5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Deep Sea Fishing on Amelia Island
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Half-day offshore fishing targeting sailfish, mahi mahi, and wahooCaptain with 40+ years experience provides all equipment and guidanceAccommodates up to 6 passengers with multiple charter duration options
There's something special about heading offshore from Amelia Island at first light, watching the coast fade behind you as you chase world-class game fish in the Atlantic. Captain Kenny brings over four decades of local knowledge to these waters, and trust me, it shows in every trip. Whether you're after your first sailfish or looking to add some serious weight to your fish stories, this charter puts you right where the action happens. We're talking about waters that hold everything from lightning-fast wahoo to bulldogging king mackerel, and with three different trip lengths available, you can fish as long as your arms can handle it.
Your day kicks off at 7:30 AM sharp from the Amelia Island marina, where Captain Kenny and his crew will have everything ready to go. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets plenty of room to work. You'll choose between 4, 6, or 8-hour trips depending on how serious you want to get about it. The shorter trips are perfect for first-timers or when you've got kids aboard, while the full 8-hour experience gives you time to really work different spots and techniques. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes included, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about moving around to find where the fish are biting that day.
Out here, we're talking serious offshore fishing techniques that get results. The captain runs a combination of trolling spreads and bottom fishing depending on what's happening that day. When we're chasing pelagics like sailfish and mahi, you'll see a full trolling spread with different lures and baits working at various distances behind the boat. The key is covering water and presenting baits at different depths until we find what they want. For bottom fishing, we'll drop down heavy rigs loaded with cut bait to target snapper and other reef dwellers. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels matched to appropriate rods for each technique, and the crew knows exactly when to switch tactics based on conditions. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing - they'll walk you through everything from setting the drag to proper fighting techniques.
"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 the reason many anglers make the trip. These fish are pure athleticism wrapped in silver and blue, averaging 6-8 feet long and known for their spectacular jumping ability when hooked. Peak season runs from December through March when they're moving through in good numbers, but you can find them year-round. What makes sailfish so special is the fight - they'll clear the water multiple times, throw the hook if you're not careful with your drag, and test every bit of your angling skills. Landing one is a rite of passage for any serious offshore angler.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as we call them locally, are the workhorses of Amelia Island fishing. These toothy predators average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when you find the right schools. They hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that'll smoke your drag if it's not set right. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action with some serious pulling power. The bite is usually fast and furious when you find them, which is why guys like Troy end up with sore arms.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and the chaos to offshore fishing here. These golden beauties are as pretty as they are tasty, and they rarely travel alone. Find one mahi, and you've usually found a school. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from ballyhoo to jigs, and they put on quite a show with their aerial displays and color changes during the fight. Summer months are best for mahi, especially around floating debris or weed lines where they like to hang out.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the reef, and they'll give you a fight you won't forget. These silver bullets can stretch 4-5 feet and hit baits with explosive strikes that'll wake up anyone who's dozed off on deck. They're year-round residents here, and their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate a fish with attitude. Just remember - these guys have serious dental work, so the crew will handle all the unhooking.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of bottom fishing around Amelia Island's offshore structure. These crimson beauties average 2-5 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're prized for both their fighting ability and their table quality. Snapper season typically runs from June through July, and during that window, the action can be non-stop. They're smart fish that require finesse - too much noise or movement and they'll shut down, but when they're feeding, you can fill the cooler in a hurry.
This isn't your typical party boat
Meet the fastest offshore charter boat on Amelia Island - a 33-foot center console Contender that'll get you to the fish faster than anyone else. Triple 250 HP Yamaha four-stroke outboards power this fishing machine through Atlantic waters where sailfish, barracuda, mahi mahi, and wahoo are waiting. The boat comes loaded with Raymarine electronics, radar for those foggy mornings, and fish finders to locate your targets. Tournament-grade equipment means you're fishing with the same gear the pros use. An icebox keeps your drinks cold while you're battling fish in the heat, plus there's a head onboard for longer trips. The center console design gives everyone room to move around and fight fish without getting tangled up. With space for six anglers, it's perfect for family trips or fishing with your crew. Over 40 years of local knowledge gets you to the hot spots where the big fish swim.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 30+ mph with that massive dorsal fin fully spread. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen some push over 100. They cruise the surface down to about 60 feet, following warm water temps between 70-80°F. Best fishing is late fall through early spring when they migrate through our area. What makes them special? That electric blue color-changing show when they're fired up, plus the way they tail-walk across the surface when hooked. The fight is pure adrenaline - long runs and spectacular jumps. Here's a pro tip: when one comes up on your bait, don't get excited and set the hook too early. Let them turn away with it first, then come tight. That bill makes it tricky to get a solid hookset if you're too quick.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the ocean's torpedoes - sleek, fast, and equipped with a mouth full of razor teeth. These apex predators typically run 2-4 feet long but can push 6 feet and 50+ pounds. They patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and nearshore structure, often cruising just below the surface hunting by sight. Year-round fishing here, but they're most active in warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them exciting? Pure aggression and blazing speed - they'll hit lures at 35 mph and make blistering runs. The fight is intense but short-lived due to limited stamina. They're curious fish that often follow lures, giving you multiple chances. Here's what works: use shiny spoons or tube lures and vary your retrieve speed. When one follows without biting, stop the lure completely, then give it a sharp jerk. That sudden movement usually triggers the strike. Always use wire leader and watch those teeth when handling!
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are built for speed and put up one heck of a scrap. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds, though we see some monsters over 60. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Peak season here is fall through early spring when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-80°F. What makes them a favorite? Pure raw power - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost anything out there. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm white meat, though watch those razor teeth when handling. Kings hunt in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My go-to trick is using a wire leader with two hooks - one in the nose of your bait, another trailing behind. These guys love to hit the tail section of live bait, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are hands-down the most colorful fish we target - brilliant gold, blue, and green that put on a light show when they come to the boat. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, living only 4-5 years but packing a lot of fight into that time. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm blue water. They're surface dwellers, rarely going deeper than 100 feet. Best action is spring through fall when water temps stay above 70°F. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - lots of jumps and strong runs - plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, firm white meat. Mahi often travel in schools, especially the smaller "chickens," so keep multiple lines out. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water and keep trolling around it. The splashing will often keep the school fired up and hanging around for more shots.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are bottom-dwelling fighters that turn bright red as they mature, averaging 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we catch plenty in the 15-20 pound range. These fish live on hard bottom, wrecks, and rocky structure in 60-200 feet of water, where they can live over 20 years. Best fishing is during their spawning season from May through October when they're most aggressive. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters that'll try to cut your line on structure, plus they're absolutely top-tier table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Snappers are smart and structure-oriented, so once hooked, they head straight for cover. My advice: use heavy tackle and don't give them an inch once you set the hook. Fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or squid works great, but live pinfish will get you the biggest fish. Keep steady pressure and pump them up quickly - the longer the fight, the more likely they'll find something to break you off on.
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