When Black Sea Bass Are Around Golden Isles
Black sea bass fishing out of Golden Isles depends on two operators’ descriptions of the season and a set of named artificial reefs offshore. For ramps and inlets, see the Golden Isles port page. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the wider Atlantic Southeast guide.
The two local operators describe the season differently:
- St. Simons Fishing Center lists black sea bass year round.
- The Georgia Fishing Company lists them as common in late winter and early spring.
Both are operator listings. For biology and seasonal movement, see our black sea bass guide.
How Far Boats Run
Sea bass grounds off St. Simons fall into three tiers by run distance:
- Nearshore reefs: Southeastern Angling notes trips of about 10 miles for sea bass.
- 40 mile live bottom: about 40 miles offshore, per Southeastern Angling.
- The Ledge: offshore, on Gulf Stream trips.
The reef distances in the next section are measured from Little Cumberland Island or Cumberland Island, not from the St. Simons ramps, so work out the actual run on your own plotter. Georgia Reef A, CDH and SFC sit in the nearshore tier. Check the official marine forecast for wind and wave numbers before heading out.
Reefs and Structure That Hold Sea Bass
The depths and distances below are listed as published.
| Ground | Type | Depth (ft) | Distance and reference point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Reef A | Artificial reef | 45 | 7 nautical miles east of Little Cumberland Island |
| Georgia Reef CDH (formerly C) | Artificial reef | 55 | 13.5 nautical miles east of Cumberland Island |
| Georgia Reef SFC | Artificial reef, includes Golden Ray propeller and rudder section | 55 | 18 nautical miles east of Little Cumberland Island |
| Golden Ray | Capsized vessel, partly removed | On its port side in St. Simons Sound | |
| G Reef (state list: HLHA, formerly G) | |||
| 40 mile live bottom | Live bottom | About 40 miles offshore (Southeastern Angling) | |
| The Ledge | Offshore ground | Offshore on Gulf Stream trips |
Georgia Reef A
Reef A sits in 45 ft of water, 7 nautical miles east of Little Cumberland Island. It is the closest of the listed reefs.
Georgia Reef CDH
CDH, formerly C, sits in 55 ft, 13.5 nautical miles east of Cumberland Island. Its reference point is Cumberland Island rather than Little Cumberland.
Georgia Reef SFC
SFC sits in 55 ft, 18 nautical miles east of Little Cumberland Island. It holds the Golden Ray propeller and rudder section.
Golden Ray
The partly removed hull lies on its port side in St. Simons Sound. The propeller and rudder section is separate structure, located on SFC reef.
G Reef (HLHA)
G Reef is the name operators use. The state list shows it as HLHA, formerly G.
Live Bottom and The Ledge
The live bottom is about 40 miles offshore, per Southeastern Angling. The Ledge is fished on Gulf Stream trips. For the wider reef-fish picture, see our reef fish guides.
Load these reef positions against the Chart Contours layer to plan the run. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How Sea Bass Are Fished Here and Who Fishes for Them
Charters out of this port bottom fish the reefs for sea bass.
These operators list sea bass trips out of this port:
- St. Simons Fishing Center lists black sea bass year round.
- The Georgia Fishing Company lists black sea bass as common in late winter and early spring.
- Southeastern Angling notes trips of about 10 miles for sea bass and a 40 mile live bottom.
FAQ About Black Sea Bass Fishing Out of Golden Isles
When are black sea bass around Golden Isles?
St. Simons Fishing Center lists them year round. The Georgia Fishing Company lists them as common in late winter and early spring.
How far do boats run for sea bass?
Southeastern Angling notes trips of about 10 miles to the nearshore reefs and a live bottom about 40 miles offshore. The Ledge is fished on Gulf Stream trips.
How deep is Georgia Reef A?
Reef A sits in 45 ft, 7 nautical miles east of Little Cumberland Island. Distances are measured from the island, not from the ramps.
What is HLHA?
HLHA is the state list name for the reef operators call G Reef, formerly G.
Where is the Golden Ray propeller?
The propeller and rudder section is on Georgia Reef SFC, in 55 ft, 18 nautical miles east of Little Cumberland Island. The partly removed hull is separate and lies on its port side in St. Simons Sound.
