Ready to get your line in the water and battle some serious offshore fish? Crawfish Charters has you covered with our top-rated Amelia Island fishing trips. We're talking about hard-fighting pelagics, tasty bottom dwellers, and everything in between. Our seasoned captain brings over 40 years of local knowledge to put you on the fish, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line. From 4-hour quick hits to full 8-hour adventures, we've got options to fit your schedule and your fishing dreams.
We'll meet you bright and early at 7:30 AM, coffee in hand, ready to hit the deep blue. Our well-equipped boat comfortably fits up to six anglers, so bring your crew or make some new fishing buddies. As we cruise out past the breakers, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake. Once we reach the fishing grounds, it's all hands on deck. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and ice for your catch. Whether we're trolling for pelagics, jigging the reefs, or bottom fishing for snappers, our crew will be right there to help you land that trophy fish.
Depending on the season and what's biting, we'll use a mix of fishing techniques to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish. We might start the day trolling for sailfish and mahi-mahi, using surface lures and ballyhoo to entice those acrobatic fighters. When the bite slows, we'll switch it up and drop some live bait to the bottom for snappers and groupers. If the kings are running, get ready for some fast-paced action as we slow-troll live baits along the weedlines. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so trust his call on where to fish and what techniques to use – he hasn't steered us wrong in four decades on these waters.
"Captain Kenny was the best. Put us on and kept us on fish from start to finish. Most of us had to take a break to let our arms recover. Once we got tired of bottom fishing he put us on a tremendous king bite. We plan to make it an annual trip. 5 stars!!!!!" - Troy
"Captain Kenny and Captain Ron were amazing guides! Both were very friendly and helpful, and we were able to catch multiple different types of fish. Every time we brought a fish in, they would have lines back out in no time and we were hooked again. Their kindness, joy for the sport, and thrillseekingness are unmatched and we would recommend them to anyone!" - Noah
Atlantic Sailfish: These speedsters are the prize of many anglers' fishing careers. Known for their incredible aerial displays and blazing runs, hooking into a sail will get your heart racing. We typically target them in the warmer months, trolling with rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures. Their bills light up electric blue when they're excited, making for some unforgettable moments and photos.
King Mackerel: Also known as 'kingfish,' these toothy predators are a blast to catch. They're famous for their smoking initial runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. We often find them in schools, so when one rod goes off, be ready for more action. Kings are great eating too, perfect for the grill or smoker.
Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish, these are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. Their electric blue and green colors are a sight to behold. Mahi are known for their acrobatics and their excellent table fare. We often find them around floating debris or weedlines, and they're suckers for a well-presented bait or lure.
Great Barracuda: These toothy missiles are the perfect target when you want non-stop action. They hit lures hard and fight with surprising strength for their size. While not the best eating, 'cudas are a blast to catch and release. We often find them around structures and reefs, ready to ambush anything that moves.
Red Snapper: These brightly colored bottom dwellers are prized for their flaky white meat. They put up a good fight, especially when you're pulling them up from deep water. We target them with heavy bottom rigs, often finding them around natural and artificial reefs. There's nothing quite like the feeling of a big snapper thumping your bait on the bottom!
So there you have it, folks – a day on the water with Crawfish Charters is more than just a fishing trip, it's a full-on offshore adventure. From the rush of hooking into a screaming sailfish to the satisfaction of filling the cooler with tasty snappers, we've got something for every angler. Our experienced crew, top-notch gear, and decades of local knowledge mean you're in for a world-class fishing experience right here off Amelia Island. Whether you're looking to tick some species off your bucket list or just want to spend a day making memories on the water, we've got you covered. Don't wait – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Give us a call, and let's get your next fishing story started!
July 20, 2023
Captain Kenny and Captain Ron were amazing guides! Both were very friendly and helpful, and we were able to catch multiple different types of fish. Every time we brought a fish in, they would have lines back out in no time and we were hooked again. Their kindness, joy for the sport, and professionalism are unmatched and we would recommend them to anyone!
