72°F) · slack tide · depth 5–40 ft.
- Min size
- 10"
- Daily creel
- 15
10" fork-length minimum, 15/person/day.
Source: Georgia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#4 Summer Flounder Workable day for Summer Flounder. In season 66/100
What's helping
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — summer flounder prefers outgoing tide
About. Paralichthys dentatus — Locally called "fluke." Flatfish that ambushes bait off sandy and mixed bottom. Drifting bucktails tipped with Gulp! or live minnows through Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets is the classic method.
Prefers. Water 58–75°F (ideal 65°F) · outgoing tide · depth 10–100 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 15
Flounder: 12" minimum, 15/person/day.
Source: Georgia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Georgia
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for St. Simons Island Beach: Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at St. Simons Island Beach?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at St. Simons Island Beach you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at St. Simons Island Beach?
St. Simons Island Beach is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Sheepshead, Bluefish, Summer Flounder, Red Drum, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at St. Simons Island Beach?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at St. Simons Island Beach against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does St. Simons Island Beach have?
St. Simons Island Beach has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at St. Simons Island Beach?
state agency regulations apply at St. Simons Island Beach. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is St. Simons Island Beach tidal water?
Yes. St. Simons Island Beach sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.