Florida · Northeast
TARPON FISHING
IN AMELIA ISLAND
Amelia Island is a solid destination for tarpon fishing. Book a charter and target tarpon with local experts.
About Tarpon Fishing in Amelia Island
The Silver King. One of the most exciting gamefish in the world, known for spectacular aerial acrobatics.
The Silver King is arguably the most exciting gamefish in the ocean. Atlantic Tarpon are massive, silver-scaled fish that can exceed 200 lbs, with mirror-like scales the size of silver dollars. When hooked, they launch into spectacular aerial acrobatics — sometimes jumping 6-8 feet out of the water — creating the most thrilling sight in sportfishing. Their oversized, upturned mouth and prehistoric appearance (the species is 100+ million years old) make them instantly recognizable. Tarpon are catch-and-release only in most areas.
Scientific name: Megalops atlanticus
Tarpon Seasonal Calendar — Amelia Island
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Amelia Island, FL.
How to Catch Tarpon in Amelia Island
Techniques & Bait
Live crabs (blue crabs or pass crabs) drifted in passes and channels during the spring migration is the classic technique. Live mullet, pinfish, and threadfin herring are also top baits. Artificial lures like DOA Baitbusters, large soft plastic swimbaits, and heavy jigs worked near bridges and passes at night produce trophy fish. Fly fishing for rolling tarpon on the flats using large Tarpon Toads, EP baitfish patterns, and Black Death flies (2/0-4/0 hooks) is considered the ultimate fly fishing challenge.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy spinning: 7'6" heavy rod, 6000-8000 reel, 50-65 lb braid, 60-80 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly: 12-weight rod, large arbor reel with 200+ yards of backing. Circle hooks (5/0-7/0) are required in many areas.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Amelia Island
Top spots where local captains target tarpon 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.
Tarpon Fishing in Amelia Island — FAQ
Tarpon fishing in Amelia Island is productive during .
Tarpon 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 crabs (blue crabs or pass crabs) drifted in passes and channels during the spring migration is the classic technique. Live mullet, pinfish, and threadfin herring are also top baits. Artificial lures like DOA Baitbusters, large soft plastic swimbaits, and heavy jigs worked near bridges and passes at night produce trophy fish. Fly fishing for rolling tarpon on the flats using large Tarpon Toads, EP baitfish patterns, and Black Death flies (2/0-4/0 hooks) is considered the ultimate fly fishing challenge.
No — when you book a charter in Amelia Island, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Tarpon 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 Tarpon in Amelia Island, you may also catch Black Sea Bass, Redfish, Sheepshead, Flounder, Speckled Trout. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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