5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Fishing on Amelia Island Waters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday guided fishing trips targeting mackerel and sheepsheadCaptain Kenny Crawford provides expert guidance for all skill levelsAccommodates up to six passengers on inshore fishing adventures
When you're looking for some serious inshore action around Amelia Island, Captain Kenny Crawford and his crew at Crawfish Charters know exactly where the fish are hiding. This half-day adventure puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds, where black drum, king mackerel, redfish, sheepshead, and cobia are just waiting to test your skills. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing trip or you're a weekend warrior looking to add some quality catches to your cooler, Kenny's got the local knowledge to make it happen. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so grab your fishing buddies or make it a family affair – either way, you're in for some top-notch fishing.
Captain Kenny runs a tight ship, and that means you'll be fishing productive water from the moment you leave the dock. These 4 to 6-hour trips give you plenty of time to work different spots without feeling rushed, and Kenny's approach is all about adapting to what the fish are doing that day. Some mornings you might start working the nearshore reefs for king mackerel, then move into the backcountry channels where the redfish and black drum like to patrol. The beauty of fishing with an experienced local captain is that he reads the conditions – tide, wind, bait activity – and adjusts the game plan accordingly. You'll spend your time actually fishing instead of wandering around looking for fish, and that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Kenny and his crew have the gear dialed in for the variety of species you'll be targeting around Amelia Island. For the king mackerel, expect to troll with planers and wire leaders – these toothy critters require the right setup or they'll cut you off faster than you can blink. When you're working the structure for sheepshead, it's all about bottom fishing with smaller hooks and the right bait presentation. Black drum fishing means heavy tackle and plenty of patience, while redfish often respond best to live bait worked near grass flats and oyster bars. The crew handles all the rigging and re-rigging, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots. They'll also coach you through the techniques as conditions change throughout the day – whether that's adjusting your trolling speed for kings or learning how to feel the subtle bite of a sheepshead picking at your bait.
"We had a great day fishing with Kenny and Matt. Both very knowledgeable and professional. I will use this charter again for sure!" - Dean
"Absolutely an excellent trip, super great guide and first mate to fish with, put us on fish and was extremely knowledgeable and top notch at what he does, will definitely go back in the future!!!" - Christopher
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world, and Amelia Island's waters hold some real quality fish. These powerful fighters can push 20-30 pounds or more, and they'll test your drag system and your patience. They're most active during moving tides around structure like bridge pilings and oyster beds. What makes black drum so rewarding to catch isn't just their size – it's the way they fight, using their broad sides to bulldoze through the water column. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily.
Sheepshead fishing around Amelia Island is some of the best you'll find anywhere. These black-and-white striped convicts are notorious bait thieves, but that's what makes catching them so satisfying. They've got human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure, and they use those chompers to steal your bait with surgical precision. The trick is feeling their subtle bite and setting the hook before they drop your offering. Winter months bring the biggest sheepshead as they move to deeper structure to spawn, and a good day can produce fish in the 3-5 pound range.
King mackerel are speed demons that'll peel line off your reel like it's going out of style. These silver bullets patrol the nearshore waters around Amelia Island, especially during their spring and fall migrations. When a king hits your trolled bait, there's no mistaking it – they'll often jump completely out of the water in an aerial display that gets everyone on the boat excited. Kings in the 15-25 pound range are common, and they make excellent table fare when prepared fresh. The key is using wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono or fluorocarbon like butter.
Redfish are the poster fish of Florida's inshore waters, and the grass flats and oyster bars around Amelia Island hold some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored fighters are known for their bulldogging runs and their willingness to eat a variety of baits. Slot-size reds between 18-27 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized "bull" reds provide pure sporting excitement with their powerful runs. Redfish are sight fishing favorites in shallow water, but they also respond well to bottom fishing around structure. They're active year-round, making them a reliable target species no matter when you book your trip.
Cobia are the wild cards of your fishing day – you never know when one of these brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) might show up to crash the party. These curious fish often approach the boat and will follow hooked fish right up to the surface. Cobia are excellent table fare and strong fighters, often making long runs when hooked. They're most common during warmer months when they're cruising the nearshore waters, and they have a habit of showing up when you least expect them. A good-sized cobia can easily reach 20-40 pounds, making them a memorable catch for any angler.
Captain Kenny's 33-foot Contender center console is built for serious fishing around Amelia Island waters. Triple 250 HP Yamaha four-strokes make this the fastest charter boat in the area, getting you to the hotspots quickly whether you're chasing mackerel offshore or working inshore structure for sheepshead and redfish. The boat's loaded with Raymarine electronics, GPS, radar, and quality fish finders to locate schools and structure. Tournament-grade tackle and techniques mean you'll fish like the pros. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's a head onboard for longer trips. With room for six anglers, it's perfect for families or groups wanting to target black drum, cobia, and kings in Northeast Florida's productive waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are powerful bottom-feeders that run anywhere from 5-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 90. They love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds around Amelia Island, using those crusher jaws to crack open crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their famous drumming sounds underwater. What makes them special is that stubborn fight once hooked, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom. Those big drums can't resist a good crab meal, and it stays on the hook better than most baits.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - big, powerful fish averaging 30-60 pounds that cruise near the surface looking like trouble. We spot them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water, especially during spring migration when they're moving through our area. They're mostly loners, so when you see one, it's game time. What guests love is the sight fishing aspect - watching these giants cruise just under the surface before making your cast. The fight is bulldogging power, and the meat rivals any fish in these waters with firm, white fillets. Here's the key: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of where it's heading and work it back slow. Don't cast right at them or you'll spook them every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our offshore waters, typically running 15-40 pounds with some monsters hitting 90. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, and they're pure adrenaline once hooked - few fish can match their blistering runs. The bigger kings usually hang closer to shore around inlets and harbors during warmer months. What really gets anglers excited is that screaming drag and the way they'll jump and fight all the way to the boat. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling. Here's what works best: rig your live bait with two hooks on a wire leader - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that second hook saves you from a lot of missed strikes.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, typically running 18-30 inches with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They cruise the grass flats and oyster bars in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they're feeding up before winter. What makes them special is that explosive topwater bite and the way they'll bulldoze through shallow water once hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. The real excitement comes from sight fishing - watching them cruise the flats and making that perfect cast. Local secret: work your topwater lure slow and steady along grass lines early morning or late evening. When they blow up on it, wait a beat before setting the hook.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters - those black stripes and human-like teeth make them unmistakable. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we get some 20-pounders around the dock pilings and bridge structures they call home. They're year-round residents, but spring brings the best action when they're feeding heavily on barnacles and fiddler crabs. Guests love the challenge since sheepshead are notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and steal your bait if you're not quick on the hookset. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Pro tip: get your bait as close to the structure as possible and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They've got tough mouths, so don't hesitate.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great day fishing with Kenny and Matt. Both very knowledgeable and professional. I will use this charter again for sure...
Absolutely an excellent trip, super great guide and first mate to fish with, put us on fish and was extremely knowledgeable and to...
Amelia Island