Amelia Island, FL Fishing: A Secret Paradise

Lying in Nassau County, Florida is an island known to be a unique paradise with a rich history. Amelia Island is part of the Sea Island Chains that stretches along the East Coast from South Carolina to Florida, USA. The 12 mile-long and 4 mile-wide (at its widest point) island is the southernmost of the barrier islands in Florida’s Atlantic coast and holds the communities of Fernandina Beach, Amalia City, and American Beach.

The first settlers of the island were an American Indian band associated with the Timucua people which they called Napoyca. They remained on the island until French Huguenot explorer Jean Ribault came to the island in 1562, and named it lie de Mia. The island was then taken over by different colonies over time. History claims that the eight flags have flown over the island which are: French, Spanish, British, Floridian/Patriot/ Green Cross, Mexican, Confederate, and the United States. 

Today, the island is known for hosting different events such as the Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance, Amelia Island Jazz, Film and Chamber Music Festivals. The island is also a hotspot for people who love outdoor activities such as kayaking and canoeing, sunset boat cruises, and different light trails. Its multiple fishing charters and tours also attract a lot of anglers, both locals and tourists. 

Amelia Island, FL Fishing

Amelia Island has an abundant marine ecosystem which makes it a hotspot for anglers of different expertise. From its shore to its waters, one would surely target a fish of their liking depending on the season and the tide. The island also offers different angling opportunities, from surf fishing to deep-sea or offshore fishing to Party Boat Fishing. One can create an angling adventure tailored exactly according to what you need. So, where to go angling when in Amelia Islands? Here are some of the must-visit places for anglers.

First on the list is Fort Clinch. Fort Clinch lies on the island of Amelia. The 3-mile long stretch of Atlantic Beach just south of the jetty provides various opportunities for anglers who want to explore surf fishing. Popular catches in this area include redfish, black drum, whiting, flounder, mullet, sheepshead, sea trout, and grouper. One of the most visited fishing spots in Fort Clinch is its pier where these species settle among the small jetty rocks where a shallow flat gives way to a deep channel. This way, anglers can easily target these species even by just staying on the shores.

One of the most targeted species in Fort Clinch is the flounder. Flounder fishing made the area rise to fame as it is uniquely positioned at a gathering point for flounders that are migrating from tidal bays, marshes, and rivers to oceanic nearshore hard bottom. Surf and small boat anglers, who have mastered the feeding habits of these species, have targeted flounders that have approached the 20-pound mark. This is in addition to several smaller catches weighing in excess of 10 pounds. If you are a first-time angler and want to experience flounder fishing, you must learn how to understand the tides and acquire the feel for the flounder’s slow bite and unique feeding habits. In addition, visiting during the months heading into the peak of autumn would be the most productive time of the year to try flounder fishing. Try to look for them in muddy, sandy bottoms as it is where they usually nestle and dig for food. 

Next on the list is the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park which is one of Northeast Florida’s most popular fishing destinations. The mile-long pedestrian bridge that crosses Nassau Sound was constructed in 1948, whose original purpose was carrying automobile traffic to and from Amelia Island. Today, it is a popular destination for anglers looking to target a wide variety of fish. Some of the common targets in this area include whiting, jack, drum, and tarpon. 

Another common catch in this area is the redfish and the speckled sea trout which are available year-round, but increases in number significantly during the spring and fall seasons. One may target them by using mullet and shrimp as bait or by simply casting a net along the shoreline. Towards the south end of the pier, several small grass flats hold a wide variety of fish including tarpons that follow the fall mullet run into Nassau Sound as they migrate to southern waters.

Lastly, if you are someone looking for an Offshore fishing experience, the Continental Shelf would be the perfect destination for you. Continental Shelf, being a part of Florida’s Atlantic Coast, is known throughout the world for its amazing blue color. Unlike other coastal areas around Florida, the Continental Shelf’s water depth significantly drops off a few miles offshore. This area of the water is a rich mix of plant, fish, and marine species due to the sunlight that penetrates the water and provides essential nutrients for microscopic organisms to kelp. This environment makes species such as the amberjack, grouper, dolphin, wahoo, and cobia thrive.

Thanks to the Continental Shelf, anglers looking for deep sea fishing experience do not need to travel too far. Some of the best tolling action begins early March when large schools of cobia, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, blackfin tuna, and bonito migrate into waters offshore. Meanwhile, some of the best bottom fishing action occurs in waters with a depth of 180-1000 feet. Anglers may target red snapper, gag grouper, tigerfish, sea bass, and cobia. Anglers may also target mutton snappers in this area.

All in all, Amelia Island offers a variety of angling experiences depending on the place and weather, and the month of your visit. However, what is important is that you know what exactly you are aiming for. To sum it all up, fishing in Amelia Islands’ backwaters, beaches, and inlets will be most productive during the spring season as it is spawning season, especially for black drum. Using a light tackle on the fly during warmer months yields the most productivity, especially when an extreme flood tide has just or is about to occur. One could also explore surf fishing and offshore fishing any time of the year.

Top 10 Fish Species in Amelia Island, FL

The top 10 fish species in Amelia Island are: Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, blackfin tuna, bonito, red snapper, gag grouper, wahoo, sea bass, amberjack, and cobia. 

Amelia Island Fishing Seasonality

You would never go home empty-handed when you go and visit Amelia Island for your next angling destination. This is because it offers year-round fishing. However, if you wish to target a certain species going on months where your target species is abundant would be best. 

Visiting Amelia Island during Spring will give you warmer water and more fish nestling in the area. This is especially for species such as the redfish, sheepshead, sea trout, flounder, whiting, and black drum. As Summer approaches, the common inshore fishing targets can be spotted such as the sea trout, flounder, whiting, black drum, and sheepshead.

Visiting the Island in the months of September to November will give anglers an opportunity to target mullets as they move down the coast into Florida. This movement will make bigger fish follow. If you are at the right spot at the right time, angling during these months would give you the best experience. As winter approaches, species of fish tend to get less in number. Sea trout, redfish, and flounder will still be biting inshore and in the inlets, while sea bass and sheepshead will be more of offshore activity, on the reefs and wrecks. 

Where to Go in Amelia Island?

1.Fishing Charters

Several fishing charters are available in Amelia to take you and your loved ones for open water and deep-sea fishing to catch different species of fish. Depending on the season, the professional guides will take you to the best spots for a half-or full-day trip, depending on your liking.

2. Visit Amelia Musical Playhouse

Amelia Musical Playhouse is set in the center of the island and is a performing arts venue in Fernandina Beach, The musical house features dozens of musical theater performances, concerts, plays, revues, and more. 

3. Visit Marlin and Barrel Distillery

If you are someone who likes beer, this would be something you would not want to miss. Marlin and Barrel Distillery invites visitors and locals alike to get to know their products and check how each is crafted by hand, using locally acquired ingredients.