Full Day Offshore Fishing on Amelia Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore trip targeting sailfish, mahi, and barracudaCaptain Kenny Crawford provides all gear and expert guidanceAccommodates up to six passengers for group adventures
When you're looking for serious offshore action, Captain Kenny Crawford and Crawfish Charters deliver exactly what dedicated anglers want. This 10-hour guided fishing adventure takes you beyond the nearshore waters into prime Atlantic hunting grounds where sailfish, mahi, and king mackerel roam freely. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in the offshore game, Kenny's local knowledge and professional approach make this one of the top-rated fishing experiences around Amelia Island.
Your day starts early with a departure from Amelia Island's marina, heading into the deep blue where the real action happens. Captain Kenny knows these waters like the back of his hand - he's been working these offshore grounds for years and understands exactly where to position the boat for maximum success. The trip runs a full 10 hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots, try various techniques, and really get into the rhythm of offshore fishing. You'll cover serious ground, from nearshore structure to blue water drop-offs where pelagic species cruise. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets quality time at the rod. Kenny provides all the tackle, bait, and expertise - you just need to show up ready to fish.
Offshore fishing around Amelia Island means covering water and presenting baits where the fish are feeding. Kenny runs a combination of trolling spreads and live bait fishing depending on conditions and what's biting. The trolling setup includes a variety of lures designed to attract everything from sailfish to mahi - ballyhoo rigs, diving plugs, and colorful teasers that get the attention of cruising pelagics. When the bite calls for it, you'll switch to live bait fishing over structure or around weed lines where baitfish concentrate. Kenny's got the electronics to mark fish and structure, plus he reads the water conditions like a pro. He'll adjust techniques throughout the day based on what's working - maybe starting with a dawn trolling bite, then switching to live bait fishing during the midday hours when fish move deeper. The gear is all top-quality stuff that can handle whatever you hook into, from screaming sailfish runs to the bulldogging power of a big king mackerel.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing around Amelia Island, and these waters consistently produce some beautiful fish. Sailfish typically range from 40 to 80 pounds, with their iconic dorsal fin and lightning-fast runs making them every angler's dream catch. Peak sailfish action usually runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. When a sail hits your trolled ballyhoo or live bait, you'll know it immediately - they often jump multiple times and make blistering runs that test your drag system. The fight is pure adrenaline, and Captain Kenny knows exactly how to position the boat for the best hook-up ratios.
King Mackerel are year-round residents that provide consistent action and excellent table fare. These fish typically run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with occasional monsters pushing 50-plus. Kings are aggressive feeders that respond well to both trolled baits and live offerings. They're known for their initial screaming run followed by powerful headshakes near the boat. Spring and fall months often produce the best king mackerel fishing when they're feeding heavily in preparation for spawning migrations. Kenny targets them around structure, temperature breaks, and wherever baitfish are concentrated.
Mahi Mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are one of the most exciting fish you can tangle with offshore. These beautifully colored fish typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, though bull mahi can push much larger. They're incredibly acrobatic fighters that jump and tail-walk across the surface when hooked. Mahi are often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature changes where small baitfish gather. The best mahi fishing usually occurs during warmer months when water temperatures are in the upper 70s and 80s. What makes mahi fishing special is that where you find one, you often find a school - leading to some fast and furious multiple hook-ups.
Great Barracuda are aggressive predators that provide explosive action on lighter tackle. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run from 10 to 25 pounds and are known for their lightning-fast strikes and aerial displays. Barracuda are opportunistic feeders that will attack both trolled lures and live baits with incredible speed. They're found year-round in these waters, often around structure or in areas with good baitfish populations. The initial strike from a barracuda is often violent, followed by jumps and powerful runs that keep anglers on their toes.
Red Snapper represent some of the finest bottom fishing available offshore. These deep-water dwellers typically range from 5 to 20 pounds and are highly prized for their excellent table quality. Red snapper fishing requires precision - you're usually fishing in 80 to 200 feet of water over hard bottom structure where these fish congregate. The technique involves dropping fresh cut bait or live offerings to the bottom and feeling for that distinctive snapper bite. When red snapper are biting, the action can be steady and productive, filling the cooler with prime eating fish. Captain Kenny knows the productive snapper spots and understands the regulations that govern this important fishery.
This extended full-day offshore adventure represents world-class fishing at its finest, combining Captain Kenny's local expertise with some of the Atlantic's best fishing grounds. The 10-hour format gives you the time needed to really work the offshore waters properly, trying different techniques and targeting multiple species as conditions change throughout the day. With all gear, bait, and professional
Step aboard our lightning-fast 33' Contender center console, powered by triple 250 HP Yamaha four-strokes that'll get you to the fishing grounds faster than any other charter boat on Amelia Island. Captain Kenny knows exactly where the sailfish are running and where the mahi are biting. This tournament-rigged boat comes loaded with Raymarine electronics, radar for those early morning runs, and a fish finder that'll put you right on top of the action. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long battles with king mackerel and barracuda. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this boat's got the speed and gear to put you on red snapper and whatever else is prowling the offshore waters around Amelia Island.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of offshore fishing, reaching up to 35 mph in short bursts. These magnificent fish average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. They hunt in 30-65 feet of water near the surface, often working together to corral baitfish. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll leap, dive, and run like nothing else out there. Spring through early summer gives us the best action when water temps hit 70-80°F. Here's a local trick: when you see one lit up and teasing your bait, resist setting the hook too early. Let them take it and run first - sailfish often grab bait sideways before turning to swallow it properly.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the ocean's steel torpedoes - all attitude and razor-sharp teeth. These apex predators can reach 5-6 feet and swim up to 35 mph in short bursts. You'll find them near coral reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs, usually hunting alone except during spring spawning. They're curious fish that often follow divers and will investigate anything shiny. What makes them exciting to target is their explosive strike and tenacious fight, though they tire quickly. Year-round fishing is good in our warm waters, but spring gives you the best shot at bigger fish. Fair warning - they're not great eating due to potential ciguatera, but the fight is worth it. Here's the key: use a wire leader and be ready for that lightning-fast strike. When landing one, use a net and gloves - those teeth are no joke.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the drag-screaming fish that'll test your arms and your tackle. These silver bullets average 20-30 pounds but can push 90, and they're built for one thing - speed. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. They love warm water between 68-84°F, making late spring through fall our prime time. What guests love most is that initial run when they hit - pure adrenaline as line melts off your reel. Kings are also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. My go-to tip: use a wire leader and rig your bait with a stinger hook near the tail. Kings often hit bait from behind, and that back hook will save you from a lot of heartbreak when they bite through your offering.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the golden beauties of offshore fishing - pure eye candy with their brilliant colors and incredible table fare. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they make up for it with aggressive feeding and spectacular fights. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in warm blue water. They're surface dwellers that love to jump and put on a show once hooked. Late spring through fall is prime time when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes them special is the whole package - they fight hard, look amazing, and taste even better with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your bait in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more waiting for an easy meal.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of bottom fishing - beautiful fish with that classic red color and excellent table fare. These bottom dwellers typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds around here, though they can grow much larger. You'll find them on hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 30-200 feet, where they set up house and rarely roam far. They're tough fighters that'll head straight for cover when hooked, so be ready to muscle them up quick. Best action happens May through October during their spawning season when they're most active. What guests love is the combination - they fight hard and taste even better with sweet, flaky white meat. My advice: use circle hooks with live or fresh dead bait, and keep steady pressure once hooked. They'll try to cut your line on structure, so don't give them slack to run.
Amelia Island