Top-Rated Inshore Fishing on Amelia Island

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Join Captain Kenny Crawford of Crawfish Charters for a fantastic half-day fishing trip off Amelia Island. We'll head out for 4 or 6 hours, targeting a variety of fish including black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead. Our spacious boat fits up to 6 people, so bring your family or friends along for the ride. Whether you're an experienced angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you have a great time on the water. Captain Kenny knows all the best spots and will help you improve your technique. You'll feel the salt spray on your face as you reel in some impressive catches. It's a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Amelia Island while trying your luck at landing the big one. Remember to book early, as spots fill up fast for this popular trip!

Top-Rated Inshore Fishing on Amelia Island

Reeling in the Big Ones

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 Action: Amelia Island's Half-Day Fishing Trip

Get ready to cast your line and haul in some serious catches on Amelia Island! Captain Kenny Crawford of Crawfish Charters is your go-to guy for a top-notch fishing adventure. Whether you're looking to wrestle with a hard-fighting redfish or outsmart a crafty sheepshead, this 4- or 6-hour trip has got you covered. We're talking prime fishing grounds, expert know-how, and the chance to land some real beauties. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to hit the water!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: you're cruising out on a sweet vessel that can handle up to six people, perfect for bringing the whole crew along. Captain Kenny's got years of experience under his belt, so you know you're in good hands. He'll take you to the hotspots where black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead like to hang out. Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing – the captain's got your back with all the tips and tricks you need. And for you seasoned anglers? Get ready to put your skills to the test against some of Amelia Island's most prized catches.

Fishing Know-How

On this trip, you'll get to try out different fishing techniques depending on what we're after. For those sheepshead and black drum, we might do some bottom fishing around structures like pilings or reefs. They love to nibble, so you'll need to be quick on the uptake! If we're chasing redfish, we could be sight-casting in the flats or working the deeper channels. And for the high-octane thrill of king mackerel or cobia, we might break out the trolling gear or look for surface action. Captain Kenny's got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky fishing hat!

Raves from the Regulars

"We had a great day fishing with Kenny and Matt. Both very knowledgeable and professional. I will use this charter again for sure!" - Dean

"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

Fish on the Menu

Black Drum: These bruisers are like the heavyweight champs of the inshore world. They can grow to over 50 pounds and put up a fight that'll make your arms ache (in the best way). Black drum love hanging around structures and oyster beds. When you hook one, hold on tight – they've got some serious pull!

Sheepshead: Don't let those silly-looking teeth fool you – sheepshead are smart cookies and notoriously tricky to catch. They're masters of stealing bait, so you need to be quick on the draw. But man, when you do hook one, it's so satisfying. Plus, they're delicious if you're into keeping a few for the table.

King Mackerel: These speedsters are the drag-screamers of the bunch. Kings can hit your bait like a freight train and take off on blistering runs. They're seasonal visitors to Amelia Island waters, usually showing up in the warmer months. Landing a big king is always a rush – they can top 40 pounds!

Redfish: Ah, the beloved red drum. These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers for good reason. They put up a great fight, often with some impressive topwater action. In the shallows, you might even see their tails sticking up as they root for crabs – it's sight-fishing heaven!

Cobia: These curious fish are like the puppy dogs of the sea – they'll often swim right up to the boat to check things out. But don't be fooled by their friendly demeanor. Once hooked, cobia turn into stubborn fighters that can really test your stamina. They're seasonal visitors, usually showing up in spring and fall.

Don't Miss the Boat!

Listen, if you're looking for a fishing trip that delivers the goods, this is it. Captain Kenny knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about making sure you have a blast out there. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy photo with a monster redfish or just want to feel the tug of a frisky mackerel, this trip's got you covered. The boat's comfy, the fishing's hot, and the memories? They'll last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now before someone else does. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it. Let's go fishing!

Customer Reviews

Fishing Pros Excel

We had a great day fishing with Kenny and Matt. Both very knowledgeable and professional. I will use this charter again for sure!

Dean Bachie

July 29, 2025

Stellar Catch Crew

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 Payne

July 25, 2023

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and muddy flats. They're bottom-feeders with a taste for crustaceans, so we'll target them with live bait like crabs or clams. Spring's the prime time as they school up to spawn, making them easier to locate. Anglers love black drum for their strong pulls and the challenge of tempting them off the bottom. For the best eating, aim for the smaller ones under 15 pounds - the meat's sweeter and more tender. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale nibble, be patient. Let them take the bait fully before setting the hook. It's a game of timing, but once you've got it down, you're in for some real action.

Cobia

Cobia are the bruisers of our coastal waters, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. These solitary predators average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-70 feet of water. Spring's the prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are prized for their powerful runs and dogged fights - they'll test your gear and your arms. Sight fishing for them is a rush, and they'll hit both live bait and lures. The meat's excellent too, firm and flavorful. Here's a local tip: when you spot a cobia, cast well ahead of it. They're curious fish and will often investigate a well-placed bait or lure. Just be ready for a battle - these fish don't give up easily.

King Mackerel

King mackerel, or kingfish, are speed demons of the Atlantic. These sleek predators typically run 20-30 pounds, but can top 90. You'll find them in waters 40-150 feet deep, often near drop-offs or structures. They're migratory, so timing is everything - late spring through fall is prime. Kingfish are prized for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures is the way to go. Anglers love the thrill of the chase and the fight these fish put up. Here's a pro tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks when live baiting. Kings often short-strike, so this setup increases your hookup ratio. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are razor sharp. The meat's good eating too, especially when smoked.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are inshore favorites here on Amelia Island. They typically run 5-15 pounds, but big bulls can top 40. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in creeks - anywhere from 1 to 4 feet deep. Fall's prime time when they school up, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers love reds for their hard-pulling fights and that distinctive tail spot. They'll hit everything from live bait to topwater lures. The meat's excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast ahead of them and hold on tight - when a red hits, you'll know it. Just remember to release the big breeders to keep our fishery strong.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convict fish of our waters, sporting distinctive black and white stripes. They typically run 1-8 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20. You'll find them hanging around structures - docks, bridges, and oyster beds are prime spots. These guys are notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth, perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Spring's your best bet, when they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - sheepshead are crafty and require finesse to hook. The meat's delicious too, sweet and white. Here's a local trick: use a small, sharp hook and wait for the bite to become steady before setting it. Fiddler crabs are my go-to bait, but sand fleas work well too. Just remember, patience is key with these striped tricksters.

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 for a laid-back half-day fishing trip around Amelia Island with Crawfish Charters. Captain Kenny Crawford knows all the prime spots to reel in black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead. Whether you're a pro angler or just starting out, we'll make sure you have a great time on the water. Our roomy boat fits up to six people, so bring your family or a group of friends along for the fun. Soak up some sun, feel the ocean breeze, and try your luck at landing an impressive catch. With 4- or 6-hour options available, you can customize your outing to fit your schedule. Don't miss out on this chance to explore Amelia Island's waters and make some fantastic fishing memories. Book your trip now - but keep in mind deposits can't be refunded.

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