Offshore drift fishermen are excited about recent increased fishing
activity from grouper, red snapper and black sea bass. Things can only get better during
the fall for drift fishermen, and this may just be the best fall fishing season for bottom
fishing in many years.
As the water temperature in northeast Florida waters cools during the fall fishing season,
many species of bottom fish move closer to shore and feed at natural rock ledges, sunken
wrecks and artificial reefs. Most of these popular fish havens are located from 5 to 15
miles offshore of the St. Mary's inlet, where Amelia Island fishermen enter the ocean for
a day of deep-sea fishing.
Red snapper can be found schooling where broken concrete has been placed on the bottom to
form a natural reef. Red snapper will readily take a fresh local squid, or a live cigar
minnow. Some of the more popular locations for concrete artificial reefs include the
"Dump Site", which is located some five miles due east from the southern tip of
Amelia Island. "KBY" reef is located some five miles northeast from the tip of
the St. Mary's north jetties. "East FC" artificial reef is located some 15 miles
southeast from the St. Mary's south jetty rocks. Finally "FA" reef was
originally called the "Fernandina Snapper Grounds" because the red snapper
fishing was so good here. This live bottom area has numerous rock ledges and hard bottom,
which attract good numbers of red snapper. "FA" is located some 10 miles
southeast from the tip of the St. Mary's south jetty rocks. All of these popular fish
havens are marked on the local offshore fishing chart with GPS coordinates.
Bottom fishing for red snapper, grouper and
sea bass is excellent during the fall.
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Red snapper must measure at least 20 inches from the tip of the mouth
to the tip of the tail, with a two fish bag limit per person, per day.
Drift fishermen are likely to catch gag grouper to 25 pounds and black sea bass to four
pounds while fishing these very same red snapper waters. Scamp grouper must measure at
least 20 inches in length, while gag grouper must measure at least 24 inches in length.
Fishermen may keep a mix of up to five gag and scamp grouper per day, per person. Black
sea bass must measure at least 10 inches in length, with a 20 fish bag limit per person,
per day.
Bottom fishing tackle for all of these species should be fairly heavy, including a stiff,
six-foot bottom fishing rod paired with a 4/0 Penn Senator fishing reel and loaded with
80-lb. braided fishing line. When live bait fishing on the bottom, most drift fishermen
use a single 80-lb. fluorocarbon leader with a 6/0-circle hook tied to the business end of
the leader. A six to ten-ounce egg sinker is threaded onto the terminal fishing line,
according to the strength of the current. Dead bait fishermen often use a two-hook setup
with a six to sixteen-ounce bank sinker attached to the bottom of the dropper rig.
Closer to shore, the annual fall run of red drum should be in full swing at deep river
holes and both inlets of Amelia Island. Black drum should be holding in these very same
fish havens, along with whiting, blues, jack crevalle and a wide variety of sharks.
Redfish can be found in deep river holes and
at both inlet mouths of Amelia Island.
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Sea trout, flounder, schooling redfish and sheepshead will be feeding
along the St. Mary's jetty rocks during the slow-moving tides and near popular structures
including oyster bars, dock pilings and flooded marshes.
Surf fishing is excellent for a variety of saltwater species including beach whiting,
pompano, blues, sea trout and flounder. One of the best fishing tactics here includes
fishing with a "Fish Finder" setup and fresh shrimp. However, a 52-M Mirror Lure
will produce excellent action for blues, trout and redfish!
Trout can be taken from a variety of Amelia Island's inshore waters.
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Pier fishing can be enjoyed on both the Nassau Bridge and Fort Clinch
fishing piers. Look for the flood tide to produce the best action at both fishing piers.
Bass fishing is excellent in many of northeast Florida's lakes and rivers for trophy-sized
largemouth bass weighing over the ten-pound mark. Some of the better rivers include
Lofton, St. Mary's, Boggy and the St. John's river systems. Rodman Reservoir and Lake
George still offer some of the best lake fishing. Top-water fishing action produces good
results during early morning periods, while live shiners are still the best choice for
catching a real whopper!
Crabbing is also great family fun! Try fishing right on the bottom with a weighted piece
of chicken attached to a long length of string. When a slight tug is felt, pull the crab
slowly to the surface and net! Keep the crabs alive in a bucket of water until ready to
cook. Then boil them in a large pot to which crab seasoning has been added.
Non-Florida residents will need a Florida saltwater fishing license when fishing from
land, boat or pier. For more fishing and charter information, call the Amelia Angler at
(904) 321-5090.
You don't need a large boat to fish the waters of
Amelia Island - sometimes even a kayak will do!
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