Hey there, fishing fans! Ready to hit the waters around Amelia Island for some serious angling action? Crawfish Charters has got you covered with a top-notch fishing experience that'll have you hooked from the get-go. Captain Kenny Crawford knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to share his local knowledge with you. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got the perfect trip lined up for you.
Picture this: You're cruising out from Amelia Island, the salty breeze in your hair, as Captain Kenny points out prime fishing spots. We're talking 4 or 6 hours of non-stop fishing action, folks. Our boat's got room for up to six people, so bring the whole crew along. We'll be targeting some real bruisers - black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead. These aren't your average backyard pond fish; these are the kind of catches that'll have you grinning from ear to ear in your photos.
Alright, let's talk shop. Depending on what's biting, we might be doing some bottom fishing for those tasty black drum and sheepshead, or maybe trolling for kings if they're running. For the cobia and redfish, we could be sight casting or using live bait. Don't sweat the gear - we've got top-of-the-line rods and reels all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat. Oh, and sunscreen. Trust me, you don't want to come back looking like a cooked lobster.
"Absolutely an excellent trip, super great guide and first mate to fish with, put us on fish and was extremely knowledgeable and top notch at what he does, will definitely go back in the future!!!" - Christopher
Black Drum: These guys are the drummers of the sea, and I'm not just talking about their name. They make a croaking sound that'll have you looking around for a frog on the boat. Black drum can grow to over 100 pounds, but we usually target the smaller ones in the 5-30 pound range. They're bottom feeders, so we'll be dropping lines near structure. The meat is white and flaky - perfect for a fish fry.
Sheepshead: Don't let those chompers fool you - sheepshead might look like they're grinning, but they're actually equipped with human-like teeth for crushing crabs and barnacles. These striped battlers are tricky to hook, which is why locals call them "the convict fish." They're most active in cooler months and put up a great fight for their size.
King Mackerel: Hold onto your hats when a king mackerel hits! These speedsters can swim up to 60 mph and make some spectacular runs. We typically troll for these bad boys, and they can get up to 100 pounds. Spring and fall are prime times for kings around Amelia Island. If you hook one, get ready for some serious action.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among locals. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, which according to old fishermen's tales, wards off predators. Redfish can be found in the flats and near oyster beds. They put up a great fight and are delicious on the grill.
Cobia: These curious fish are sometimes called "crab eaters" or "ling." They're known for following larger animals like sharks or manta rays, so keep your eyes peeled. Cobia are strong fighters and can grow over 100 pounds. They start showing up in our waters in late spring and stick around through summer. If you spot one, get ready for a battle royale.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there, but why not come see for yourself? At $850 for a trip, you're getting a world-class fishing experience with a guide who knows how to put you on the fish. Remember, we can take up to six people, so it's perfect for a family outing or a day with your buddies. Just a heads up - deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're locked and loaded for your fishing date. Don't sit on the fence too long; prime dates fill up fast. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water for some rod-bending, drag-screaming action. See you on the boat!
July 25, 2023
Black drum are tough fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These relatives of redfish typically weigh 5-30 pounds, but can get up to 90. Look for them in brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. They use their strong jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so fresh crab or shrimp make great bait. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Their size and strength make for an exciting catch, but the meat can get tough in bigger fish. For the best eating, target ones under 15 pounds. Here's a local tip - listen for their distinctive drumming sound to locate them. Black drum are adaptable, so you might find them in depths from a few feet to over 100. Just remember to use heavy tackle - these bruisers can put up quite a fight!
Cobia are hard-fighting fish that'll test your tackle and your stamina. These brown battlers average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, or floating debris in 30-70 foot depths. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights near the boat. Sight fishing for them is a rush - they often swim right up to the surface out of curiosity. Use big jigs or live eels for bait. Anglers love cobia for their excellent table fare and challenging fight. Here's a tip: always have a pitch bait ready. Cobia often travel in small groups, so you might get a shot at multiple fish. Just be careful when you land one - they can thrash wildly in the boat!
King mackerel are speed demons that'll make your reel scream. These sleek predators average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in 40-150 foot depths, often near drop-offs or structures. They're migratory, so prime time here is spring and fall as they pass through. Kings are prized for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the way to go. Watch for birds working bait schools - that's where you'll find the kings. Just be ready to hang on when one hits! Here's a pro tip: use a stinger rig to prevent short strikes. Kings have razor sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. The bigger ones can be a bit oily, but smaller kings make for some fine eating. Just remember, they're high in mercury, so enjoy in moderation.
Redfish are a staple around here, and for good reason. These bronze bruisers usually run 5-15 pounds inshore, but can get much bigger offshore. Look for them tailing in shallow flats, around oyster bars, or near marsh edges. They love to crush crabs and shrimp, so those make great bait. Fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn. Sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is hard to beat - that copper back sticking out of the water gets your heart pounding! They put up a stubborn fight, often making several strong runs. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local secret - on calm days, look for swirls or "nervous water" to find feeding reds. Just remember to watch those tide changes - reds love to ambush bait as it moves with the current.
Sheepshead are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These striped "convict fish" usually run 1-8 pounds but can reach 20. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, jetties. They're notorious bait stealers, so you gotta be quick on the hookset. February to April is spawning season when they gather in big groups. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their tricky bite and delicious white meat. Use light tackle with small hooks and natural bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. My go-to trick is scraping some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. Just watch out for those human-like chompers when you're unhooking them! With the right touch, you can land a mess of these tasty fighters for the dinner table.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 3
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Absolutely an excellent trip, super great guide and first mate to fish with, put us on fish and was extremely knowledgeable and top notch at what he does, will definitely go back in the future!!!