Ready to chase some serious fish? Crawfish Charters' full-day offshore trip is your ticket to the big leagues. We're talking 8 solid hours on the Atlantic, hunting down sailfish, mahi-mahi, and more. Captain Kenny Crawford's got 40 years of local knowledge in his cap, so you know you're in for a top-notch day on the water. Whether you're looking to land that trophy catch or just want to soak up some sun and salt spray, this trip's got you covered. Grab your crew (up to 6 can join) and let's hit the deep blue!
Picture this: You're cruising out of Amelia Island as the sun's coming up, salt air in your face, and nothing but open ocean ahead. Captain Kenny's at the helm, scanning for those telltale signs of where the big boys are hanging out. We're not messing around with the nearshore stuff today - we're going where the monsters live. You'll be using top-notch gear (all provided, so no worries there) to battle it out with some of the most sought-after gamefish in these parts. Sailfish, wahoo, mahi-mahi - they're all on the menu. And let's not forget about the chance to pull up some tasty red snapper for dinner. It's a full 8 hours of non-stop action, so come ready to put in work and reap the rewards.
Alright, let's talk shop. We're not just drifting around hoping for the best - Captain Kenny's got a game plan. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Expect some trolling for the pelagics like sailfish and mahi, maybe some live baiting if the conditions are right. For the bottom dwellers like snapper, we'll drop lines and jig. The boat's decked out with fish finders and GPS, so we're always on the fish. And don't sweat the gear - we've got top-of-the-line rods and reels that can handle anything from a scrappy barracuda to a 100-pound sailfish. Just bring your A-game and maybe some sunscreen, 'cause it's gonna be a long day in the best way possible.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch, but let's talk about what really matters - the experience. There's nothing quite like watching a sailfish light up, all neon blue and fired up, as it dances across the water. Or the way your heart races when a big mahi slams your bait and starts peeling line. These are the moments that keep folks coming back year after year. And the best part? You never know what's gonna happen out there. One minute you're reeling in a barracuda, the next you're locked in an hour-long battle with a monster wahoo. That's the magic of offshore fishing, and that's what we're all about.
Let's chat about some of the heavy hitters you might tangle with on this trip:
Atlantic Sailfish: These bad boys are the prize of any offshore trip. They're fast, they're acrobatic, and they'll test your skills like nothing else. Sailfish average around 6-7 feet long and can hit speeds of 70 mph. Spring and fall are prime time for sails, but we see them year-round. When one of these beauties starts tail-walking across the surface, you'll be hooked for life.
King Mackerel: Also known as 'kingfish,' these toothy critters are like underwater torpedoes. They're famous for their blistering runs and can easily top 30 pounds. We catch kings pretty much all year, but they're especially thick in the warmer months. Nothing beats the screaming reel when a big king hits your bait.
Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish, these are some of the prettiest fish in the sea. They're known for their acrobatics and their delicious meat. Mahi can grow over 4 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. Summer's the best time for big bulls, but we catch 'em spring through fall. When you see that electric blue and gold lit up in the water, it's a sight you won't forget.
Great Barracuda: These guys are the gangsters of the reef. With a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude, 'cudas are always a fun catch. They can grow over 5 feet long and are lightning-fast. We catch barracuda year-round, and they're especially fun on light tackle. Just watch your fingers when you're unhooking one!
Red Snapper: If you're looking for some of the best eating fish in the sea, red snapper's your target. These bottom-dwellers can grow over 30 pounds and put up a stubborn fight. We catch them year-round, but regulations can be tight, so it's catch-and-release a lot of the time. But when the season's open, there's nothing better than fresh snapper for dinner.
Alright, let's wrap this up. An 8-hour offshore trip with Crawfish Charters is more than just a fishing trip - it's a full-on adventure. You're getting Captain Kenny's decades of experience, a shot at some world-class gamefish, and a day on the water you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time offshore, this trip's got something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Round up your crew, block off a day, and let's go make some memories on the big blue. The fish are out there waiting - all you gotta do is book your spot and show up ready to reel 'em in. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.
These lightning-fast predators are a favorite target off Amelia Island. Growing up to 10 feet long but surprisingly light, sailfish put on an acrobatic show when hooked. Look for them in warmer waters 30-65 feet deep, often near the surface. They're most active here in summer months. Anglers love the thrill of battling a sailfish - they'll dive, leap, and use that iconic sail-like dorsal fin to their advantage. For the best shot at landing one, I recommend slow-trolling live bait like ballyhoo or squid. Keep your drag set light and be ready for blistering runs. Sailfish have soft mouths, so a gentle touch goes a long way. The real magic happens when you see that electric blue sail light up as they charge your spread.
These toothy predators are the wolves of the reef. Barracuda can grow over 5 feet long and hit speeds of 35 mph. You'll find them lurking around structure in 20-100 feet of water year-round. Anglers target 'cudas for their savage strikes and acrobatic fights. They're not great eating, but the thrill of the catch is worth it. I like to troll tube lures or live bait on wire leaders - those teeth will slice through anything else. When a 'cuda hits, it's like an explosion. They'll often skyrocket, thrashing at the surface. Be careful near the boat - big ones can jump and those teeth are no joke. For a real show, try topwater plugs. Watching a barracuda demolish a lure on the surface is fishing at its most visceral.
King mackerel are speed demons that'll test your tackle. These sleek predators average 30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them 40-150 feet deep, often near structure or following bait schools. Kings are most active here in warmer months. Anglers target them for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're not the best eating, but the fight more than makes up for it. I like to slow-troll live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Use wire leaders - those razor sharp teeth will slice through mono. When a king hits, it's like a freight train. Let them run to avoid pulling hooks, then hang on tight. These fish can turn on a dime, so stay alert. Nothing beats watching a big smoker skyrocket with your bait.
Mahi are the acrobats of the ocean - and some of the prettiest fish you'll ever see. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 80. Look for them near floating debris and weed lines in blue water. Mahi are most active here in summer and fall. Anglers love targeting them for their hard fights, spectacular aerial displays, and excellent table fare. These fish will hit just about anything - I've had luck trolling skirted ballyhoo or tossing out live bait under a kite. When you hook one, get ready for a show. Mahi will tailwalk, greyhound, and generally go bonkers. The key is keeping them away from the boat - they'll use their speed and agility to wrap you around the engines if you let them. Nothing beats watching a bull mahi light up in electric blue and green.
Red snapper are the prize of the Gulf - and for good reason. These ruby-red beauties average 5-10 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them holding tight to structure in 60-300 feet of water. Snapper fishing is best in summer months when regulations allow. Anglers prize them for their hard-fighting nature and exceptional table fare. I like to anchor up and drop live bait to the bottom. Use heavy tackle - snappers will dive for cover when hooked. The key is a quick, hard hookset to turn their head. Then it's a tug-of-war to keep them away from structure. There's nothing like seeing that flash of red come up from the depths. For a real treat, try blackening your catch - it doesn't get much better than fresh snapper.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 3
Horsepower per Engine: 250