Fernandina Beach Fishing Charters
Fernandina Beach fishing charters launch anglers into a prime mix of inshore marshes, jetties, and nearshore wrecks teeming with redfish, sheepshead, tarpon, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Fernandina Beach
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Fernandina Beach, FL Fishing Guide
Fernandina Beach offers a fishery shaped by the tides, with easy access to Amelia River backwaters, Cumberland Sound, and nearshore Atlantic structure. Most charters here focus on inshore and nearshore waters, with half-day and 3/4-day trips being the norm. Longer full-day runs are possible, especially for nearshore bottom fishing or tarpon hunts in season.
Inshore trips typically target redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum—especially around the oyster beds and creek mouths west of Amelia Island. Live shrimp under popping corks, mud minnows on jig heads, and artificial paddle tails are all common tools depending on water clarity and tide. Sheepshead hang thick around docks and the jetties, especially in the cooler months.
Just outside the jetties, Fernandina’s nearshore waters offer productive bottom structure—artificial reefs and limestone outcroppings—that hold black sea bass, snapper, triggerfish, and even cobia or kingfish depending on the season. These areas are often under 10 miles from the inlet, making them accessible without a long haul. Spring and fall bring Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle crashing bait schools just offshore.
Tarpon roll into the sound and along the beaches mid to late summer, with morning tides often producing the best action. Local guides drift live mullet or crabs near deep edges when conditions line up. It’s a fishery that rewards timing, and captains here know the tides better than any chart.
Whether you’re fishing flats, pilings, or nearshore wrecks, Fernandina Beach charters keep you close to the action and on seasonal fish.
Fishing Seasons in Fernandina Beach
Spring
Spring fishing around Fernandina Beach heats up quick as water temps climb. Redfish and trout feed aggressively in the backwaters, with sheepshead still hanging around structure. Nearshore, Spanish mackerel arrive in big schools, and cobia start showing up on rays and buoys. It’s a great time for mixed-bag action.
Summer
Summer brings peak bait movement—and with it, the tarpon. Look for rolling fish along the beaches and inlets, especially during calm mornings. Inshore, topwater action for trout at first light is hot, and flounder start stacking around creeks. Nearshore wrecks produce kingfish, snapper, and big jacks.
Fall
Fall might be the most consistent season. Redfish school up in shallow water, flounder pile onto deeper edges, and nearshore bottom fishing lights up. The mullet run fuels feeding frenzies from the jetties to the surf, and you’ll often find bull reds and big trout shadowing the schools.
Winter
Winter fishing is slower-paced but still productive. Clearer water makes sight-fishing redfish on sunny days possible. Sheepshead bite well on fiddler crabs around rocks and docks, and black drum can be found in the deeper holes. Trout hold in deeper channels and creek bends on slow-moving jigs.
Gamefish in Fernandina Beach
- Redfish – 2–15 lbs Caught year-round in creeks, grasslines, and flats; fish cut bait or shrimp on bottom rigs or sight-cast to tailers at low tide.
- Speckled Trout – 1–5 lbs Targeted in spring and fall on live shrimp under corks or topwaters at dawn; best around grass edges and channel drop-offs.
- Flounder – 1–4 lbs Caught around creek mouths, docks, and ledges; fish mud minnows or finger mullet on jig heads tight to bottom.
- Sheepshead – 2–8 lbs Common in winter around jetties and pilings; use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a short dropper rig near structure.
- Tarpon – 40–150 lbs Seasonal summer visitors; drift live mullet or crabs in inlets or just off the beach when conditions are calm.
- Cobia – 10–50 lbs Found near buoys, rays, and nearshore wrecks in late spring; cast live eels or bucktail jigs.
- Spanish Mackerel – 2–4 lbs Run thick in spring and fall; troll spoons or cast jigs near bait pods just offshore.
- King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs Summer target on nearshore reefs and wrecks; slow troll live bait or rigged dead cigar minnows.
- Black Drum – 5–30 lbs Winter and spring in deeper holes and around structure; shrimp or blue crab chunks on the bottom.
Fernandina Beach Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license to fish with a Fernandina Beach charter?
No, all licensed charters in Fernandina Beach carry a blanket fishing license for all anglers onboard.
What types of fishing charters run out of Fernandina Beach?
Most charters here focus on inshore and nearshore waters, offering half-day and 3/4-day trips. Full-day runs are available for more time at the reefs or chasing tarpon.
When is tarpon season in Fernandina Beach?
Tarpon arrive in the summer, usually between June and early September. Early morning outgoing tides are often best.
Where do charters usually depart from?
Most Fernandina Beach fishing trips leave from the Fernandina Harbor Marina or nearby ramps along the Amelia River.
Is nearshore fishing good here?
Yes, especially spring through fall. Nearshore reefs and wrecks less than 10 miles out produce kingfish, cobia, snapper, and more.
What should I bring on my fishing trip?
Bring sun protection, snacks, drinks, and polarized sunglasses. Most charters include rods, reels, bait, and tackle.
Can kids go on Fernandina Beach fishing charters?
Absolutely. Many captains offer family-friendly trips that stay in calm waters and target easy-biting species like trout and sheepshead.
What’s the best time of year to catch redfish?
Redfish are caught year-round, but fall is peak time when they school up in shallow water and crush bait.
Do Fernandina Beach captains clean the catch?
Yes, most guides will clean and bag your legal catch at the dock—just ask ahead to confirm.
Do I need a fishing license for Crystal River charters?
No. If you’re fishing with a licensed Crystal River charter captain, all necessary licenses are covered for you.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Homer?
How far offshore do charters go in Homer?
Depending on the trip, captains may fish a few miles out in the bay or travel 30–50 miles to rich offshore grounds..
What should I bring on a Homer fishing charter?
Bring your fishing license, warm layered clothing, lunch, and motion sickness meds if needed. Most gear is included.
Can I keep the fish I catch in Homer?
Yes, as long as it meets legal size and bag limits. Most charters will clean your catch, and local processors offer vacuum sealing and shipping.
What fish can I catch in the winter?
Primarily king salmon and rockfish. Halibut are closed in January but otherwise available much of the year.
How much does a Homer fishing trip cost?
Half-day trips start around $200–$250 per person. Full-day halibut or combo charters typically range from $300–$500+.
Are Homer fishing charters kid-friendly?
Many are. Let the captain know in advance so they can plan shorter trips or calmer water targets ideal for young anglers.
What’s the difference between fishing in Homer and Seward?
Homer excels in halibut and bottom fishing, with quicker access to deep water. Seward offers great salmon runs and scenic glacier trips.