Amelia Island Fishing Guide
Inshore, offshore, and everything in between
Amelia Island sits at one of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast. The convergence of the Nassau Sound, Amelia River, and Atlantic Ocean creates a trifecta that serious anglers dream about—and most Florida tourists never discover.
I've fished these waters for years, and what keeps me coming back isn't just the variety (though catching redfish at dawn and kingfish by lunch is hard to beat). It's that the fishing here hasn't been commercialized to death. You won't find party boats packed with 50 tourists. Instead, you'll find experienced captains who've spent decades learning these marshes, and they'll put you on fish.
Whether you want to wade the flats for tailing redfish, troll offshore for mahi-mahi, or just drop a line from the beach with your kids, this guide covers everything you need to know about fishing Amelia Island.
Types of Fishing on Amelia Island
The waters around Amelia Island offer remarkably diverse fishing. Within a 30-minute boat ride, you can access skinny backwater marshes, deep offshore waters, and everything in between. Here's what's available:
🦐 Inshore / Backwater Fishing
This is what Amelia Island does best. The extensive marsh system, oyster bars, and tidal creeks of the Nassau and Amelia rivers hold fish year-round. Inshore trips typically run 4-6 hours and stay within protected waters—perfect if you're prone to seasickness or fishing with kids.
🎣 Nearshore Fishing
Nearshore trips venture 3-15 miles offshore to target structure like artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural bottom. You get bigger fish than inshore without the long run to deep water. These trips work well for anglers who want some variety without committing to a full offshore day.
🚤 Offshore / Deep Sea Fishing
Head 30-60+ miles offshore to the Gulf Stream for pelagic species. These are full-day adventures—you'll leave at dawn and return in late afternoon. The payoff? Mahi-mahi, wahoo, and the chance at a trophy fish. Not for the faint of stomach when seas are rough.
🏖️ Surf Fishing
No boat needed—just wade into the surf with a rod and some cut bait. Amelia Island's 13 miles of beach offer plenty of room to spread out. Early morning and evening are prime times. The jetties at Fort Clinch are particularly productive.
🌉 Pier & Dock Fishing
Several public piers and docks offer accessible fishing without a boat. Fort Clinch's fishing pier is the most popular—no license required within the state park. The Fernandina Harbor Marina area also sees action, especially around the shrimp boats.
Best Fishing Charters on Amelia Island
The difference between a good fishing trip and a great one usually comes down to your captain. These waters have subtle nuances—tide patterns, seasonal movements, structure that only locals know. Here are the most respected charter operations on the island:
Amelia Island Charters
Captain Scott specializes in inshore and nearshore trips. Known for putting clients on redfish and trout consistently, even on tough days. Great with families and first-timers.
Amelia Backwater Fishing Co.
If you want to chase redfish on the flats, this is your crew. They focus exclusively on backwater fishing—sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water. For serious anglers.
Amelia Island Sport Fishing
Full-service operation running everything from inshore trips to offshore adventures. If you want to chase mahi-mahi and wahoo in the Gulf Stream, they've got the big boats for it.
Amelia River Cruises & Charters
Offers both fishing charters and eco-cruises. Good option if half your group wants to fish and the other half wants to sight-see. They'll customize trips accordingly.
Anchors Aweigh Charters
Veteran-owned operation with decades of local knowledge. Known for putting in extra effort—they'll extend trips if the bite is hot. Strong reputation for nearshore kingfish.
Best Fishing Spots
You don't need a charter to fish Amelia Island. Plenty of productive spots are accessible from shore or by kayak. Here are the locals' favorites:
Fort Clinch Jetties & Pier
Shore AccessThe rock jetties at the north end of the island are the island's most popular shore fishing spot. The structure attracts baitfish, which brings in everything from sheepshead to tarpon. The pier inside the state park offers easier access—and no fishing license required (covered by park entry fee).
What bites here: Sheepshead, flounder, redfish, black drum, Spanish mackerel, tarpon (summer)
Access: $6/vehicle park entry fee. Pier is a short walk from parking.
Nassau Sound
Boat AccessWhere the Nassau River meets the ocean, creating a mixing zone that fish love. The channel edges, sandbars, and structure here hold fish year-round. This is where most inshore charters spend their time.
What bites here: Redfish, trout, flounder, jack crevalle, tarpon, sharks
Access: Boat launch at Goffinsville Park (free) or hire a charter.
Amelia River Marshes
Kayak FriendlyThe maze of creeks and oyster bars along the Amelia River's west side is prime redfish territory. Wade-fishing the flats at low tide or paddling the creeks at high tide both produce. Best accessed by kayak from various launch points.
What bites here: Redfish (lots of them), spotted seatrout, flounder, sheepshead
Access: Kayak launch at Egans Creek Greenway or Goffinsville Park.
Main Beach Surf
Shore AccessThe beach near Main Beach Park produces whiting and pompano, especially in the troughs between sandbars. Early morning before the crowds arrive is best. The south end of the island near Amelia Island Plantation also fishes well.
