St. Marys Jetties Fishing | Tips, Baits & Spots | 912 Coastal
St. Marys Jetties Fishing: A Guide to Fishing the Cumberland Sound Entrance
If you're looking for some of the more exciting fishing around St. Marys, Georgia, the jetties at the mouth of the St. Marys River deserve a place on your list.
The St. Marys entrance to Cumberland Sound is bordered by two rock jetties extending toward the Atlantic — the north jetty coming from the southern end of Cumberland Island and the south jetty extending from the Amelia Island side. The jetties create structure and concentrate moving water, making the area attractive to a variety of saltwater species.
For experienced anglers with the right boat and conditions, jetty fishing can provide opportunities for redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, flounder, black drum and other coastal species.
Why the St. Marys Jetties Attract Fish
Jetties create exactly the kind of structure that inshore and nearshore fish like.
The rocks interrupt current and create changes in depth, eddies, current seams and areas where bait can become concentrated.
The St. Marys jetties also sit at the entrance to Cumberland Sound, where tidal water moves between the sound, the St. Marys River system and the Atlantic.
That combination of structure + current + bait is what makes the jetties so interesting to anglers.
What Can You Catch at the St. Marys Jetties?
The species you encounter will depend heavily on season, tide, water conditions and exactly where you're fishing.
Possible catches include:
Spotted seatrout
Black drum
Whiting
Tarpon
Cobia
Other coastal and nearshore species
Georgia fishing reports have documented redfish, trout, black sea bass, flounder, sheepshead and other species around the St. Marys jetties.
The jetties can also produce some bigger fish than you might expect when conditions line up.
Fishing the North and South Jetties
One important thing to understand is that the two jetties are on opposite sides of the St. Marys entrance.
The north jetty extends from Cumberland Island on the Georgia side.
The south jetty extends from the Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach side in Florida.
That matters because Georgia and Florida fishing regulations and licensing requirements differ.
If you're fishing in Georgia waters, make sure you have the appropriate Georgia license and permits. If you're fishing in Florida waters, make sure you meet Florida's requirements.
Don't assume that being near St. Marys automatically means you're fishing in Georgia.
Redfish Around the St. Marys Jetties
Redfish are one of the species that make jetty fishing particularly exciting.
The rocks provide cover and create current breaks where redfish can position themselves while waiting for bait to come past.
Historically, anglers fishing the St. Marys jetties have targeted redfish around the rip-rap and current created by the rocks.
Look for areas where the current pushes bait against the rocks or creates an obvious seam.
You don't necessarily have to fish directly on top of the rocks.
Sometimes the water just outside the structure is the better place to present a lure or bait.
Sheepshead at the Jetties
If you're specifically targeting sheepshead, the St. Marys jetties are worth knowing about.
Sheepshead are structure-oriented fish and can hold around rocks, pilings and other hard structure.
Anglers fishing the St. Marys jetties have historically used fiddler crabs, shrimp and other natural baits while working the edge of the rocks.
The key is getting your bait close to the structure while maintaining enough control to avoid constantly losing tackle.
Flounder Around the Jetties
Flounder are another species that can show up around the St. Marys jetties.
Because they are bottom-oriented ambush predators, look for areas where the jetty structure meets sand, shell or deeper water.
A bait or soft plastic worked near the bottom can be effective when conditions are right.
The important thing is maintaining contact with the bottom without getting hung up on the rocks.
Pay Attention to the Tide
Tide is critical when fishing the St. Marys jetties.
Moving water creates the conditions that make the jetties attractive to fish in the first place.
Instead of simply asking which tide is “best,” look at how the current is interacting with the rocks.
Pay attention to:
Current seams
Eddies
Bait movement
Water color
Areas where current accelerates
Changes in depth
Calm water next to stronger current
Experienced jetty anglers often adjust their position throughout the tide rather than staying in one location all day.
What Baits and Lures Work?
