What the Laza Ramp offers and who fishes it

The Laza Ramp is a concrete boat launch on the Lazaretto Creek side of Tybee Island, managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. It sits at the end of Laza Avenue and gives you direct access to the tidal marshes, creeks, and shallow flats that drain into the Savannah River estuary. The ramp is popular with kayakers, small skiff operators, and anglers targeting redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder in water that ranges from two to eight feet deep depending on tide.

Unlike the deeper-water launches on the sound side of the island, Laza works best for shallow-draft boats and paddlers. The ramp itself is narrow—one lane, concrete, with modest parking—so it fills quickly on weekends and during peak season. Low tide can leave the launch area thin, and the creek mouth silts in places, so local knowledge about timing and channel depth matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Laza Ramp provides shallow-water access to Lazaretto Creek and the surrounding marsh flats, best suited for kayaks, canoes, and boats drawing less than two feet.
  • Redfish and spotted seatrout are the primary targets; both species move into the shallows on rising tide and retreat to deeper holes on the fall.
  • Parking is limited to a small gravel lot, and the ramp is one lane, so arriving before 8 a.m. on weekends increases your chances of a spot.
  • Low tide can expose mud and reduce water depth to one foot or less in the creek mouth, making mid-tide and high-tide windows the most productive fishing times.
  • Georgia fishing regulations require a saltwater license for anyone 16 and older; check current redfish and trout size and bag limits before you launch.

Tides, depth, and the best times to fish

Lazaretto Creek is tidal, and the water level swings three to four feet between low and high tide. On the falling tide, redfish and trout move out of the shallows toward the deeper holes and channels—this is when you want to be positioned in the four- to six-foot zones where the creek narrows. On the rising tide, fish push back into the flats and marsh edges to feed, and this is when sight-casting to tails or working topwater lures in two to three feet of water produces strikes.

The slack water period—roughly an hour before and after high tide—can be slow because fish are less aggressive when the current stops. The most consistent bite happens during the first two hours of the rising tide and the first two hours of the falling tide, when current is moving and baitfish are active. Plan your launch time around these windows rather than around convenience; a midday slack tide launch often means a slow afternoon.

Low tide exposes much of the creek mouth and the flats immediately south of the ramp. If you draw more than 18 inches, you may find yourself stuck or forced to pole. Kayakers and canoeists have the advantage here—they can navigate water less than a foot deep and access areas that larger boats cannot reach.

What to bring and how to rig

Redfish in this system respond to live shrimp, live mullet, and soft plastics in the two- to four-inch range. Spotted seatrout prefer smaller baits—live shrimp under a popping cork, or four-inch paddle-tail plastics in natural colors. Flounder are bottom feeders; live shrimp or small mullet on the bottom near structure (oyster beds, dock pilings, submerged logs) will draw strikes. Bring a shallow-water net if you plan to land fish; the marsh bottom is soft and a net saves you from losing a good fish in the mud.

A push pole or shallow-draft trolling motor is essential if you want to cover water without spooking fish in two to four feet of water. Kayakers should bring a paddle leash and a secure rod holder; the current in the main creek can move you faster than you expect. Polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are not optional—you will spot more fish and avoid eye strain in the glare off shallow water.

Bring more water than you think you need, sunscreen, and a headlamp if you plan an early morning or evening session. The marsh offers no shade, and the sun reflects hard off the water. Insect repellent is worth the space in your bag, especially in summer and early fall.

Parking, facilities, and launch etiquette

The Laza Ramp parking area holds roughly 15 to 20 vehicles in a gravel lot. There is no attendant, no restroom, and no water fountain. The ramp itself is concrete, one lane, and slopes gradually into the creek. During peak season (May through October) and on weekends, the lot fills by 7 to 8 a.m. If you arrive after 9 a.m. on a Saturday, expect to wait or park on Laza Avenue and walk in.

