Coffee Bluff Marina is located on the south side of Savannah along the Ogeechee River. The marina was originally operated by the city of Savannah before Metzger Marina began managing the property in 2015. I have visited the marina many times by car to pick up bait. However, I have never arrived by boat. With that said, if you’re looking for live bait in Savannah, Georgia, Coffee Bluff is an excellent option. Here is what you need to know about Coffee Bluff Marina. 

Why Coffee Bluff Marina Is A Good Bait Shop

In the Savannah, Georgia, area, there are a limited number of bait shops. Some of the most notable in the area are Bandy’s Bait & Tackle, Bull River Marina, and more. 

As an avid angler in the Savannah area, I often have trouble sourcing live shrimp. There are a multitude of reasons why live bait is challenging to come by. Here are the primary reasons. 

The Shrimpers Are Shrimping For More Than One Bait Shop 

One of the primary reasons that bait shops run out of bait is because of the limited number of shrimpers. 

Yes, there are an abundance of shrimping vessels, but the vast majority are seeking white shrimp, which are intended for the dinner table. However, bait shrimpers remain in creeks and drag small nets. 

Furthermore, the bait shrimpers are employed by more than one marina. With that said, one will be fully stocked one morning while the other will be depleted. 

The Season

During the winter months in the southeast, bait shrimp are hard to come by. For this reason, the bait shops are not fully stocked with each drag by the shrimpers. 

Conversely, in the summer, brown shrimp are abundant. You’re more likely to find what you’re looking for when seeking bait. 

Coffee Bluff Marina Is A Go To Source For Bait In Savannah

Unfortunately, the bait shop that I most frequently use is often without live shrimp. Bandy’s Bait Shop is around the corner from my house near Butterbean Beach, but I often have to travel to Coffee Bluff. 

In having conversations with the shrimper, he informed me that he catches bait for both stores. However, I have found that Coffee Bluff is the most consistent with keeping live shrimp in the bait holding tanks. 

With that said, when it comes to a priority list, Coffee Bluff must come first compared to other Savannah shops. 

What Is The Cost For Live Shrimp At Coffee Bluff Marina

When it comes to buying bait at Coffee Bluff, you will have two options. The first is purchasing a pint of shrimp, and the second is purchasing a quart. 

As far as the cost is concerned, you can expect to pay $15 for a pint of shrimp and $25 for a quart. Pricing is relatively standard at all bait shops across Savannah. 

Importantly, when buying shrimp from Coffee Bluff, you will want to go inside of the marina shop. Inform the clerk of how much shrimp you want and pay at the cash register. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. 

What To Bring When Purchasing Live Shrimp

It is imperative to be prepared when going to the bait shop to pick up live shrimp. For this reason, you will need to bring a bait bucket with an aerator pump. 

Don’t worry about filling the bucket with saltwater before getting to the bait shop. Outside and adjacent to the store are the bait tanks, in addition to an on/off valve. 

After paying, fill up your bucket by turning the valve. Remember to avoid overfilling the bait bucket so it does not spill in your vehicle. 

Once it’s filled, the bait shop attendant will scoop and measure the correct amount of shrimp before placing them in your bait bucket. 

Coffee Bluff Marina Hours

One of the best benefits of Coffee Bluff when in need of live bait is the hours. The shop is open every day of the week from 7 AM to 5 PM. 

I like to get out on the water early, so being able to get bait at 7 is helpful. Furthermore, if you’re trying to get out in the afternoon once work is done for the day, you still have time to get in before they shut down. 

Coffee Bluff Marina Is An Excellent Bait Shop For Live Shrimp

Again, I prefer to visit a shop that is more local, but it seems as though every time I am in a bind, Coffee Bluff comes through. The marina conveniently has a wide range of hours. Also, feel free to call ahead before making the trip. The marina will be more than happy to let you know if shrimp is or is not available.