"They were the boys of summer, chasing after dreams that would forever shape their lives. " ~ Roger Kahn
A day of fishing or crabbing is always a great way to spend some family time. Head down to St. Simons Bait & Tackle in Pier Village to pick up any gear or bait you might need and the fellas will be happy to give you tips about what’s biting. In addition to a carefully curated bait collection, top quality rods and reels, hats, sunglasses, and other necessities for a day of angling, they can also provide your morning coffee with a fresh cup of one of the tasty roasts from St. Simons Coffee Co. sold inside the shop at 202 Mallery Street. Our piers and inlets are popular spots for float-fishing, bottom fishing, and crabbing, but that’s not nearly all.
For serious angling adventures, there are numerous fishing charter options available for both in-shore and off-shore trips. If you want to try your hand at fly-fishing, On the Fly Outfitters is your go-to. Their shop in Historic Downtown Brunswick has everything you need and more, including stellar staff that are happy to help you get started or hone your skills. They even offer fly-tying workshops so you can make your own!
It’s also worth noting that anyone who fishes, crabs or seines in Georgia waters and is 16 years old or older must possess a fishing license. Any Georgia fishing license is valid in Glynn County and the Golden Isles, allowing for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. If you’re going out on a charter, most charter licenses cover their guests but be sure to ask whether you’ll also need to obtain a Georgia fishing license if you don’t already have one.
If dad isn’t all about the catch, the marshes and waterways of the Golden Isles also offer some of the best views and a wonderful world of wildlife to observe. You’ll find eco-tours, sunset, and dolphin cruise opportunities offered in the area every day of the week. If you want a scenic family kayak adventure, Southeast Adventure Outfitters and Turtle Tides both offer tours with experienced and knowledgeable guides. Enjoy encounters with playful dolphins, view a wide variety of shorebirds, and maybe spot the occasional alligator, otter, sea turtle, mink, or manatee. Boys love searching for shark teeth on the remote beaches they visit! Another fun family outing that’s always a big hit with dads and lads is a shrimpin’ excursion on the Lady Jane. When you’re aboard this retired and refurbished shrimp trawler, you can help Captain Cameron and his crew sort through the abundant sea life pulled in with the boat’s nets. From small bottom dwelling species to apex predators, the catch from every trawl is different and has new species to see. That’s right; sometimes there are even sharks in the haul!