Launch etiquette matters in a tight space. Have your boat ready to go before you back down the ramp. Do not leave your vehicle parked at the ramp while you fish; move it to the lot immediately after launch. If someone is waiting, keep your launch and retrieval under five minutes. On busy days, the ramp can become congested, and courtesy keeps the experience manageable for everyone.

The ramp is open dawn to dusk. There is no fee to launch, but Georgia requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a three-day license, a seven-day license, or an annual license through the Georgia DNR website or at most tackle shops in Savannah and Tybee.

Navigation and hazards in Lazaretto Creek

The main creek channel is marked by occasional pilings and is generally navigable at mid-tide and higher. However, the creek mouth silts in, and the exact depth changes with storms and seasonal dredging. Stay in the center of the channel if you are in a boat; the edges are shallow and soft. Oyster beds line much of the creek, and they are sharp—avoid running over them at speed, and watch for exposed shells at low tide.

The current in the main channel can run two to three knots on a strong falling tide. If you are in a kayak or small boat, do not fight it; use it to your advantage and drift downstream while casting. Anchor only in the deeper holes, and use a shallow-water anchor or a stake-out pole rather than a heavy anchor that can snag on oyster beds.

Powerboats are allowed, but the shallow water and narrow channel discourage large vessels. Most traffic is kayaks, canoes, and small skiffs under 18 feet. Respect the no-wake zone near the ramp and in the creek proper; wake damage to kayaks and small boats is a real problem, and the marsh environment is fragile.

Seasonal patterns and what to expect month to month

Spring (March through May) brings rising water temperatures and active redfish and trout. The bite is strong in April and May, with fish moving into the shallows as water warms. Mullet are spawning, and live mullet under a popping cork is a deadly rig. Expect crowds on weekends.

Summer (June through August) is hot and slow midday, but dawn and dusk sessions produce redfish and trout. Flounder bite improves as water warms. Insect pressure is high, and the marsh can smell of decomposing seagrass on very hot, still days. Early morning launches are your best bet.

Fall (September through November) is excellent. Water cools, baitfish move, and redfish and trout feed aggressively. September and October are peak months. Crowds thin after Labor Day, and the weather is more comfortable. This is the best time to visit if you have a choice.

Winter (December through February) is slow. Water temperatures drop into the 40s, and fish move to deeper holes outside the creek. The ramp is quiet, and you may have it to yourself, but the fishing requires patience and a willingness to fish deeper water and slower presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from the ramp itself without launching a boat?

Yes. The ramp is open to bank fishing, and you do not need to launch to fish from the concrete. However, the ramp is narrow and can get crowded during peak hours. Early morning or late evening is better for shore fishing without getting in the way of boat traffic.

What size redfish and trout can I keep?

Georgia regulations change, so check the current rules on the Georgia DNR website before you fish. Redfish typically have a 18-inch minimum and a 27-inch maximum (slot limit), with a daily bag limit of three fish. Spotted seatrout usually have an 12-inch minimum and a 20-inch maximum, with a daily bag limit of 10 fish. Rules vary by season and area, so verify before you launch.

Is the ramp accessible for people with mobility challenges?

The ramp is concrete and slopes gradually, but there is no dedicated accessible parking, no restroom, and no facilities. If you need ADA accommodations, contact the Georgia DNR or Tybee Island Parks and Recreation to ask about alternatives or assistance.

Do I need a boat to fish Laza, or can I kayak?

Kayaks and canoes are ideal for Laza. The shallow water and narrow creek are perfect for paddling, and you can access flats and marsh edges that boats cannot reach. Kayak fishing is popular here, and the ramp accommodates paddle craft well.

What should I do if the ramp is too crowded or the parking lot is full?

Try launching earlier in the day or on a weekday. If Laza is full, Tybee Island has other ramps on the sound side with more parking and deeper water. The Chimney Creek Ramp and the Lazaretto Avenue Ramp are alternatives, though they serve different water and species.