Navigating waterways or planning fishing trips requires information to ensure safety and catch more fish. Tides are critical for boaters and anglers in Georgia. The tidal changes in the state of Georgia are significant and therefore cause substantial amounts of water to flood both in and out of inland waters. Anglers and boaters must pay close attention to the Jekyll Island tide chart. 

Where Is Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a barrier island off the coast of central Georgia. The island is comprised of over 5,000 acres with nearly ten miles of shore. Jekyll is positioned north of Jacksonville, Florida and south of Savannah, Georgia. 

Jekyll is easily accessible via the Jekyll Causeway across the East River. However, a toll is positioned at the entrance of the island. Visitors are required to pay a fee when visiting. 

How Do You Find A Jekyll Island Tide Chart

The two most popular methods for locating a Jekyll Island tide chart are by utilizing the internet or visiting a tackle shop. 

Search Jekyll Island tide tables on a phone, tablet, or computer to locate a chart online. We recommend the US Harbors Jekyll Island Chart. The site provides daily and monthly tides, weather, events, and nautical charts. 

When you’re strolling through the island, visit a local tackle shop. The vast majority of tackle shops offer printed monthly tide tables. 

No matter how you source the information, knowing the tides with boating, swimming, or fishing off of Jekyll Island is essential. 

Why Are Tide Charts Important

Tide charts are essential for a multitude of reasons. Tides impact boaters, anglers, and swimmers in the state of Georgia. 

Whether you are utilizing the internet or printed tide table, use the information to remain safe. Tide charts provide details on the timing of high and low tide. Visitors from out of state and those who are unfamiliar with tides are caught off guard.  The currents flow at a rapid rate when in a transition period. 

How Do Tide Charts Benefit Anglers

The tide highly influences the ability to catch fish. Experienced anglers focus on specific tides to maximize results. 

Popular Jekyll Island inshore gamefish include redfish, sea trout, flounder, and sheepshead. Fish push deep into the marsh grass during high tide when the dry land at low tide floods with seawater. Inshore fish enter the marsh to seek shelter and feed. 

During low tide, the fish depart the marsh and sit along oyster beds and deep channels outside the grass. 

Anglers familiar with the tide hone in on fish at a quicker rate. While fish migrate without notice, being familiar with their patterns during tidal changes increases catch rates. 

How Do Tide Charts Benefit Swimmers

Jekyll Island beaches are positioned near narrow channels, and during tidal changes, the current can quickly catch swimmers off guard. 

Understanding the tides is essential for both remaining safe while swimming in addition to maximizing beach space. During low tide, the beaches are vast. Contrary to low tide, high tide minimizes the amount of real estate to enjoy because of the water rising up the coast. 

The best beach on Jekyll Island is Driftwood Beach. Plan a visit to the during your stay. 

How Do Tide Chards Benefit Boaters

Tidal changes exceed eight feet on Jekyll Island. Eight-foot tidal changes are significant and impact navigating watercraft.

Tides on Jekyll Island changes over a seven to eight-hour time span. During these hours, the water flows rapidly due to the amount of water moving in or out of inland waters. 

The rapid flow of water catches vessel operators off guard. Boats quickly become set down when anchoring, docking, or maneuvering in tight quarters. 

While maneuvering safely is essential, low tide results in vessels running aground. Unfortunately, waters that were navigable during high tide change quickly to shallow sand bars and oyster beds. Vessel operators who are unfamiliar with shallow waterways risk running aground during low tide. 

Before heading out boating, read navigation charts and obtain a tide table to avoid running aground. 

Use A Jekyll Island Tide Chart

The next time you’re headed to the beach, boating, or fishing, utilize a Jekyll Island tide chart. Tide tables provide valuable information. The information is easily accessible by searching the internet or visiting local tackle shops. Print a copy and keep one on hand as a quick reference when spending time on the water.