Expert-Led Offshore Fishing on Amelia Island

Epic Offshore Fishing on Amelia Island

Ready for some serious saltwater action? Crawfish Charters has you covered with our 10-hour offshore fishing adventure off the coast of Amelia Island. Captain Kenny Crawford knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on the big ones. We're talking bruiser pelagics that'll test your arms and fill up your camera roll. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got everything you need for a day of world-class fishing you won't forget.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet you bright and early at the marina, where Captain Kenny will give you the rundown on our game plan for the day. Once we're loaded up, we'll cruise out to the offshore grounds where the real fun begins. These waters are teeming with hard-fighting game fish, and we'll use a mix of trolling and live bait techniques to target the hot bite. You might be cranking in a acrobatic sailfish one minute, then battling a toothy barracuda the next. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of action to go around. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing – the captain and crew will be there every step of the way to help you land that fish of a lifetime.

Gearing Up for the Deep Blue

Leave your tackle box at home, because we've got you covered with top-notch offshore gear. We're talking heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with braided line, ready to handle whatever decides to chomp our baits. We'll be using a mix of techniques throughout the day. When we're trolling, we'll deploy a spread of rigged ballyhoo and lures to cover more water and attract the attention of pelagic predators. For bottom fishing, we'll drop fresh cut bait down to the structure where grouper and snapper hang out. The crew will handle all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fighting fish and soaking in that salty air.

Top Catches This Season

Offshore fishing off Amelia Island is red hot right now. Anglers have been crushing it on mahi mahi, with lots of fish in the 15-30 pound range coming over the rails. The sailfish bite has been steady too, with multiple hookups per trip not uncommon. King mackerel have been thick, providing non-stop action when we find the schools. And for you bottom fishing fanatics, the red snapper season has been producing some real beauties. Of course, you never know what might show up out there – that's the thrill of offshore fishing!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of offshore fishing, sailfish are known for their incredible acrobatics and blazing speed. These majestic billfish can reach lengths of over 8 feet and put on a show like no other when hooked. We typically target them by slow-trolling live baits, and the sight of a lit-up sailfish in the spread is something you'll never forget. While they can be caught year-round, peak season is typically late fall through early spring.

King Mackerel: Also known as kingfish, these toothy speedsters are a blast to catch. They're aggressive feeders and will readily attack trolled baits and lures. Kings can grow to over 50 pounds, and when they hit, be ready for some smoking runs. We often find them around bait schools and structure, with the best fishing typically in the warmer months. Their firm, flavorful meat makes them popular for the dinner table too.

Mahi Mahi: Also called dolphinfish (though not related to dolphins), mahi are prized for both their stunning colors and their delicious fillets. They're curious fish that often travel in schools, so when we find them it can be non-stop action. We'll look for floating debris and weedlines where mahi like to congregate. These hard-fighting acrobats can reach 50+ pounds, though fish in the 10-30 pound range are more common. They're a year-round target, but fishing really heats up in the summer months.

Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast attacks, 'cudas are the wolves of the reef. They're ambush predators that will hit just about anything that looks like a meal, including our baits and lures. While often considered a nuisance by some anglers, hooking into a big barracuda can provide an exciting fight on light tackle. We catch them year-round, often while targeting other species around reefs and wrecks.

Red Snapper: These hard-fighting bottom dwellers are some of the tastiest fish in the sea. We target them over rocky bottom and reefs using heavy tackle and cut bait. Red snapper can grow to over 30 pounds, and they put up a stubborn fight all the way to the surface. The season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's some of the best eating you'll ever have. The satisfaction of reeling up a big red snapper from the depths is hard to beat.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're looking for a fishing trip that'll give you stories for years to come, this is it. Captain Kenny and the Crawfish Charters crew are ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime. With our top-notch gear, local knowledge, and passion for putting clients on big fish, you're in for a treat. Whether you're a seasoned salt or it's your first time offshore, we'll make sure you have a blast. But fair warning – once you experience the thrill of battling big game fish in the deep blue, you might just be hooked for life. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give us a call or book online to lock in your date. The fish are out there waiting – let's go get 'em!