Fall Fishing at Amelia
Story and photos by Terry Lacoss

  
   With the coming of fall, a hint of cooler water temperatures excites the feeding appetites of many area game fish. At the same time, a fall mullet run also takes place along the pristine beaches of Amelia Island and at both of its deep inlets, the St. Mary's  River and the Nassau Sound. However it's the fall mullet run that really excites the angling skills of many local salts, as they fish the mullet run for some of the year's best fishing action.

Redfish are a popular target of Amelia Island anglers.
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  Some of the best waters in which to hook up with this excellent fishing action, are the tip of the St. Mary's south jetties, Fort Clinch's little jetties, the Nassau Sound fishing bridge and the southern tip of Amelia Island. Obviously, these large schools of fall mullet are very tidal oriented, as they begin to gather and make up large schools during the falling tide. When the tide nears its low point, a wide variety of game fish can be seen feeding on the migrating mullet schools, often vaulting several mullet right out of the water. And, many times game fish will come rocketing right out of the water as they chase down their easy meal.
  Some of these popular game fish include redfish, flounder, tarpon, sharks, jack crevalle, king mackerel and sea trout. Look for good numbers of tarpon, sharks and king mackerel to school at the mouth of the St. Mary's inlet and also at the Nassau Sound, while redfish, sea trout and flounder can be found holding close to bridges, oyster bars and jetties. Obviously, you won't have to look too far to find the best fishing holes, as the large schools of mullet will often shower the surface as they pass over a favorite school of game fish and their hiding spot.

Fishing Amelia's waters is a beautiful way to spend a cool, autumn day.
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  A six to eight foot cast net, with a 5/8-inch mesh, works well when cast-netting for mullet. Many skilled fall fishermen will start by cast-netting the mouths of small feeder creeks during the high, outgoing tide. After a couple dozen mullet are secured in their boat's live well, they will then proceed to their favorite fishing hole.
The smaller finger mullet work best for flounder, redfish and sea trout, while the larger roe mullet are ideal for tarpon and large sharks.
  The fall tides also provide excellent red bass fishing in the flooded marsh flats. Tailers can be cast towards with flies, topwater plugs or a wide variety of lures. Some of the better fly patterns are the epoxy spoons and crab patterns. For lures, try the 1/2 ounce, gold Johnson spoon or a black, plastic jerk worm. Obviously, finger mullet or live shrimp will tempt reds in the grass, as well.
  Offshore fishing is excellent during the fall for a wide variety of bottom feeders including grouper, red snapper and black-sea bass. Try fishing right on the bottom with cut bait, squid or live cigar minnows. Some of the more popular fish havens for bottom fishing are located between 10 and 15 miles from the coast of Amelia Island, and are all marked on the local offshore fishing charts.
  Trolling for kingfish, barracuda, bonito, cobia and tuna is also good during the fall at many of these same offshore fish havens. Many local deep-sea fishermen prefer to troll with livies, including cigar minnows, spanish sardines or my favorite, mullet.

Bass fishing is excellent in many local tidal rivers
during the fall fishing season.
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   Wahoo headline the fishing action for northeast Florida's Gulf Stream. The continental shelf is located some 65 nautical miles offshore where wahoo running from 50 to 100 pounds are common. Other favorite species include dolphin, tuna, sailfish and blue marlin. One of the best fishing tactics includes trolling plastic lures, rigged with large ballyhoo. Some of the more popular trolling plastics include the "Wahoo Whacker" and the "Tuna Tango," by C&H Lures.
  Surf fishing is outstanding during the fall for whiting, pompano, redfish, seatrout and flounder. Some of the better baits include fresh shrimp, sand fleas or live finger mullet. Look for the best surf action to come from the southern tip of Amelia Island.
  Freshwater bass fishing is also excellent during the fall months in many of the local tidal rivers. Look for some of the better action to come from Loftin Creek and the Little St. Mary's river. A tried and true bass tactic includes fishing the low tide with a floating rapala, or plastic worm.
  Crabbing is a favorite with families, and can be enjoyed on many of the inland waterways. First, tie a piece of chicken to a long string, and attach a weight to the end of the string and chicken. When a slight tug is detected, bring in the line and net the crab with a long-handled crab net. For excellent eating, boil the crabs alive in a pot of water with crab seasoning added!
  Out of state residents will need to purchase a saltwater fishing license when fishing from land, bridges or a boat.
  For more fishing information and charters, call the Amelia Angler at 321-5090, or visit our web address at www.ameliaangler.com .