There isn't one magic bait for the St. Marys jetties.
Your choice should depend on the species you're targeting.
Consider:
Soft plastics
Bucktail-style jigs
Paddle tails
Live shrimp
Live baitfish
For Sheepshead
Consider:
Fiddler crabs
Shrimp
Small pieces of crustacean-based bait
For Flounder
Consider:
Live shrimp
Small baitfish
Soft plastics
Jigs worked near the bottom
The goal is to put the bait or lure into the strike zone without sacrificing your tackle to the rocks every cast.
Jetty Fishing Safety
This is probably the most important section of the article.
The St. Marys jetties are not a casual fishing spot for inexperienced boaters.
The current around the entrance can be strong, and NOAA's current Coast Pilot warns that the jetties are in poor condition, can be almost entirely submerged at mean high water, and can be a navigation hazard. It also warns that currents are strong around the ends of the jetties.
That means you should never treat the rocks like a normal shoreline fishing spot.
If you're approaching the jetties by boat:
Know the location of the rocks.
Use current navigation information.
Watch the weather.
Watch the tide.
Don't approach unfamiliar water at high speed.
Be especially careful around the ends of the jetties.
Wear your PFD.
Don't fish beyond your boating ability.
A calm day can turn into a very different situation when wind and current begin working against each other.
Where to Launch for St. Marys Jetty Fishing
St. Marys has several boat-access options.
The City of St. Marys lists the Meeting Street ramp, St. Marys Waterfront Park, Crooked River State Park and other Camden County access points.
For anglers heading toward the jetties, the launch point you choose should depend on your boat, the conditions and the route you are comfortable navigating.
Don't confuse a convenient launch with an easy run to the jetties.
The entrance is a serious piece of coastal water.
When Is the Best Time to Fish the Jetties?
There isn't one tide or month that guarantees fish.
The best conditions can change with:
Tide stage
Water temperature
Wind
Water clarity
Bait availability
Season
Target species
For example, historical fishing reports have documented strong redfish and trout opportunities around the jetties during different parts of the year.
The lesson is simple:
Pay attention to the conditions instead of relying on a calendar.
Is Jetty Fishing Right for You?
If you're an experienced coastal angler with the right boat, equipment and knowledge of the area, the St. Marys jetties can provide an entirely different fishing experience from fishing the marshes and tidal creeks.
You're dealing with deeper water, stronger current, exposed structure and the possibility of larger fish.
But that's also what makes the area challenging.
If you're new to the area or uncomfortable navigating the inlet, consider fishing with an experienced local captain rather than trying to learn the jetties on your own.
Final Thoughts
St. Marys jetties fishing offers anglers access to a unique piece of Georgia's coast.
The combination of rock structure, tidal current, Cumberland Sound and the Atlantic creates habitat that can attract a wide range of fish.
From redfish and trout to sheepshead and flounder, there's plenty to keep an inshore angler interested.
Just remember that the same current and structure that attract fish can create serious hazards for boats.
Know the water. Watch the conditions. Respect the rocks.
And when you're ready to explore more of the area, check out our other St. Marys, GA Fishing guides covering Crooked River, Cumberland Island, boat ramps, sheepshead, flounder, fishing reports and more.
Want to build a better understanding of inshore fishing? Inshore Fishing 101 breaks down the basics of reading water, understanding tides, choosing the right tackle, and finding fish along the coast.
Whether you're fishing the jetties, surf, flats, or backwaters, it’s a great place to sharpen your inshore fishing knowledge.
More St. Marys Fishing
ABOUT 912 COASTAL
912 Coastal is your home for fishing, boating, and coastal living across Georgia and Northeast Florida. Discover local fishing reports, gear reviews, guides, and coastal adventures.
Tight lines, and welcome to the 912 Coastal community!
Join thousands of anglers and get fishing tips, local reports, new blog posts, gear recommendations, and exclusive 912 Coastal updates delivered to your inbox.
