5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip On Amelia Island
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day guided fishing trips targeting multiple inshore speciesCaptain Kenny Crawford leads groups up to six passengersFour or six-hour options available through Crawfish Charters
Looking for some serious action on the water around Amelia Island? Captain Kenny Crawford and his crew at Crawfish Charters have got you covered with their top-rated half-day fishing trips. Whether you're pulling in your first fish or you've been working these waters for years, this 4 to 6-hour adventure puts you right where the action is. We're talking black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead – the kind of catches that make for great stories and even better dinner. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so bring the family or your fishing buddies for a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Captain Kenny knows these Amelia Island waters like the back of his hand, and it shows from the moment you step aboard. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip – he reads the conditions, checks the tides, and puts you on the fish based on what's actually happening that day. The inshore waters around Amelia Island offer some of the most consistent fishing on Florida's northeast coast, with structure-rich areas that hold fish year-round. You'll work everything from grass flats to oyster bars, deeper channels, and around the jetties where the big boys like to hang out. The beauty of a half-day trip is you get all the excitement without committing your entire day, plus Captain Kenny and his first mate keep things moving so you maximize your time with lines in the water.
This crew runs a well-equipped operation with quality tackle suited for the species you're targeting. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you'll be using everything from live shrimp and fiddler crabs for the sheepshead and black drum to cut bait and artificials for the redfish and cobia. When the kings are running, expect to see some trolling action with spoons and live bait. Captain Kenny provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, feel free to bring it along. The boat's rigged for serious fishing with plenty of rod holders, a good fish box, and all the nets and gaffs you'll need when the big ones come to the boat. Don't worry if you're new to this – the crew will show you the ropes and make sure you're fishing effectively from the get-go.
"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 waters around Amelia Island, and they're here year-round with peak action during the cooler months. These fish average 5 to 15 pounds but can push 30-plus when you find the right school. They love structure like oyster bars and bridge pilings, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. What makes black drum so popular with anglers is their steady, powerful fight – they don't jump around like a tarpon, but they'll test your drag and your patience. Plus, the smaller ones make excellent table fare with firm, white meat.
Sheepshead fishing around Amelia Island is legendary, especially around the jetties and docks where these crafty fish pick barnacles and crabs off the pilings. They're nicknamed "convict fish" for their black stripes, but anglers know them as some of the most challenging fish to hook consistently. Sheepshead have small mouths and are notorious bait thieves, so it takes finesse and quick reflexes to connect. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they stack up for spawning. The reward? Some of the best-eating fish in these waters, with sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat.
King mackerel show up in good numbers during the warmer months, typically from late spring through fall. These speed demons can hit 20 to 40 pounds and are known for blistering runs that'll scream line off your reel. Kings patrol the deeper water edges and around structure, often following schools of baitfish. When you hook into one, hang on – they're notorious for their acrobatic jumps and long runs. The key to consistent king fishing is finding the bait, and Captain Kenny's got the local knowledge to put you on the schools when they're moving through.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Amelia Island inshore fishing, available year-round in the grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow creeks. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18 to 30 inches, with the slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) being the most prized for their fighting ability and table quality. Reds are aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live shrimp to cut bait to artificial lures. What makes them special is their versatility – you might catch them in two feet of water on the flats or around deeper structure near the inlet. Fall brings some of the best redfish action as they school up for their spawning runs.
Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery – they don't show up every day, but when they do, they make the trip memorable. These chocolate-brown fish can reach 30 to 50 pounds and are known for their curious nature, often following rays and sharks in the shallows. Spring through fall offers the best cobia opportunities around Amelia Island, particularly around markers, buoys, and structure. What sets cobia apart is their intelligence and power – they'll inspect your bait before eating it, then bulldoze toward the bottom when hooked. Many anglers consider them
Get ready to chase mackerel and sheepshead aboard our tournament-rigged 33' Contender! This beast packs triple 250 HP Yamaha four-strokes, making her the fastest charter boat around Amelia Island's waters. Captain Kenny knows exactly where the fish are biting, and with our Raymarine electronics and fish finder, we'll put you right on top of them. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight their catch, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold between hookups. Whether you're after hard-fighting cobia or tasty black drum, this boat handles the inshore waters like a dream. With space for six anglers, grab your crew and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. The GPS and radar mean we fish in any conditions, so you're practically guaranteed to wet a line and fill the cooler!
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What makes them special is their raw power; once hooked, they'll test your drag with bulldogging runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab on the bottom near oyster bars and be patient - they're notorious for picking at bait before committing to a full bite.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world, averaging 20-50 pounds with some reaching 100+ pounds. These brown, shark-like fish cruise alone around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they're moving through our area and actively feeding. What guests love is their curiosity - cobia will often swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving you multiple shot opportunities. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish. The fight is all about power with long, determined runs. Best approach: sight fish for them around structure using bucktail jigs or live bait. When you see one, stay calm and make accurate casts - they spook easily but come back if you're patient.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our offshore waters, averaging 20-30 pounds with some reaching 50+ pounds. These silver rockets cruise 40-150 feet deep along temperature breaks and structure during warmer months. Summer and early fall are peak times when they're actively feeding on the surface. What makes them so popular is that blistering first run - nothing quite matches a king mackerel's initial burst when it realizes it's hooked. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The bigger females pack the most punch and put on the best shows. Key tip: always use wire leader and rig live bait with a stinger hook near the tail since kings typically attack from behind. Watch for diving birds - that's where the bait schools are.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches in deeper water. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes them special is their aggressive topwater strikes and strong, steady fights. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. These fish are curious and will often follow your lure before striking. My go-to trick: work topwater plugs slowly over grass flats at first light, and don't set the hook until you feel weight.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese "convict fish" with their black stripes and human-like teeth are some of the smartest fish around pilings and structure. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders lurk around deeper docks and jetties. They're year-round residents but really fire up in early spring when they gather to spawn around channel markers and bridge pilings. What guests love is the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait thieves that'll clean your hook without getting hooked. When you do connect, they fight hard with short, powerful runs. The white, flaky meat is absolutely delicious, making them worth the effort. Local secret: get your bait right against the pilings where barnacles grow, use small hooks with fiddler crabs, and set the hook hard at the first nibble.
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