May 25, 2024
Red snapper's a popular catch around here, and for good reason. These fish typically run 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, though big ones can hit 35 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging out near structure in deep water, usually 30-620 feet down. They like it warm, around 50-70 degrees. Summer's prime time for red snapper, with the season running May to October. Folks love targeting them not just for the fight, but because they're downright delicious. That mild, nutty flavor is hard to beat. When you're after red snapper, use heavy weights to get your bait down deep. Live bait like pinfish or pigfish works great, but don't overlook squid or cigar minnows. Just remember, these fish are crafty - they'll make a run for cover when hooked. Keep your line tight and be ready for a tussle. Trust me, landing a big red snapper is worth the effort.
King mackerel, or kingfish, are speedy predators you'll find in our offshore waters. They typically run 20-30 pounds, but can get up to 90 pounds for the big ones. Look for them in depths of 40-150 feet, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. These fish are migratory, following warmer waters. They're here in force during summer and fall. Anglers love targeting kings for their blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked. Kings are opportunistic feeders, chasing down smaller fish like blue runners and menhaden. When you're after them, trolling with live bait like blue runners or ribbonfish is hard to beat. Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from those sharp teeth. Here's a local tip: when a king hits, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook. They often grab the tail of the bait first, then come back for the whole thing. Give 'em time to get it all in their mouth for a better hookup. And hang on tight - when a big king decides to run, you're in for a real fight!
The great barracuda's a real predator out there, growing up to 6 feet long and hitting speeds of 35 mph in short bursts. You'll usually spot them near the surface in tropical waters, hanging around reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. These fish are loners most of the time, except during spawning season in spring. They're not picky eaters, chowing down on smaller fish like herring and sardines. What makes them fun to catch is their aggressive nature and powerful runs. Best time to target barracuda is usually summer when the water's warm. They're known for their tenacity, but they tire out pretty quick. Here's a tip: use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. And watch out when you're landing them - even a tired barracuda can be dangerous. Always use a net and gloves to be safe.
Mahi-mahi, also called dorado or dolphinfish, are a sight to behold. These colorful fish average about 3 feet long and 15-29 pounds, but can get much bigger. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often hanging around floating debris or weed lines. They're fast growers and don't live long, but they reproduce year-round. That makes for a pretty stable population. Mahi are known for their acrobatics when hooked - expect some airborne action. Summer's usually best for mahi fishing. They're popular targets not just for the fight, but for their excellent eating quality. The meat's mild and sweet, great on the grill. When you're after mahi, keep an eye out for birds working the water - that often means there's bait, and where there's bait, there's usually mahi. Trolling with ballyhoo or squid is effective, or try casting lures if you spot them on the surface. Just be ready for a fast-paced, exciting fight.
Atlantic sailfish are the speedsters of the ocean, capable of short bursts up to 68 mph. They average 6-8 feet long and 80-100 pounds, with that distinctive sail-like dorsal fin. You'll find them in the warmer offshore waters, typically in the top 100 feet or so. Sailfish are here year-round, but winter's often best for targeting them. They're prized game fish, known for their incredible acrobatics and long, powerful runs. It's not uncommon to see them leap clear of the water multiple times during a fight. When you're after sailfish, trolling with live bait like ballyhoo or goggle-eyes is a go-to method. Kite fishing's also popular, letting you present baits right on the surface where sailfish love to feed. Here's a tip: when a sailfish hits, don't set the hook immediately. Drop your rod tip and let the fish turn with the bait. Count to five, then slowly raise the rod. This gives the sailfish time to get the bait in its bill, leading to a better hookup. Get ready for an epic battle - landing a sailfish is an experience you won't soon forget!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 3
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Captain Kenny was the best. Put us on and kept us on fish from start to finish. Most of us had to take a break to let our arms recover. Once we got tired of bottom fishing he put us on a tremendous king bite. We plan to make it an annual trip. 5 stars!!!!!