What Lazaretto Creek offers and when to fish it

Lazaretto Creek is a shallow tidal estuary on the north end of Tybee Island where redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder move in and out with the tide. The creek runs roughly two miles from its mouth at Calibogue Sound inland toward the marshes, with depths ranging from two to eight feet depending on tide stage. Most of the productive water sits in the lower half of the creek, where oyster bars, grass flats, and deeper channels create the structure that holds fish.

Tide matters more here than almost anywhere else on the Georgia coast. High tide pushes fish onto the shallow flats to feed; low tide concentrates them in the deeper channels and holes. The best fishing window is usually the two hours before and two hours after high tide, when redfish work the grass edges and seatrout patrol the drop-offs. Dawn and dusk are productive year-round, but summer brings consistent action throughout the day if you time it to the tide.

Key Takeaways

  • Lazaretto Creek fishes best on the incoming and high tide, when redfish move shallow to feed on the grass flats and oyster bars.
  • Shallow-draft boats or kayaks work best because most of the creek runs two to four feet deep at low tide, and a standard center console will ground out in the upper reaches.
  • Sight-casting to tailing redfish on the flats is the primary technique, using light spinning tackle and soft plastics or small topwater plugs.
  • Access is from the public boat ramp at Tybee Island Marina or from kayak launches near the Lazaretto Preserve, both on the creek's lower end.
  • Redfish and seatrout are year-round residents, but fall (September through November) and spring (March through May) see the most aggressive feeding.

Boat types and access points

A shallow-draft skiff or flats boat is ideal for Lazaretto Creek, but not required. Many anglers fish it successfully from kayaks, which have the added advantage of silence and the ability to pole into water less than two feet deep. If you own a center console or larger recreational boat, you can still reach the lower creek and the mouth where it meets Calibogue Sound, but you will not be able to explore the upper flats where the biggest tailing redfish often feed.

The Tybee Island Marina, located on the south side of the creek near its mouth, has a public boat ramp and fuel. Parking is available, and the ramp is well-maintained. If you are launching a kayak, the Lazaretto Preserve parking area on the north bank offers easier access to the flats and is free. From there, you can paddle directly into the creek's upper reaches without the motor noise that spooks fish on the shallow flats.

Low tide can leave the upper creek impassable for anything with a draft deeper than eight inches. Plan your launch time around the tide chart so you do not get stranded. The creek mouth is always navigable, even at low tide, and holds fish year-round.

Tackle and technique for redfish and seatrout

Light spinning tackle is standard here. A six to seven-foot medium-light rod paired with a 2500 to 3000-size reel spooled with 15 to 20-pound braided line gives you the sensitivity to feel the bottom and the backbone to set the hook on a redfish's hard mouth. A two-foot fluorocarbon leader (12 to 15-pound test) is less visible than braid in the clear shallow water.

Soft plastics dominate. Three to four-inch paddle-tail shads in natural colors—mullet, pearl, or chartreuse—work in most conditions. Fish them on a 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jighead, depending on water depth and current. Cast ahead of tailing redfish and let the lure sink slowly; most strikes come on the fall. Small topwater plugs (two to three inches) are deadly at dawn and dusk, especially in summer when baitfish are active. Popping and walking them along the grass edge often draws explosive strikes.

Sight-casting is the most effective approach. Pole or drift slowly along the flats and look for tailing redfish—their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. Cast ten to fifteen feet ahead of the fish and retrieve slowly. Patience and accuracy matter more than distance. If a fish spooks, move on rather than casting repeatedly at the same spot.

Seasonal patterns and what to expect

Fall (September through November) is peak season. Water temperatures drop, baitfish concentrate, and redfish feed aggressively in preparation for winter. Seatrout are also abundant, and you may encounter flounder on the deeper edges. Expect steady action if you time the tide correctly.

Winter (December through February) slows the bite but does not stop it. Fish move to deeper holes and channels during the day and feed primarily on the incoming tide. Midday fishing is often slow; focus on dawn, dusk, and the hours around high tide. Seatrout remain the most reliable species.

Spring (March through May) brings another strong bite as water warms and fish move back onto the flats. Redfish are aggressive, and seatrout are numerous. Summer (June through August) can be hot and slow during the middle of the day, but dawn and dusk remain productive. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; get off the water when lightning threatens.

Regulations and what you need to know

Georgia requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a three-day, seven-day, or annual license through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or at most tackle shops on Tybee Island. The license covers both inshore and offshore species.

Redfish have a slot limit: you may keep fish between 18 and 27 inches. Spotted seatrout must be at least 12 inches. Flounder have a 12-inch minimum. Bag limits vary by species and change periodically, so check the current regulations before you fish. Catch-and-release is encouraged and is the best way to maintain the fishery.

No-wake zones are enforced in parts of the creek, particularly near the Lazaretto Preserve. Idle speed only in designated areas. Respect private property along the banks; most of the surrounding land is privately owned or protected marsh.

Tackle shops and local resources

Tybee Island has several tackle shops within a few miles of the creek. They stock local lures, can provide current tide information, and often know which parts of the creek are fishing best that week. Many also rent kayaks if you do not have your own. Asking the shop staff for a quick report takes five minutes and can save you hours of unproductive fishing.

The Lazaretto Preserve itself has a small visitor center with information about the creek's ecology and history. It is worth a stop if you are new to the area. The preserve protects the marsh and oyster habitat that makes the creek productive, and understanding what lives there helps you fish it more effectively.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Running the motor too close to the flats spooks fish and stirs up silt that makes sight-casting impossible. Pole or drift the last hundred yards. If you must use the motor, cut it and coast in on the tide.

Fishing the wrong tide is the second-biggest mistake. Low tide concentrates fish but also concentrates you into a small area with other anglers. High tide spreads the fish across the flats but gives you more water to cover. Neither is wrong, but your technique and expectations should match the tide stage.

Casting too close to tailing redfish causes them to bolt. Lead them by ten to fifteen feet and let them move to your lure rather than dropping it on their head. A spooked redfish will not eat for several minutes, and word travels fast in shallow water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lazaretto Creek from shore?

Limited shore access exists, but most productive water requires a boat or kayak. The Lazaretto Preserve has a small boardwalk where you can see the creek, but it is not a fishing platform. Your best bet is to launch a kayak or rent a small boat.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Fall (September through November) and spring (March through May) offer the most consistent action. Summer is productive at dawn and dusk. Winter is slower but still fishable if you focus on deep holes and the incoming tide.

Do I need a guide to fish Lazaretto Creek?

No, but a guide can accelerate your learning curve, especially if you are new to sight-casting or tidal flats. Many Tybee Island guides fish the creek regularly and can show you the productive areas and how to read the water. Half-day trips are common and reasonably priced.

What should I do if my boat gets stuck on a sandbar?

Stay calm and wait for the tide to rise. Do not gun the engine, which can damage the prop and hull. Use a push pole or paddle to work the boat free if possible. If you are truly stuck, call the Tybee Island Marina for assistance. This is common enough that locals know how to handle it.

Are there other fish besides redfish and seatrout?

Flounder, Spanish mackerel, and jack crevalle are present, especially in the deeper channels and near the mouth. Tarpon occasionally move into the creek in summer, though they are rare. Redfish and seatrout are the primary target and the most reliable.