Chartered Fishing Trips in Beautiful Savannah, Ga.
Experience the thrill of real fishing, regardless of your age or skill level. From novices to experts, Captain Jesse Carter loves to help folks explore Savannah's beautiful, bountiful saltwater fishery - and maybe get dinner on ice!
You (and up to three additional guests) will cast lines from a 22' Sea Fox bay boat. Your captain provides all the essentials: rods, reels, lures - and even live bait, if needed.
You'll use light tackle to drift floats or perhaps bump the bottom for hungry fish. Depending on the time of year, you might hook Sheepshead, Redfish, Black Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, Whiting or many other varieties...
Planning a family outing? Kids are absolutely welcome! (Child-size life vests are always on hand at Even Keel.)
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for full details, and then go ahead and treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure!
Experienced, Knowledgeable, Friendly, and Safe!
Natural Fun for All-Ages
Fishing trips are a classic, timeless way for family members, friends and business associates to cooperate, bond, and socialize. All while having great fun and enjoying the majestic beauty, tranquility and splendor of the natural world. Let Even Keel Charters serve as your guide and host for your own unforgettable fishing trip in Historic Savannah, Georgia!
Decades on These Waters
An area native and devoted fisherman, Captain Jesse Carter grew up boating and baiting hooks on these very same waters. For the past several years he's generously shared his intimate knowledge of the nooks and crannies of Savannah's mysterious coastal waterways with folks from all walks of life, and he would love to do so with you and yours.
Southern Hospitality
Spending time on a fishing boat is as much about camaraderie and the sharing of little-known expertise as it is about who scored the biggest catch. Even Keel Fishing Charters offers a relaxed, private look at some of the most beautiful and picturesque spots on Georgia's coast - from a kindhearted, soft-spoken, easygoing local who knows where the fish are...
Rave Reviews!
Meet Your Captain: Jesse Carter
Captain Jesse Carter was born and raised in the beautiful and historic Southeastern city of Savannah, Ga., and has been out on the water since he was barely old enough to walk.
“My dad was very much into the outdoors,” recalls Jesse. “Hunting and fishing are long-running traditions in our family. I’m not a hunter, but I’ve fished since I was three or four.”
Jesse’s in his early fifties now, and for the last 15 years or so, he’s owned his own boats and used them extensively to fish this fabled corner of the Georgia coast — with great success. About five years ago, he started to seriously consider becoming a licensed captain and offering private, guided excursions.
In the summer of 2025, Even Keel Fishing Charters opened for business.
“Our fishery is year-round,” explains Jesse. “So, a lot of folks who come to Savannah for a variety of reasons find it’s also an ideal place to enjoy a fishing adventure. I had the background and skills required, so I studied, received my captain’s license, bought a 22-foot bay boat just for that purpose, and have been leading groups of friends, families and co-workers on fun, safe and educational fishing trips ever since.
“Mine’s a popular style of boat for the type of trips I offer, which are what’s called ‘inshore.’ We travel from the sound inward to the rivers and creeks. Some folks may have a fancier ride, but mine is straightforward and basic. That was intentional. It’s the ideal vessel for this type of fishing. It has everything we need and nothing we don’t!”
Jesse feels extremely comfortable in the marsh and out on the water, and that allows him to enjoy himself even while focusing on helping his clients have a great time. “Having lived here all my life, I guess I know the area by heart,” he says. “Sharing all its incredible, natural wonders with folks from out of town… I love it.”
His hard-earned skills as a fisherman and guide are evident to those who’ve booked an Even Keel Charter.
“I can point out all sorts of fish and wildlife others might miss,” he offers. “Truth be told, I usually know what kind of fish is on your line even before you reel it in, just because of the way they bit or the way they’re fighting. Every type of fish has its own unique behavior and traits that you come to recognize after decades of observation and interaction.”
So, what traits of his own make him uniquely suited to the role of a charter fishing boat captain?
“Well, it may sound funny, but I named the business Even Keel in part because that’s how I see my own disposition,” he replies with a laugh. “We’re not too extreme, but we’re certainly not boring! I’m an easygoing, patient person, and I do well working with folks of all skill levels — from people who’ve never held a fishing rod and need full instruction, to those who already know their way around a boat and are just looking for a friendly guide to show them some of the best spots for catching fish that only a serious local would know about.
“The other thing that makes my approach unique is that many folks who do this job really love fishing, but may not necessarily be skilled at dealing with a wide range of people. You know what I mean? They’re not constantly providing support, encouragement, and assistance for their clients.
"I’m completely focused on doing my level best to make sure my clients and guests have a great time, rather than using this as an excuse to fish for myself, surrounded by random people. If things are going right and the captain is doing his job, the captain doesn’t have time to fish for themselves! They’re busy scouting locations, managing the boat’s position, assisting clients, pointing out and explaining the nature and history of the area, and taking commemorative photos...
“Fishing is a huge part of my life and my family’s heritage, and I’d like to think I’m carrying on that tradition by introducing Savannah’s amazing waterways to folks from all over the world, and helping them to make memories on our coast that will last an entire lifetime.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of fishing trips does Even Keel offer?
