What You'll Find at Tybee Island Pier

Tybee Island Pier is a 1,600-foot public fishing pier on Georgia's coast, about 18 miles east of downtown Savannah. It extends into the Atlantic and holds saltwater species year-round, with the catch changing by season. Spring and fall bring Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and pompano. Summer heats up the water and brings king mackerel and cobia. Winter slows the bite but produces sheepshead and black drum for anglers who know how to fish structure.

The pier charges a small daily fishing fee—currently around $5 to $7 per person—and you can fish from dawn to dusk most days. No saltwater license is required to fish from a public pier in Georgia, which makes it accessible to visitors and locals alike. The pier has a bait shop, benches, and shade structures, so you can spend a full day there without much planning.

Key Takeaways

  • Tybee Island Pier charges a daily fishing fee of roughly $5 to $7 and requires no saltwater license to fish from the structure.
  • Spanish mackerel and bluefish dominate spring and fall; king mackerel and cobia show up in summer; sheepshead and black drum are winter targets.
  • Live shrimp and mullet work for most species, and the pier's bait shop stocks what you need if you arrive without tackle.
  • Early morning and the hour before sunset produce the most consistent action, especially during spring and fall migrations.
  • The pier can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so weekday mornings offer better space and often better fishing.

When to Fish and What Bites

Spring (March through May) is one of the best windows. Spanish mackerel move through in large numbers, and bluefish chase baitfish along the pier. You'll also see pompano and permit if you fish the deeper water at the end. Mornings are most productive, and the bite often peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

Summer (June through August) brings king mackerel and cobia, but the heat also brings crowds. The water warms, and fish move deeper and feed less predictably during midday. Fish early, take a break during the heat, and return in late afternoon. Bonito and false albacore also show up, and they hit fast-moving lures.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring for consistency. Spanish mackerel return, bluefish are aggressive, and the water temperature drop triggers feeding. This is when visiting anglers often have their best days. Winter (December through February) is slower overall, but sheepshead congregate around the pier pilings and black drum move in. Both species require patience and small baits—fiddler crabs or cut shrimp work better than live offerings.

Tackle and Bait That Works

Live shrimp is the most versatile bait at Tybee Pier. It works for Spanish mackerel, permit, pompano, and bluefish. Live mullet (4 to 6 inches) works for larger species like king mackerel and cobia. The pier's bait shop sells both, so you don't need to bring your own, though prices are higher than off-pier shops in Savannah.

For tackle, a medium spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braided line handles most situations. Add a 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility in clear water. Spanish mackerel have sharp teeth, so a short wire or heavy mono bite leader prevents cut-offs. For sheepshead and black drum, drop down to 12-pound test and use small hooks (size 2 to 1/0) with fiddler crabs or cut shrimp.

If you want to throw artificials, small spoons (1/2 to 3/4 ounce) in silver or gold work for Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Soft plastics on light jig heads (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) mimic the baitfish that concentrate around the pier. Topwater plugs at dawn and dusk can trigger aggressive strikes from bluefish and Spanish mackerel.

How to Fish the Pier Structure

The pier's pilings create current breaks and hold baitfish, which means fish stack up around them. Cast near the pilings and work your bait or lure slowly. Don't cast far and reel fast—let the bait sit in the current and work the strike zone. The deeper water at the end of the pier (around 20 to 25 feet) holds larger fish, but the shallower sections near shore often produce more bites because baitfish concentrate there.

During incoming tide, fish move up and feed more aggressively. Outgoing tide can be slower, but it concentrates baitfish and can trigger feeding near the pilings. Check the tide before you go; Savannah's tides run about 7 to 8 feet, so the difference between high and low is significant. Fish the two hours before and after the tide change for the most consistent action.

Early morning (first light to 9 a.m.) and the hour before sunset are peak times. The sun angle is low, baitfish are most active, and predators feed. Midday (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) is usually slow, especially in summer. If you're visiting and can only fish one session, choose early morning.

Crowds, Parking, and Practical Details

Tybee Island Pier gets busy on weekends, holidays, and summer vacation weeks. Parking fills up by mid-morning on those days, and the pier itself can feel crowded. Weekday mornings, especially in spring and fall, offer far better conditions—fewer people, more space to cast, and often better fishing because the fish aren't pressured.

The pier has a small parking lot adjacent to the structure. Arrive early if you're going on a weekend. There's also street parking nearby, though it fills quickly. The bait shop is open during pier hours and sells tackle, live bait, snacks, and drinks. Bring sunscreen and water—the pier offers no shade except the structures, and the sun reflects off the water.

The pier is open dawn to dusk, but hours vary by season. Call ahead or check the Tybee Island website to confirm hours before you drive out. Weather can close the pier if conditions are dangerous, so check the forecast and call if you're uncertain.

Getting There from Savannah

From downtown Savannah, take Victory Drive (US 80) east toward Tybee Island. The drive takes about 25 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Follow US 80 all the way to the island; it becomes Butler Avenue as you enter Tybee. The pier is at the end of Butler Avenue, near the Tybee Island Lighthouse. Parking is on-site, and the fee covers both parking and pier access.

If you're staying in Savannah and want to fish Tybee without driving, some charter services offer pier fishing trips, though most focus on offshore or inshore boat fishing. The pier is the most accessible option for walk-up anglers without a boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Georgia saltwater fishing license to fish the pier?

No. Georgia does not require a saltwater license for fishing from a public pier. You only need a license if you fish from a boat or wade in state waters. The daily pier fee is all you need to pay.

What's the best time of year to visit if I'm coming from out of state?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer the most consistent fishing and the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot and crowded. Winter is slower but can be good if you target sheepshead and black drum.

Can I keep what I catch?

Yes, but Georgia has size and bag limits for saltwater species. Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches, and you can keep 15 per day. Bluefish have no minimum size. King mackerel must be at least 24 inches. Check the current Georgia saltwater regulations before you fish, as limits change.

What if I don't have any tackle or bait?

The pier's bait shop sells live shrimp, mullet, tackle, and basic rods. Prices are higher than off-pier shops, but it's convenient if you arrive unprepared. You can also buy a basic rod-and-reel combo if you need one.

Is the pier good for beginners?

Yes. The pier is forgiving for new anglers because fish are concentrated around the structure, and live bait works without much technique. The bait shop staff can offer quick advice, and you'll see what other anglers are using. Spring and fall are the best seasons to learn because the bite is more active.