Florida · Northeast
REDFISH FISHING
IN AMELIA ISLAND
Amelia Island is an excellent destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in May, September, October and good catches in January, February, March. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Amelia Island
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Amelia Island
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Amelia Island, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Amelia Island
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Amelia Island
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Nassau Sound
Nassau Sound at the southern end of Amelia Island is a large, productive estuary where the Nassau and Fort George rivers meet the Atlantic. Redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and sheepshead are found around the oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges throughout the sound. The sound's diverse habitat supports excellent fishing year-round with relatively low pressure.
Amelia River
The Amelia River runs along the west side of Amelia Island between the island and the mainland, with docks, marinas, and marsh shoreline holding redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder. The river's deep channels concentrate fish during lower tides, while the adjacent marsh grass edges are productive on incoming tides. Shrimping boats along the river attract baitfish and predators.
Fort Clinch Jetties
The rock jetties at the northern tip of Amelia Island near historic Fort Clinch State Park create prime inshore structure at the mouth of the St. Marys River. Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, and flounder congregate around the rocks year-round. The jetties are accessible by foot from the state park, making them one of the best shore-fishing spots in Northeast Florida.
Lofton Creek
Lofton Creek flows into the Amelia River on the mainland side and offers sheltered inshore fishing for redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder. The creek's oyster-lined banks and marsh grass edges provide excellent habitat in a quieter setting away from the main river traffic. Kayak fishing through the narrow upper reaches produces some of the best catch rates.
Other Species in Amelia Island
More fish you can target while visiting Amelia Island.
Redfish Fishing in Amelia Island — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Amelia Island are May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Amelia Island area.
Redfish fishing charters in Amelia Island are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Amelia Island, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Amelia Island, you may also catch Black Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Black Drum. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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