Amelia Island Fishing Charters
Fish Amelia Island with a captain who grew up on these waters
Amelia Island sits at the very top of Florida’s Atlantic coast, with the St. Marys River and Georgia’s Cumberland Island to the north, the Amelia River and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, and open ocean to the east. That mix of jetties, tidal creeks and offshore reefs is why Amelia Island fishing charters can put you on such a wide variety of fish in a single season.
Big Fin Charters is run by Captain Michael Foster, a third generation captain from an Amelia Island family of commercial fishermen. Every trip leaves from the downtown Fernandina Beach waterfront on South Front Street, so wherever you are staying on the island, the dock is a short drive away.
Where we fish around Amelia Island
The jetties at the St. Marys inlet. The long rock jetties at the north end of the island, near Fort Clinch State Park, hold fish almost all year. Redfish, black drum, sheepshead and flounder feed along the rocks, and tarpon roll through the inlet in the warmer months.
The Amelia River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Behind the island, protected water and tidal creeks make for calmer fishing on windy days and are a great fit for kids and first timers.
Offshore reefs and live bottom. On our offshore trips we run east for reef and bottom fishing, and troll when the pelagic fish are around. Longer trips let us reach water up to about 70 miles out.
Not sure which is right for your group? Read our guide to fishing in Fernandina Beach or call Captain Michael at (904) 753-3848.
What you can catch on an Amelia Island charter
Inshore and jetty trips: redfish, black drum, sheepshead, flounder, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, blacktip shark and, in season, tarpon.
Offshore trips: red snapper, black sea bass, gag grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, cobia, mahi mahi, wahoo and blackfin tuna, depending on the time of year and how far we run.
Some species, like red snapper and gag grouper, can only be kept during their open seasons. Captain Michael keeps up with the current rules and will tell you what is open before your trip, so there are no surprises at the dock.
Pick the right trip length
- Half day jetty trip (4 hours): our most popular trip, fishing from the Intracoastal Waterway out to the end of the inlet.
- 3/4 day jetty trip (6 hours): more time on the inland waters of Amelia Island, a good pick when you are after a specific fish like tarpon or redfish.
- 6 hour offshore trip: bottom fishing and seasonal trolling up to about 15 miles out.
- 8, 10 and 12 hour offshore trips: longer runs that reach roughly 20, 40 and 70 miles offshore depending on the season.
See the details on our jetty fishing and offshore fishing pages, or check open dates and book online.
What is included
- Fishing licenses for everyone on board
- Rods, reels, tackle and bait
- A private boat for your group: 30 ft for up to 6 guests or 24 ft for up to 4
Bring your own food and drinks, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and clothes you do not mind getting a little fishy.
Staying on Amelia Island?
Many of our guests are staying at the resorts and rentals along the island’s beaches. From the south end of the island, the drive to the downtown Fernandina Beach dock is usually about 20 to 25 minutes, and from the Main Beach area it is just a few minutes. After your trip you are steps from the shops and restaurants on Centre Street.
Coming from off the island? We also have trip planning pages for guests visiting from Jacksonville and St. Marys, GA, plus a full list of the areas we serve.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fishing license for an Amelia Island fishing charter?
No. Fishing licenses for everyone on board are included with every Big Fin Charters trip, so you do not need to buy your own.
Where do Amelia Island fishing charters leave from?
All of our trips depart from the downtown Fernandina Beach waterfront on South Front Street, on the Amelia River side of the island. You will get exact meeting details when you book.
How many people can come on the boat?
Our 30 ft boat takes up to 6 guests and our 24 ft boat takes up to 4. Every charter is private, so the boat is just for your group.
Are Amelia Island fishing charters good for kids?
Yes. Our half day jetty trip is a favorite with families because the ride is short and the action around the jetty rocks can be steady. Let us know the ages of your kids when you book.
What is the best time of year to fish Amelia Island?
There is something biting almost every month. Redfish, black drum and sheepshead are around much of the year, tarpon show up in the warmer months, and offshore trips change with the seasons. Call us and we will tell you what has been biting lately.
Ready to fish Amelia Island? Our trips leave from downtown Fernandina Beach on South Front Street, minutes from anywhere on the island. Book online or call (904) 753-3848 and Captain Michael will help you pick the right trip.