5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Deep Sea Fishing - Amelia Island
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing targeting sailfish, barracuda, and mahi mahiCaptain with 40+ years experience guides all skill levelsAccommodates up to six passengers with equipment provided
When you're looking for serious offshore action without burning a whole day, this half-day charter out of Amelia Island delivers big time. Captain Kenny and his crew have been working these waters for over four decades, and they know exactly where the fish are biting. You'll head out at 7:30 AM sharp, which puts you right in the sweet spot when the fish are most active. Whether you're bringing the family or a group of buddies, this boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up.
This isn't your typical pier fishing trip - we're talking real offshore action in the deep blue. The boat heads out to proven hot spots where the current breaks and the bait fish gather, which is exactly where you'll find the big predators lurking. You've got options with 4, 6, or 8-hour charters, so you can pick what fits your schedule and stamina. The crew provides all the tackle, bait, and gear you'll need, plus they'll clean your catch at the end of the day. First-timers don't need to worry about a thing - the captain and crew will get you set up and show you the ropes. Experienced anglers will appreciate the quality gear and the captain's willingness to try different techniques until you find what's working.
The fishing style changes based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. You'll spend time trolling with live bait and lures for the fast-moving pelagic species like sailfish and mahi. The boat runs multiple lines at different depths to cover more water and increase your chances. When the trolling bite slows down, the crew switches gears to bottom fishing over structure and reefs where snapper and grouper hang out. The gear is heavy enough to handle the big fish but sensitive enough that you'll feel every tap and run. Circle hooks and proper technique help ensure good hook-ups and healthy releases when needed.
"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 professionalism are unmatched and we would recommend them to anyone!" - Noah
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of these waters, and when you hook one, you'll know why. These magnificent fish can reach 10 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll have you whooping and hollering. Peak season runs from December through March when they're migrating through in big numbers. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight and the photos make for memories that last a lifetime. Sailfish are known for their long runs and multiple jumps, so keep that rod tip up and let the drag do its work.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as the locals call them, are pure muscle and speed. These silver rockets can hit 50+ pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your tackle and your arms. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger fish showing up in cooler months. They're fantastic table fare when handled properly, and the crew knows how to ice them down right. Kings are ambush predators that love live bait, and when they hit, there's no question about it - your rod will double over and the drag will start screaming.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and the acrobatics to your cooler. These golden beauties are as good to eat as they are fun to catch, with their brilliant yellows and greens that light up when they're hooked. They typically run 10-30 pounds in these waters and are most abundant from spring through early fall. Mahi travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're notorious for their jumping ability and never give up until they're in the boat.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, with razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. They can reach 6 feet long and are found year-round in these waters, though they're most active in warmer months. Barracuda are sight feeders with excellent vision, so they'll often follow the boat and inspect your baits. When they decide to eat, the strike is violent and unmistakable. They're excellent fighters with surprising endurance for their size.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of bottom fishing, and these waters produce some real doormat-sized fish. These crimson fighters are known for their hard runs toward structure when hooked, so you've got to turn them quick. Peak season runs from June through July during federal season, though state waters may have different rules. A big red snapper in the 20+ pound range is a true trophy, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. They're smart fish that require good technique and quality bait to fool consistently.
With over 40 years of experience and a track record of putting clients on fish, Captain Kenny's charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. The 7:30 AM departure gets you on the water when conditions are typically calmest and the fish are most cooperative. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're after that bucket-list sailfish or just want to load the cooler with good eating fish
Meet the fastest offshore fishing machine on Amelia Island - a 33-foot Contender center console that'll get you to the fish while others are still heading out. Triple 250 HP Yamaha four-strokes push this beauty through the Atlantic swells at speeds that cut your travel time in half, meaning more time with lines in the water chasing sailfish and barracuda. Built for serious fishing, she's loaded with tournament-grade Raymarine electronics and radar to find fish in any conditions. The fish finder will show you what's swimming below while GPS keeps you on the productive spots. When the bite gets hot, there's room for six anglers to work the rails comfortably. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's a head for those long days on the water. This isn't some weekend warrior's ride - it's designed for offshore work where the big pelagics roam. The center console layout gives everyone easy access to the action, whether you're fighting a screaming sailfish or pulling up a toothy barracuda. With four decades of local knowledge behind the wheel, you'll fish the spots that produce, not just where everyone else goes.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing here. These beauties average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that's unmistakable. You'll find them in 30-65 feet of water, though they'll dive deeper when hunting. They're one of the fastest fish in the ocean and put on quite a show - jumping, diving, and stripping line like crazy. The cooler months from November through March are prime time when they migrate through our waters following the Gulf Stream. What makes them special is that incredible fight and the way they change colors when excited. Pro tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, resist setting the hook too early. Let them turn away with it first, then come tight.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the apex predators that keep things interesting out there. These toothy missiles typically run 2-4 feet long, though the big ones can stretch past 5 feet and pack serious attitude. You'll find them around reefs, structure, and sometimes just cruising the surface in blue water. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall seem to fire them up the most. What makes cuda fishing fun is their explosive strike and that initial blistering run - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. They're curious fish too, often following lures right to the boat. The fight's intense but short-lived since they burn out quick. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and keep your hands clear when landing them. Those razor teeth don't discriminate, and a green cuda can still bite hard.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are some of the most reliable fighters you'll hook out here. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some pushing 60+ pounds during peak season. They patrol the 40-150 foot range, often near structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What guests love about kings is their blistering initial run - they'll peel drag like nothing else. The meat's fantastic too, though watch those razor teeth when landing one. Here's a local trick: use a stinger hook about 6 inches back from your main hook when using live bait. Kings have a habit of chopping bait in half, and that trailing hook will catch the short strikers every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when you bring them boatside. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we catch some real bulls pushing 40+ pounds. They're surface fish, loving floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in that blue water. Spring through early fall is prime time when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - lots of jumping and head shaking - plus they're absolutely delicious eating. The firm, white meat is perfect for the grill. Best part is they usually travel in schools, so where there's one, there's often more. My tip: once you hook up, have someone ready with another rod because the rest of the school often stays around feeding.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bottom-dwelling bruisers that'll test your tackle and your patience. Most average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but the big ones can push 30+ pounds and really put a bend in your rod. They live around structure in 30-200 feet - think reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. Summer's the prime season when they're most active and regulations allow. What guests love about snapper is that solid, head-shaking fight and the fact that they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. That sweet, nutty flavor is worth the effort. The challenge is getting them up before they wrap you around structure. My advice: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump them up quick. Don't give them time to think about diving back into the rocks.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain 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 rec...
Captain Kenny and Captain Ron were amazing guides! Both were very friendly and helpful, and we were able to catch multiple differ...
Thank you for the kind comments Noah. It was a pleasure to spend the day with yall and look forward ...
Amelia Island