Rapidly growing in popularity, red fishing will once again highlight the fall fishing action at Amelia Island. Last fall's bay and river red fishing was the best it has been for several years. However, inlet fishermen reported a minor run of redfish at both the southern tip of Amelia Island and at the popular St. Mary's inlet, located at the northern end of Amelia Island.

A major run of mullet takes place during the fall fishing season, along with a maturing stock of river shrimp. Both shrimp and mullet attract redfish to the shallow bays and tidal rivers, where an easy meal is enjoyed.

The best fishing tactics begin by targeting the last few hours of the falling and the first few hours of the incoming tides. Here, redfish are schooling in deep sloughs located next to oyster bars, at the mouths of feeder creeks and in deep river channels. Once fishermen locate a nice school of fall run redfish, they get ready for non-stop fishing action where multiple hookups are enjoyed.

Fishing tactics begin with topwater plugs, including the Rapala "Skitter Walk", the Mirror Lure "Top Dog" and the Heddon "Spook". All of these topwater plugs have noise chambers and, more importantly, can be worked slowly on the surface to entice heart-throbbing strikes from big reds down below.

Other popular redfish lures include in-line spinners, led head jigs rigged with Berkley "Gulp" plastic baits, gold Johnson spoons and a variety of shallow-running hard baits.

Live finger mullet or large river shrimp drifted under a "Rattling" float is an extremely deadly fall redfish-fishing tactic as well. Finally, fishing right on the bottom with cut mullet, ladyfish, menhaden or croaker is also very productive for fall redfish - particularly when fishing in deep channel waters and inlets.

Fall fishermen can also expect excellent fishing action for flounder weighing up to ten pounds. Fish from the mouth of Egan's Creek to the mouth of Cumberland Sound, including the rock jetties at Fort Clinch. Target the high falling tide all the way down to low water while bumping a led head jig and live finger mullet combo slowly along the bottom.

Sea trout fishing is also excellent during the fall months, particularly at Tiger Basin and the backwaters of Bell's River. Fish the high tide while casting a Storm "Chug Bug" over flooded oyster bars. During a falling tide, drift a live shrimp deep under a trout float, while targeting the deep sides of oyster bars.

Offshore bottom fishing is excellent during the fall for gag grouper, red snapper, beeliners, black sea bass, cobia and amberjack. Some of the more productive fish havens include "Haddock's Hideaway", the "Fernandina Snapper Grounds" and "Schultz's Fish Market". Productive bottom fishing baits include cut Spanish sardines, live or dead cigar minnows, fresh local squid and cut bait.

Northeast Florida's Gulf Stream fishing heats up for wahoo during the fall season. The Continental Shelf is located some 65 nautical miles offshore of Amelia Island. Here, water depths fall sharply from 180 to 1,000 feet of water in less than a mile. Troll high-speed lures at 10-12 knots along weed lines and water temperature breaks.

A major run of sailfish also takes place here during the fall fishing season, as the sailfish are migrating south for the winter.

Surf fishing is excellent during the fall for beach whiting, sea trout, redfish, puppy drum and flounder. Cast a red and white 52-M mirror lure for sea trout, blues and redfish. Fishing on the bottom with sand fleas produces excellent-eating pompano. While fishing on the bottom with fresh shrimp catches whiting, red fish and puppy drum.

Some of the best surf fishing comes during the high falling tide. Key areas to fish from shore include the southern tip of Amelia Island, the old pipeline, located in the middle of Amelia Island at the lighthouse on South Fletcher Avenue, the Nassau Sound fishing pier and the Fort Clinch fishing pier.

Bass fishing is excellent during the fall fishing season in the many tidal rivers, lakes and small ponds of northeast Florida. Look for Lofton Creek to produce largemouth bass and a variety of sweetwater species including redfish, flounder, striped bass and sea trout. Fish the falling tide while working gold rapalas and trick worms close to shoreline cover for largemouth bass. For sea trout, redfish and striped bass cast a 1/4-oz. led head jig rigged with a Berkley white shad plastic tail and work the deadly lure deep along the bottom.

Crabbing is great family fun during the cooler months of fall. Fish on the bottom with a chicken part or fish head. First, tie a long string to the bait. Then attach a 4-oz. weight to keep the bait on the bottom. When a slight tug is detected, bring the crab to the surface and net with a long-handled net.

Keep the crabs alive in a bucket of water until time to cook them. Place the live crabs in a pot of boiling water with crab seasoning added. When the crabs turn a bright pink, eat and enjoy!

Non-Florida residents over the age of 16 will need a Florida non-resident fishing license to crab or fish from shore, piers, or bridges. For more fishing and charter fishing information, call the Amelia Angler at (904) 321-5090.