Extended Full Day Offshore Fishing on Amelia Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore fishing trip targeting sailfish and barracudaCaptain Kenny provides all gear and guidance for beginnersAccommodates up to six passengers for group adventures
Captain Kenny Crawford knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 10-hour offshore adventure takes you way beyond the inlet where the big boys swim – Atlantic Sailfish, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Great Barracuda, and Red Snapper are all in play. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or you've never held a rod, Captain Kenny's got the experience and patience to make this a top-rated day on the water. We're talking about hitting those prime offshore structures where gamefish stack up, and with a full day ahead of us, there's plenty of time to work different spots until we find where they're biting.
You'll start early – that's just how offshore fishing works if you want to maximize your chances. Captain Kenny runs a well-maintained boat that handles six anglers comfortably, so bring your crew or join up with other fishing enthusiasts. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives everyone time to get their sea legs and talk strategy. Don't worry about bringing anything except your enthusiasm – all rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided. Captain Kenny stocks everything from live bait to the latest lures that have been producing fish in these waters. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, so we're not just randomly throwing lines in the water. This is precision fishing where local knowledge meets proven technique.
Most of the day revolves around trolling – that's the bread and butter of offshore fishing here. We'll set up a spread of lines at different depths and distances behind the boat, each rigged for specific species. Ballyhoo, strip baits, and diving plugs all have their place in the rotation. When we mark fish on the sounder or hit structure that looks promising, we might switch to bottom fishing with heavy tackle for those Red Snapper. Captain Kenny reads the water conditions, current breaks, and temperature changes that tell him where fish are likely to be holding. You'll learn to watch for birds working the surface, debris lines that concentrate baitfish, and those subtle color changes in the water that often signal productive fishing zones.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of these waters and the reason many anglers make the trip. These gorgeous billfish typically show up best from late fall through spring, though they can surprise you any time of year. When a sail comes up behind your bait, that dorsal fin cutting through the surface will get your heart racing. They're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly, and Captain Kenny follows catch-and-release practices to keep this fishery healthy. Most sails here run 6-8 feet long and put up a world-class fight on appropriate tackle.
King Mackerel are year-round residents that love the structure and baitfish concentrations offshore. These speedsters can stretch over three feet and weigh 30-40 pounds when you get into the good ones. They hit hard and make blistering runs that test your drag system. Kings are excellent table fare, so you'll definitely want to keep a few within regulations. They respond well to both live bait and fast-moving lures, especially when we find them busting bait on the surface.
Mahi Mahi show up strongest during the warmer months and provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. These beautiful golden fish are incredibly aggressive and often travel in schools, so when you hook one, be ready for multiple hookups. Mahi love floating debris and weed lines, and they'll attack just about any bait or lure you put in front of them. They're also fantastic eating, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the dinner table.
Great Barracuda are always a possibility and bring their own brand of excitement to the mix. These toothy predators are ambush hunters that explode on baits with incredible speed. They're found around structure and edges where they can use their camouflage to surprise prey. While they're not typically kept for eating due to ciguatera concerns in larger specimens, they provide fantastic sport and photo opportunities.
Red Snapper are the prize when we drop baits to the bottom around structure. These ruby-colored fish are incredibly strong for their size and are renowned for their fighting ability and excellent taste. Snapper fishing requires patience and technique – you need to feel the bite, set the hook hard, and then winch them up before they can cut your line on the rocks or wreck. The best Red Snapper here typically run 15-25 pounds, though bigger ones always lurk in the deeper water.
Captain Kenny's extended full-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. With only six spots available per trip, this isn't the kind of experience you can book last-minute and expect availability. The 10-hour format gives you the best shot at multiple species and trophy fish – something the half-day crowd just can't match. You're investing in a full day with a captain who's dedicated his life to putting anglers on fish in these waters. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're securing your spot for what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just need to get back to what fishing is really about, this offshore adventure delivers the goods.
Get ready to hit the deep blue with Captain Kenny Crawford aboard our lightning-fast 33' Contender center console! This beast packs triple 250 HP Yamaha four-stroke outboards, making her the quickest offshore fishing machine around Amelia Island. We're talking serious tournament-grade gear here – Raymarine electronics, radar for those foggy mornings, and fish finders that'll locate your next trophy catch. The spacious center console design gives all six anglers plenty of room to fight sailfish, mahi, barracuda, and king mackerel without getting tangled up. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the built-in cooler while we cruise to the hottest fishing grounds. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this boat's got everything you need for a successful day chasing pelagic species in the Atlantic's productive waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the showboats of offshore fishing - these blue-gray beauties with their massive dorsal fins average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, though we've seen some push past 100. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down in warm temps, and around Amelia Island they're most active during winter months when baitfish are thick. What makes them special? They'll put on an aerial show like no other fish - jumping, diving, and changing colors from blue to black while they fight. Plus they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean. My tip: when you see that sail light up, keep steady pressure but let them run. They'll tire themselves out with all that jumping, and you'll have a fish story that'll last forever.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the ocean's version of a missile - long, silver, and built for speed bursts up to 35 mph. These apex predators typically run 2-4 feet but can stretch past 6 feet and 50+ pounds. They hang around reefs, grass flats, and structure from shallow water to the edge, often alone but sometimes in small hunting groups. Year-round fishing is good, but they're most active when water temps are warm and baitfish are present. Guests love the raw power and aggressive strikes - cuda don't nibble, they attack. They're also curious fish that'll often follow lures right to the boat. Fair warning: they're strong fighters but tire quickly, and that final surge can be explosive. Always use a wire leader and landing net - those razor teeth aren't just for show.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your arms and your tackle. These silver torpedoes typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 90+, and they're built for one thing - going fast. We find them in 40-150 feet around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks where the water hits that sweet spot between 68-84°F. Spring through fall are prime time when they're following baitfish migrations. What guests love about kings is the initial run - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else, then make diving runs trying to cut you off on structure. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader with kings - those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy - bright gold and electric blue colors that put on a light show when you bring them boatside. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+, and they're found around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm water. They're surface dwellers that love to travel in small schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. What makes them a favorite is the combination of great fights with lots of jumps, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - mild, sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, keep a second rod ready with live bait. The hooked fish will often call in the whole school.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of bottom fishing - beautiful pink-red fish that grow chunky and fight hard. Most run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but the big boys can push 35+ pounds and live over 20 years. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 30-200+ feet, with the bigger fish holding deeper. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What makes them special is the combination of a solid fight - they'll head straight for cover to break you off - and absolutely primo table fare. That sweet, nutty flavor is why they're so prized in restaurants. Key tip: get your bait to the bottom fast with plenty of weight, and when you feel that thump-thump bite, set the hook hard and keep them coming up. Hesitate and they'll wrap you in structure.
Amelia Island