We offer a variety of charter fishing trip locations including inshore, creeks, rivers and the sounds - all of which are custom-tailored to your personal preferences and existing experience level.
Whether you've never set foot on a fishing boat or have been successfully catching fish for decades, Captain Jesse is adept at providing expert guidance and friendly encouragement designed to allow all different sorts of charter clients to enjoy their time on the water to their fullest abilities.
What types of fish can I expect to encounter?
The fish species in our area vary by season.
However, the most common we encounter on our chartered trips are Speckled Seatrout, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum, along with Flounder and Whiting.
Do I need any fishing experience to participate?
No prior fishing experience is necessary!
Captain Jesse is an extremely experienced fisherman and boater, and provides full instructions and assistance on the day of your charter to ensure that everyone onboard feels comfortable, enjoys their time on the water, and has the best chance possible of catching any fish that they encounter.
How many people can join an Even Keel charter?
Even Keel Fishing Charters' uses a 22' Sea Fox bay boat. In addition to Captain Jesse, this vessel can accommodate four (4) more passengers.
Up to three (3) passengers are included with the price of every charter.
If your group totals four (4) people, an additional upcharge of $50 is required, due to the increased cost of fuel and supplies.
Are your fishing adventures suitable for children?
Absolutely!
Our trips are good-natured and family-friendly, and we love for kids to be included.
For safety reasons, no infants are allowed on the boat, but Captain Jesse has child-sized life vests on hand for those old enough to join in the adventure.
We do require that any children onboard be supervised by an adult passenger at all times during the trip, as the captain will be busy supervising the navigation and fishing.
How long does a typical Even Keel charter last?
We offer charters lasting four (4), five (5), or six (6) hours in length.
Simply choose the option that most suits both your interest level and itinerary.
What should I bring with me on my charter?
We recommend you wear a comfortable, breathable outfit, including any sort of "extra clothing" you would normally feel is appropriate for whatever time of year your charter takes place - as well as any personal items you may need to have with you.
That said, we STRONGLY SUGGEST you bring and use:
Sunscreen
A hat with a brim (that won't blow off your head in a breeze)
Sunglasses (it will likely be quite bright on the water)
A camera of some sort (to capture the fun)
Don't worry about bringing equipment, lures or bait.
Even Keel provides all the fishing gear, lures and bait your charter will need!
Are meals and drinks provided during the trip?
No meals or food are provided. However, you are welcome to bring any snacks or beverages you wish.
Even Keel Fishing Charters will have plenty of cold water on hand for everyone to enjoy.
ANY ADDITIONAL BEVERAGES BROUGHT ONBOARD MUST BE IN METAL CANS, PLASTIC BOTTLES OR CARDBOARD CONTAINERS. NO GLASS CAN BE BROUGHT ONTO THE BOAT, FOR SAFETY REASONS.
Alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine are allowed to be brought onboard and consumed in moderation by those who are of legal drinking age.
No hard liquor of any kind is allowed onto the boat.
Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
Do you provide fishing licenses to charter guests?
Yes, Even Keel gladly provides Fishing Licenses for all of its clients/guests.
You will NOT need to obtain a Georgia Fishing License for yourself in advance of your charter.
Simply show up with the appropriate clothing, any snacks or beverages you wish, and maybe a camera.
We take care of everything else!
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Your safety on the water is Captain Jesse's top priority.
This means that sometimes, charters must unfortunately be canceled due to bad weather. Decisions of that sort are always left solely to his discretion.
In the event of such a cancellation due to weather, Even Keel Fishing Charters will immediately refund a client’s full deposit via the same payment method in which it was made, and hopefully we can all aim to go out at a future date and time when conditions are more conducive to a safe and fun experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
If a client cancels their charter at least 48 hours in advance of its scheduled start time, their deposit will be refunded via the same payment method in which it was received.
Deposits of clients who do not arrive at the appointed time to begin their scheduled charter, or who cancel their trip with less than a full 48 hours' notice, will be deemed non-refundable.
How much does a Private Even Keel Fishing Charter cost?
The exact cost for one of our Private Charter Trips depends on the duration of the excursion.
Currently, our 2026 rates are as follows:
4-Hour Trips
(Begin at 7:00 AM) = $435 (not including any gratuity)
5-Hour Trips *our most popular option*
(Begin at 7:00 AM) = $485 (not including any gratuity)
6-Hour Trips
(Begin at 7:00 AM) = $525 (not including any gratuity)
We require a $100 deposit in advance to secure and guarantee your trip, with the balance to be paid in full on the day of the experience (along with any voluntary gratuity you may feel like offering your captain at the end of the experience).
Simply choose the one that's best for you, and confirm your booking to lock in a date and time!
I'm ready! How do I book an Even Keel Fishing charter?
You can book an Even Keel Charter in several ways:
By using our online calendar system, by phone, or via text message.
A deposit of just $100 (made via credit card through our secure payment processor Stripe) is all that is required to secure the date and time of your trip.
Thanks!
Captain Jesse looks very forward to spending time with you on the water and hopefully reeling in some big ones...