Premier Inshore Fishing Charters on Amelia Island

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Amelia Island
$850 - $2,200 price range
Updated Date: September 18, 2025

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing on Amelia Island? Join Captain Kenny Crawford of Crawfish Charters for an 8-hour trip in the island's sound. We'll be going after black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - we've got all the gear and know-how you'll need. Our boat has room for up to six people, so bring along family or friends for a great day on the water. Florida fishing doesn't get much better than this. We'll cruise the local waters, drop our lines, and see what's biting. With a variety of fish species in these waters, you never know what you might reel in. Captain Kenny knows all the best spots and will work hard to put you on the fish. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to enjoy a relaxing day out, this trip has something for everyone. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book your spot and get ready for some serious fishing action!

Premier Inshore Fishing Charters on Amelia Island

Reels and Rods

Impressive catch of a 25-inch sheepshead fish in FL

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Sheepshead fish caught at Fernandina Beach

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Anglers Delights In Amelia Island

Two king mackerel measuring 28 inches caught while fishing in FL

Reel In Memories In Amelia Island

Reel in the Big Ones on Amelia Island

Hey there, anglers! Ready for a day of non-stop fishing action on Amelia Island? Captain Kenny Crawford here, and I'm itching to get you out on the water for some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. We're talking eight full hours of casting, reeling, and hopefully, a whole lot of catching. Whether you're a seasoned pro or you've never held a rod before, I've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you'll need to make this a trip to remember.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're cruising the pristine waters of Amelia Island Sound, the sun's warming your face, and there's a cooler full of cold ones at your feet. We'll be targeting some real bruisers - black drum that'll make your arms ache, cobia that'll test your stamina, and king mackerel that'll have you whooping with excitement. And let's not forget about the redfish and sheepshead - they're always up for a good fight. I've been fishing these waters for years, and I know just where the big boys like to hang out. We'll hit all the honey holes, and I'll share all my local secrets to help you land that fish of a lifetime.

How We Roll on the Water

Alright, let's talk tactics. We'll be mixing it up throughout the day, using different techniques to target our various species. For the black drum and redfish, we might do some bottom fishing with cut bait or jigs. When we're after those king mackerel, we'll likely be trolling with live bait or spoons. Cobia fishing is a whole different ballgame - we'll be sight fishing, looking for these curious fish near the surface or around structures. And for the sheepshead? Well, those bait stealers require some finesse fishing around pilings and jetties. Don't worry if you're new to any of these methods - I'll walk you through everything step-by-step. My boat's got all the latest gear, and I'll make sure you're comfortable with it before we start casting.

The Usual Suspects

Let's talk about the stars of the show - the fish we'll be chasing. First up, the black drum. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually target the 5-30 pounders. They're known for their strong pulls and delicious meat. Spring and fall are prime times for black drum, but we can catch them year-round.

Next, we've got the cobia. These guys are like the marathon runners of the sea - they'll give you a long, hard fight. They typically show up in our waters from April to September, and they can reach weights of over 100 pounds. Cobia are curious fish, often coming right up to the boat to check things out.

King mackerel, or "kingfish" as we call them, are the speedsters of the bunch. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. We see them most often from April through October, and they can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh over 50 pounds.

Redfish, also known as red drum, are a favorite among local anglers. They're great fighters and even better eating. We can catch them year-round, but fall is particularly good when they school up in big numbers. A slot-sized redfish (18-27 inches) makes for a perfect dinner.

Last but not least, we've got the sheepshead. Don't let their goofy looks fool you - these striped bandits are some of the wiliest fish in the sea. They're masters at stealing bait, but when you hook one, you're in for a good fight. Winter and early spring are the best times for sheepshead, and they're absolutely delicious when properly prepared.

Time to Get Your Fish On

So, what do you say? Ready to spend a day on the water, chasing some of the best game fish Amelia Island has to offer? I've got space for up to six people, so bring your buddies, your family, or make some new friends on the boat. Remember, everything you need is provided - rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and a good attitude. Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen!

Now's the time to lock in your spot. The fish are biting, and I can't wait to show you what Amelia Island fishing is all about. Give me a call or book online, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Just remember, the deposit is non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out there feeling that first tug on the line, you'll be glad you made the commitment. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are impressive fish, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. They're bottom-feeders, so we target them with live bait like crabs or clams. Spring's the best time, as they school up to spawn. Anglers love black drum for their strong fight and good eating, though I recommend keeping the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table. They make a distinctive drumming sound, which is pretty cool to hear. When we're after them, I'll often use a 7- or 9-weight fly rod with weighted flies like Clouser Minnows. Just remember to present your bait right on the bottom - that's where these guys are looking for their next meal.

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers, often hitting 6 feet and 100 pounds. They're solitary fish, so spotting one is always exciting. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys, usually in 30 to 70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime times as they migrate through our waters. Anglers love cobia for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. They're known for their curiosity, often following boats or even sharks. When targeting cobia, sight fishing is the way to go. We'll cruise looking for their distinctive shape just below the surface. Once spotted, I like to pitch a bucktail jig or a live eel. Here's a tip: always have a heavy spinning rod rigged and ready. When a cobia shows up, you've got to be quick - they don't hang around long.

King Mackerel

King mackerel, or kingfish, are speed demons of the sea. They typically weigh around 30 pounds but can hit 90. You'll find them in depths from 40 to 150 feet, with bigger ones often lurking in deeper waters. These fish are migratory, so timing is key. We usually target them from late spring through fall when water temps are between 68 and 84°F. Anglers love kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. They're also great eating, though best enjoyed in moderation due to mercury content. When we're after kings, I like to troll with large planers and heavy tackle. Live bait works wonders too. Here's a tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose and a trailing treble. Kings often bite the back half of the bait, so this setup increases your hookup ratio.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are a local favorite here in Amelia Island. They're easy to spot with that black dot near the tail. Most run 28 to 33 inches, but they can grow much bigger. You'll find them in super shallow water, often just 1 to 4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. We can catch them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up. Anglers go crazy for redfish because of their strong pulls and excellent eating. When we're targeting reds, I like using topwater lures in the shallows - nothing beats seeing a big red explode on a surface bait. Here's a local trick: look for "tailing" redfish during high tide. When you see those tails waving above the water, you know they're feeding hard and it's time to cast.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a unique catch, known for their human-like teeth and black-and-white striped sides. They typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. We find them year-round, but they're especially active in early spring during spawning. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their challenging bite and excellent table fare. They're notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook-set. I usually recommend using light tackle and natural baits like fiddler crabs or shrimp. One trick I always share: get your bait as close to the pilings as possible. That's where they love to feed on barnacles. And if you're having trouble getting a bite, try scraping some barnacles off the structure to create a chum slick - it'll bring them right in.

About the THE CRAWFISH

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 3

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Hop aboard Captain Kenny Crawford's well-equipped fishing boat for a full day of angling action on Amelia Island's Sound. This roomy vessel comfortably fits up to six people, making it perfect for a group outing with family or friends. Over the course of 8 hours, you'll have the chance to target a variety of prized catches including black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - the captain provides all the gear and know-how you'll need to have a great time on the water. More experienced anglers will appreciate Captain Kenny's local expertise to help land that impressive catch. With beautiful coastal scenery as your backdrop, you're in for a fun-filled day of Florida fishing at its finest. Just remember to secure your spot with a deposit, as they're non-refundable. Get ready to make some fishy memories on Amelia Island!

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