What bites here: Whiting, pompano, bluefish, red drum, sharks
Access: Free parking at Main Beach. 10-12ft surf rod recommended.
Fernandina Harbor Marina Area
Shore AccessThe docks and seawalls around the marina hold sheepshead and flounder. Fishing around the shrimp boats when they're unloading can be surprisingly productive—the bycatch attracts predators.
What bites here: Sheepshead, flounder, mangrove snapper, jack crevalle
Access: Walk the seawall from downtown Fernandina. Free parking nearby.
What's Biting When: Seasonal Calendar
Northeast Florida's temperate climate means something is always biting, but knowing the seasonal patterns helps you target the right species. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
Spring (Mar-May)
Also: Sheepshead, black drum, flounder
Starting: Tarpon arrive late May
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Also: Red drum, sharks, jack crevalle
Offshore: Best season for Gulf Stream trips
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Also: Kingfish, Spanish mackerel
Best Overall: Most productive season
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Also: Trout (deep holes), redfish
Slower: Cold fronts push fish deep
Fishing Licenses & Regulations
Florida takes fisheries management seriously, and so should you. Here's what you need to know about licenses and keeping your catch legal:
📋 License Requirements
- Residents: Annual saltwater license $17
- Non-Residents: Annual $47 | 7-Day $30 | 3-Day $17
- Pier/Jetty at State Parks: No license needed (Fort Clinch)
- Charter Boats: License covered by the boat
- Age 65+ Florida Residents: Free with proof of age
- Under 16: No license required
Buy your license online at MyFWC.com or at local bait shops like B&M Bait and Tackle in Fernandina Beach. The license is good statewide.
Size & Bag Limits (Common Species)
Regulations change, so always check current FWC rules before your trip. Here are some common limits:
- Redfish: 1 per person, 18-27 inches (slot limit)
- Spotted Seatrout: 4 per person, 15-20 inches (slot limit)
- Flounder: 5 per person, 14 inch minimum
- Sheepshead: 8 per person, 12 inch minimum
- King Mackerel: 2 per person, 24 inch minimum
Gear & Tackle Shops
If you're fishing from shore or bringing your own boat, you'll want to stock up locally. These shops know what's working:
- B&M Bait and Tackle – 1619 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach. The go-to for live bait, tackle, and local intel. Open early.
- Amelia Island Bait & Tackle – On the marina. Good for last-minute supplies and fishing reports.
- Nassau Sport Fishing – Quality rods and reels if you need to upgrade. Can also arrange charters.
What to Bring
Charter boats provide all tackle, but if you're fishing on your own:
- Surf fishing: 10-12ft surf rod, 5000-6000 series spinning reel, sand spikes, cut bait (mullet or shrimp)
- Inshore kayak: 7ft medium-light rod, 2500-3000 series reel, artificial lures (Gulp shrimp, DOA paddletails), live shrimp
- Pier fishing: 7-8ft medium rod, 3000-4000 series reel, bottom rigs, fiddler crabs or shrimp
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Browse all Amelia Island fishing charters and find the right captain for your adventure.
View All Fishing Charters →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish Amelia Island?
Fall (September-November) is generally considered the best fishing season. The bull redfish run is in full swing, water temperatures are perfect, and you'll find great variety of species. However, fishing is productive year-round—spring brings cobia and tarpon, summer offers offshore action, and winter has excellent sheepshead.
How much does a fishing charter cost?
Inshore charters typically run $400-600 for a 4-hour trip, $550-800 for 6 hours. Nearshore trips are $600-900. Offshore/deep sea charters start around $1,200 for a half day and can exceed $2,000 for full-day Gulf Stream trips. Prices are usually for the boat (up to 4-6 anglers), not per person.
Do I need a fishing license if I hire a charter?
No. When you fish on a licensed charter boat, the boat's license covers all passengers. You only need your own license for fishing from shore, a pier (outside state parks), or your own boat.
Can beginners go fishing on Amelia Island?
Absolutely. Most charter captains are experienced with beginners and families. They'll handle all the gear, bait hooks, and help you fight fish. An inshore trip is the best introduction—calm waters, lots of action, and species that are fun to catch without requiring expert technique.
Where can I fish without a boat?
The best shore fishing spots are Fort Clinch jetties and pier (no license needed inside the park), Main Beach surf, and the seawall around Fernandina Harbor Marina. You can also wade-fish the flats at low tide or fish from a kayak launched at Goffinsville Park or Egans Creek Greenway.
What fish can I catch from the beach?
Surf fishing commonly produces whiting, pompano, bluefish, and occasional red drum. Use a 10-12ft surf rod with cut bait (mullet, shrimp, or sand fleas). The troughs between sandbars hold the most fish. Early morning and evening are most productive.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, within legal size and bag limits. Charter captains will fillet your catch at the dock (tip appreciated). Some local restaurants will even cook your catch for you—call ahead to confirm they offer this service.