Full Day Offshore Fishing Adventure - Amelia Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore charter targeting sailfish, mahi, and wahooCaptain Kenny Crawford brings over 40 years fishing expertiseSpacious boat accommodates up to six guests comfortably
When you're looking for a serious day of offshore fishing, Captain Kenny Crawford's full-day charter out of Amelia Island delivers exactly what you're after. With four decades of experience working these waters, Kenny knows where the fish are holding and how to put you on them. This 8-hour adventure takes you into the deep Atlantic where sailfish, mahi, wahoo, and barracuda cruise the blue water. You'll have plenty of time to work different spots, chase down active fish, and really make the most of your day on the water. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so bring your crew and get ready for some world-class offshore action.
Your day starts early at the marina, where Captain Kenny will brief you on the game plan based on current conditions and what's been biting lately. The spacious charter boat gives everyone room to fish without getting tangled up, which is crucial when you're dealing with multiple lines and fast-moving pelagics. Kenny provides all the tackle you'll need, from heavy spinning gear for the bigger fish to lighter setups when the bite calls for finesse. The 8-hour timeframe means you're not rushed - you can work a productive area thoroughly, move between multiple spots, and adapt your strategy as the day unfolds. Expect to cover serious ground as you search for temperature breaks, weed lines, and structure that hold fish. The extended time on the water gives you the best shot at connecting with trophy-class fish that make this fishery so renowned among serious anglers.
Captain Kenny runs a spread of high-speed trolling lures designed to trigger strikes from pelagic predators. You'll typically have four to six lines out, mixing larger lures for wahoo and mahi with smaller offerings that sailfish can't resist. When the bite is on, it's all hands on deck as multiple fish hit the spread simultaneously. Kenny uses circle hooks on most presentations to improve release rates for sailfish, and he'll coach you through the fight to maximize your chances of boating trophy fish. The boat carries both conventional and spinning tackle, with line classes ranging from 20-pound test for smaller fish up to 50-pound gear when targeting big kings and wahoo. Live bait fishing also comes into play, especially when you mark fish on the electronics but they're not responding to artificials. Kenny's got the local knowledge to read the water conditions and adjust techniques throughout the day to keep you connected with fish.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Amelia Island's offshore waters host some of the best sailfish action on the East Coast. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial display that gets every angler's heart pumping. Peak season runs from December through March when cooler water temperatures bring schools of sailfish within reach of day boats. The fights are spectacular, with multiple jumps and long runs that test your tackle and technique. Most anglers choose to release these magnificent fish, making for great photos and conservation-minded fishing. King mackerel patrol these same waters year-round, with bigger fish showing up during the cooler months. These smoker kings can stretch over 40 inches and make blistering runs that strip line off your reel. They're excellent table fare and a customer favorite for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish, bring incredible color and acrobatics to every hookup. These golden-green fighters love floating structure and weed lines, often traveling in schools that create fast-paced action when you find them. They're perfect for the dinner table and fight hard despite their relatively smaller size. Great barracuda add another dimension to the offshore experience with their explosive strikes and razor-sharp teeth. These ambush predators can exceed 4 feet in length and attack lures with lightning speed. They're particularly active around structure and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. Red snapper round out the target species list, offering excellent bottom fishing opportunities when the pelagic bite slows down. These deep-water favorites require heavier tackle and precise boat positioning over structure, but they reward patient anglers with some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
This full-day charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time offshore. With Captain Kenny's four decades of local knowledge, top-notch tackle, and a boat that can handle six anglers comfortably, you're getting everything you need for a world-class fishing adventure. The 8-hour format gives you flexibility that shorter trips can't match - you can chase active fish when they're biting and adjust tactics when conditions change. Whether you're targeting sailfish for the sport, stocking the cooler with mahi and kings, or just want to experience the best offshore fishing Amelia Island has to offer, this charter delivers. Captain Kenny's reputation speaks for itself, and his repeat customers know they can count on a professional operation that puts fish in the boat. Don't wait for prime dates to fill up - book your full-day offshore adventure today and get ready for the kind of fishing day you'll be talking about for years to come.
Step aboard the fastest offshore charter boat on Amelia Island – a 33-foot center console Contender that'll get you to the fish fast and in style. Triple 250 HP Yamaha four-strokes push this beauty through Atlantic waters with serious speed, while Captain Kenny Crawford uses his 40+ years of experience to put you on sailfish, mahi, wahoo, and whatever else is biting. The boat's loaded with tournament-grade Raymarine electronics and radar to find fish in any conditions, plus all the essentials like an icebox for your catch and refreshments, GPS navigation, fish finder, and even a head for comfort during those long offshore runs. With room for six anglers, there's plenty of space to fight big fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're targeting trophy sailfish or filling the cooler with snapper, this setup gives you the best shot at a successful day on the water.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the ultimate trophy fish - these beauties can hit 10 feet long and weigh up to 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin that gets everyone excited. We find them in 30-65 feet of water during our trips, usually following warm currents and bait schools. Winter through spring gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes sailfish special is their fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. Plus, they change colors from blue to black when they're fired up, which is something to see. Here's a local tip: when you see one tailing on the surface, present your bait about 20 feet ahead of where it's heading. These fish are fast and you want to lead them into the strike zone.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's missiles - sleek, silver torpedoes that can hit 35 mph and grow up to 6 feet long. We encounter them around reefs, grass beds, and structure from shallow water out to the deep blue. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What makes cuda fishing fun is their aggressive strikes and initial blistering runs, though they tire quickly. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, checking out anything shiny. While the meat can be good from smaller ones, most guests enjoy the fight and photo opportunity. My tip: use a wire leader and keep that first run tight - they'll jump and thrash, trying to throw the hook. A quick, smooth fight gets better releases.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a workout - averaging around 30 pounds with some pushing 90. We target them in 40-150 foot depths along structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when they're chasing bait near the surface. What guests love about kings is their blistering runs and the quality table fare afterward - firm, white meat that grills perfectly. These fish hunt in schools, so once you hook one, there's usually more around. My go-to trick is rigging with two hooks on a wire leader - one through the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings have razor teeth and often hit the back half of your bait first, so that second hook saves the day more times than I can count.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when you bring them boatside. These fish average 15-29 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they grow fast and fight hard. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm water. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when they're feeding on flying fish and squid. Guests love mahi for their acrobatic jumps and sweet, firm meat that's perfect for the grill. They travel in schools, so keep your lines in after hooking one - there's likely more underneath. Pro tip: once we boat the first mahi, I'll toss it back on a line to keep the school around while we work the others. Fresh bait skipping on the surface drives them crazy.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are bottom dwellers that live around hard structure in 30-200+ feet of water - think ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs. These fish average 5-10 pounds but can push 35, turning from pink to deep red as they mature. Summer months during federal seasons offer our best shots at keeper-sized fish. What guests appreciate about snapper is their strong, determined fight and excellent table quality - mild, flaky white meat that's restaurant-grade. They're true warriors that'll dive straight for cover when hooked, testing your drag and patience. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly with enough weight to stay put in the current. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and once you feel that thump, reel steady - no jerking or they'll pull off.
Amelia Island