Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! If you're itching to wet a line and battle some serious gamefish, you've come to the right place. Crawfish Charters is your ticket to an action-packed day on Amelia Island's pristine waters. We're talking about targeting monster black drum, hard-fighting cobia, speedy king mackerel, and more. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Kenny Crawford's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need for a killer day on the water.
Alright, let's break it down. We're talking about a full 8-hour fishing adventure that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Our trusty vessel can handle up to six anglers, so round up your crew and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. We'll cruise Amelia Island's Sound, hitting all the local hotspots where the big boys like to hang out. Captain Kenny's been fishing these waters for years, so he knows exactly where to put you on the fish. And don't sweat the small stuff – we've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just bring your game face and maybe a cooler for your catch (and some snacks – fishing works up an appetite!).
Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. Depending on what's biting and where, we might mix it up with a few different techniques. We could be bottom fishing for those big ol' black drum and redfish, using cut bait or live shrimp to tempt 'em. Or maybe we'll switch gears and do some trolling for king mackerel, dragging lures or live bait behind the boat to trigger those lightning-fast strikes. For cobia, we might sight fish along the beach, keeping our eyes peeled for those brown torpedoes cruising just below the surface. And when it comes to sheepshead, we'll get up close and personal with structure, using fiddler crabs or oysters to entice those crafty bait-stealers. Whatever the fish are in the mood for, Captain Kenny's got a trick up his sleeve to get 'em biting.
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Black Drum: These bruisers are like the heavyweight champs of Amelia Island's waters. They can grow to over 100 pounds, though most you'll catch are in the 5-30 pound range. Black drum love hanging around structure and oyster beds, using their sensitive barbels to root out crustaceans. They put up a stubborn fight, often trying to dive back to the bottom. Fall and early spring are prime times to target these guys, and there's nothing quite like feeling that telltale thump when a big drum takes your bait.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy teeth fool you – these striped convicts are smart as hell and tough to hook. They're masters at stealing bait, so you need lightning-fast reflexes to set the hook. Sheepshead love structure, especially during the cooler months when they move inshore. They typically run 2-5 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 10+ pounds. The meat is delicious, making them a favorite target for both sport and table fare.
King Mackerel: Hold onto your hats, folks, because when a king mackerel hits, it's like hooking a freight train. These speedsters can top 50 pounds and are known for blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. We usually target them in the warmer months when they're chasing bait schools near the coast. Trolling with live bait or flashy lures is the name of the game, and the strikes are often spectacular, with kings launching themselves clear out of the water.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing around Amelia Island. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, which some say is to confuse predators. Redfish are opportunistic feeders, happy to munch on crabs, shrimp, or small fish. You can catch 'em year-round, but fall is particularly good when big schools of bull reds move into the area. They put up a great fight on light tackle, often making several strong runs before coming to the boat.
Cobia: These curious fish are sometimes called "crab eaters" or "ling," and they're prized for both their fight and their tasty fillets. Cobia can grow over 100 pounds, though most are in the 20-50 pound range. They're migratory, showing up in our waters as they follow bait schools northward in the spring. Cobia are known for their powerful runs and tendency to dive around the boat, making for an exciting battle. They're often found near structures like buoys or following large rays, so keep your eyes peeled!
Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase. If you're looking for a top-notch fishing adventure on Amelia Island, Crawfish Charters is where it's at. We're talking about a full day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action with some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. Captain Kenny's got the skills to put you on the fish, and our fully-equipped boat means you don't have to worry about a thing. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big black drum, outsmarting a crafty sheepshead, or feeling the adrenaline rush of a king mackerel strike, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, book your spot, and get ready for a fishing trip you'll be bragging about for years to come. Just remember, those deposits are non-refundable – but trust us, once you're out there hauling in fish after fish, you won't be thinking about anything else. Let's make some fishing memories!
Black drum are hefty fighters that'll make your drag sing. You'll find 'em lurking around oyster beds and mudflats in depths of 5-30 feet. Most weigh 5-30 pounds, but the big ones can top 90. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Listen for their croaking sounds - that's how they got the nickname "puppy drum." They crush shellfish with powerful teeth, so use crab or clam for bait. Locals swear by peeler crab on a Carolina rig. Black drum put up a stubborn fight and make great table fare when smaller. The meat gets tough in bigger fish, so we usually release those gently. Fun fact: they can live 50+ years, so that old timer you hook might be older than you!
Cobia are the oddball of our local waters - often mistaken for sharks with that single dorsal fin. These curious fish love structure, hanging around buoys, wrecks, and even sea turtles. Most run 20-50 pounds, but 100-pounders pop up every season. Late spring through summer is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights. Sight-fishing with bucktail jigs is a blast, but live eels are like candy to them. Local tip: always have a ready rod when you're offshore - cobia often appear out of nowhere. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and their excellent table quality. There's nothing quite like watching a big brown torpedo rise up and inhale your bait!
King mackerel are the speedsters of our local waters. These sleek predators cruise the offshore waters, typically in 40-150 feet. Most kings run 10-30 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't uncommon. Late spring through fall is prime time as they follow the bait schools. Kings are known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps - hang on tight when you hook one! Trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden is deadly. Pro tip: use a stinger rig to combat short strikes. Anglers love kings for their hard-fighting spirit and the challenge of landing one. The meat's good eating too, just mind the mercury if you're pregnant or young. Nothing beats the rush of a king skyrocketing on a bait skipping across the surface!
Redfish are our local bruisers, with that distinctive spot near the tail. You'll find 'em prowling the shallows, often in water so skinny their backs are out. Most run 5-15 pounds, but bulls over 40 aren't uncommon. Fall's prime time when they school up to spawn. Reds will crush topwater lures, but live shrimp or cut mullet work great too. Local secret: look for "tailers" feeding in flooded grass at high tide. These copper-colored fighters put up a stubborn battle, often making several strong runs. The smaller ones are excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. Sight-casting to tailing reds in inches of water is an adrenaline rush like no other. Just watch for that telltale V-wake and get ready for an explosion!
Sheepshead are a unique catch with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. You'll find these convict fish around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure in 10-50 feet of water. Most run 1-8 pounds, but lunkers over 20 aren't unheard of. Spring's the hot time as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you gotta be quick on the hook set. They love fiddler crabs, but shrimp works too. Local trick: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum 'em up. The fight's not spectacular, but the challenge of hooking them keeps anglers coming back. Plus, that sweet white meat is some of the best eating around. Just watch those fins when you're cleaning 'em - they're sharp!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 3
Horsepower per Engine: 250