When blackfin tuna are off Savannah
Blackfin tuna fishing out of Savannah runs in two windows: spring and fall tuna windows cover April to June and September to November. This page covers when the fish are around, where boats run out of Savannah, what is on the chart between the inlet and blue water, and how the fishery is worked.
The blackfin tuna guide covers the fish itself. For the wider picture along the coast, see Atlantic Southeast (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide).
| Window | Months |
|---|---|
| Spring | April to June |
| Fall | September to November |
Spring, April to June
The spring window runs April to June.
Fall, September to November
The fall window runs September to November.
Where Savannah boats run for blackfin
Savannah boats run to R-6 Tower and North Hole, with the Stream beyond. The stops below are listed closest landmark first.
| Stop | Distance |
|---|---|
| J-Buoy | 16 miles east of Tybee Island |
| R-6 Tower | One of 2 blackfin destinations |
| North Hole | About 60 miles east of Savannah |
J-Buoy
J-Buoy sits 16 miles east of Tybee Island and serves as a landmark on the run offshore.
R-6 Tower
R-6 Tower is one of the two places Savannah boats run for blackfin. North Hole is the other.
North Hole
North Hole sits about 60 miles east of Savannah. The run is long enough that it needs planning before any fishing starts. Check wind, wave height and period in the National Weather Service marine forecast before you commit.
Grounds and structure on the way out
Several named sites lie between the inlet and blue water. They are chart features, and nothing here says blackfin hold on them. Chart Contours shows the depth breaks around these sites. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Georgia offshore artificial reefs (BSF, SAV, DUA, KC)
Four Georgia offshore artificial reefs sit off the sea islands south of Tybee. They are listed here by distance:
| Reef | Depth | Distance and position |
|---|---|---|
| BSF | 29 ft | 4 nautical miles east of Little Tybee Island |
| SAV | 40 ft | 6 nautical miles southeast of Tybee Island |
| DUA | 45 ft | 7 nautical miles east of Ossabaw Island |
| KC | 50 ft | 9 nautical miles east of Wassaw Island |
Depth increases as the reefs sit farther out.
Savannah Snapper Banks
The Savannah Snapper Banks lie in 100 ft.
How blackfin are fished from Savannah
Two methods cover the local fishery. For tactics beyond what is covered here, see the other tuna guides.
- Trolling. The main local method.
- Bottom fishing with squid. Done while at the Stream.
Trolling
Trolling is the main method for blackfin out of Savannah. Boats work it on the run to the grounds listed above.
Bottom fishing with squid at the Stream
Boats also bottom fish with squid while at the Gulf Stream.
Who fishes for them here
Veteran-owned Ridin’ Rogue Charters is a Savannah charter that lists blackfin tuna.
FAQ: blackfin tuna fishing out of Savannah
When is blackfin tuna season off Savannah?
Blackfin tuna fishing out of Savannah runs April to June and September to November.
How far is North Hole from Savannah?
North Hole is about 60 miles east of Savannah. Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before the run.
Where is J-Buoy?
J-Buoy is 16 miles east of Tybee Island. It is a landmark on the run offshore.
How do local boats fish for blackfin?
Trolling is the main method. Boats also bottom fish with squid while at the Stream.
Is there a Savannah charter that targets blackfin?
Yes. Ridin’ Rogue Charters is veteran-owned and lists blackfin tuna.
