Florida · Northeast
REDFISH FISHING
IN FERNANDINA BEACH
Fernandina Beach 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 Fernandina Beach
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 — Fernandina Beach
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Fernandina Beach, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Fernandina Beach
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 Fernandina Beach
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Amelia River
The Amelia River flows along the western shore of Amelia Island, with oyster bars, dock pilings, and marsh grass shorelines providing prime habitat for redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and spotted seatrout. The river's tidal creeks and deep bends concentrate fish on moving tides, with the best action on the last two hours of an incoming tide. The historic waterfront district offers convenient boat ramp access.
Nassau Sound
Nassau Sound is the major inlet at the southern end of Amelia Island where the Nassau and Amelia Rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean. Strong tidal currents funnel baitfish through the sound, attracting tarpon, bull redfish, jack crevalle, and flounder in impressive numbers. The sound's vast sand flats and oyster bars create diverse habitat for both inshore and nearshore species.
Lofton Creek
Lofton Creek is a blackwater tidal creek feeding into the Amelia River, surrounded by pristine salt marsh and maritime forest. Redfish, flounder, and spotted seatrout feed along the creek's oyster-lined banks and in the deeper holes at creek bends. The creek's remote feel and minimal boat traffic make it a favorite among kayak anglers seeking solitude.
Fort Clinch Jetties
The rock jetties at Fort Clinch State Park guard the St. Marys River inlet at the northern tip of Amelia Island. Sheepshead, redfish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, and drum congregate along the jetty rocks on every tidal change. Shore anglers can access the north jetty from within the state park, making it one of the most accessible fishing spots in the area.
Other Species in Fernandina Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Fernandina Beach.
Redfish Fishing in Fernandina Beach — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Fernandina Beach are May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Fernandina Beach area.
Redfish fishing charters in Fernandina Beach 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 Fernandina Beach, 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 Fernandina Beach, 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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