St. Marys and Nassau Rivers

Both coastal rivers give anglers the opportunity to catch a variety of freshwater species. When fishing the Saint Marys River, be sure to keep current on both Florida and Georgia regulations as rules change depending on your location. In the upper, low salinity reaches of these rivers, black bass, bream, and catfish can all be taken. The St. Marys River is known for its healthy populations of bluegill and redbreast sunfish. The shallower, vegetated banks are the most productive sunfish habitats in these rivers. Woody snags or downed trees should be targeted as well. Live baits, such as worms and crickets, are great choices for sunfish in these waters. Both the Nassau and the St. Marys River have good populations of largemouth bass as well. Targeting cypress stands and other woody structures with soft plastics or jigs along river shorelines is a great way to fish for bass. Good largemouth fishing can be found in the areas around King’s Ferry, Boulogne, and St. George. In the lower stretches of these rivers, anglers can fish for a variety of saltwater species including drum, sea trout, and flounder. Live bait is an effective way of taking these species, with mud-minnows, shrimp, and crabs being popular choices. Artificial jigs and plugs are two effective ways to target these fish as well. Areas to target include current breaks, woody structure, and areas of hard bottom. Deeper holes should not be overlooked as colder weather can drive fish into areas insulated from cooling air temperatures. Check the local tide charts and plan your trip accordingly. Fish tend to be more active during rising and falling tides, as opposed to slack water times. Though the striped bass reports have been poor this past year, interested anglers should concentrate their efforts in the lower stretches of the St. Marys River, between I-95 and the town of St. Marys. Trolling plugs and casting shad-imitating jigs in deeper holes should attract any fish in these areas.