Best Places to Fish Around Amelia Island, Florida

Best Places to Fish Around Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island fishing offers something for just about every saltwater angler.

You can fish the Atlantic surf, work the rocks around a jetty, cast into Nassau Sound, fish the St. Marys River or spend the day on one of the area's bridges and shorelines.

The island's location between the Atlantic Ocean, Nassau Sound, St. Marys River and surrounding estuaries creates a variety of fishing environments.

Here are some of the best places to start.

1. Fort Clinch Jetties

The Fort Clinch Jetties are one of the most recognizable fishing areas around Amelia Island.

The rocks create structure and current where the St. Marys Inlet meets the Atlantic.

Depending on season and conditions, anglers can encounter:

• Redfish

• Flounder

• Spotted seatrout

• Whiting

• Sheepshead

• Black drum

• Mullet

Florida State Parks specifically identifies the jetties and nearby surf as popular fishing areas.

For the detailed local guide, see our Fort Clinch Jetties Fishing Guide.

2. Amelia Island State Park

At the southern end of Amelia Island, Amelia Island State Park provides access to a long stretch of Atlantic shoreline.

It's a good place to think about surf fishing rather than just looking for a traditional pier or jetty.

Look for:

• Sandbars

• Troughs

• Cuts

• Deeper pockets

• Moving water

• Bait activity

Florida State Parks specifically lists surf fishing along the shoreline and fishing access toward Nassau Sound.

3. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier

If you're looking for a unique fishing experience, the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park deserves attention.

The pedestrian fishing bridge stretches approximately a mile across Nassau Sound, giving anglers access to water that would otherwise be difficult to reach from shore.

Florida State Parks lists species including:

• Whiting

• Redfish

• Flounder

• Spotted seatrout

• Jacks

• Tarpon

• Drum

The bridge is currently open from 8 a.m. until sunset, and night fishing is not permitted.

It's also connected to Amelia Island State Park, making it easy to combine a fishing trip with a day exploring the southern end of the island.

4. Nassau Sound

Nassau Sound is one of the most important fishing environments around Amelia Island.

This is where you start thinking beyond a single fishing spot.

You've got:

Tidal current + grass flats + channels + bait + deeper water.

Florida State Parks describes Nassau Sound as one of Northeast Florida's strongest fishing areas, with redfish, sea trout, flounder, whiting, jacks and tarpon among the species found here.

Pay close attention to the tide.

Moving water can completely change where fish position themselves.

5. Fernandina Beach Surf

You don't need a boat to fish Amelia Island.

The Atlantic shoreline around Fernandina Beach provides opportunities for surf fishing.

Look for changes in the beach rather than simply casting as far as possible.

Find:

• Troughs

• Sandbars

• Cuts

• Deeper water

• Current seams

• Bait

Shrimp, sand fleas, squid and other appropriate baits can all have a place depending on what you're targeting.

Artificial lures can also be effective when fish are actively feeding.

6. St. Marys River and Inlet

The northern end of Amelia Island is connected to the St. Marys River and St. Marys Inlet, creating another major fishing environment.

This area is particularly interesting because it sits directly on the Georgia–Florida border.

The river, inlet, marsh and ocean all influence one another.

That means you can encounter very different fishing conditions depending on the tide and where you're positioned.

Our St. Marys Fishing Guide covers the Georgia side of this broader fishing area.

What Fish Can You Catch Around Amelia Island?

The exact species depend on season, location and conditions, but common targets around Amelia Island include:

• Redfish

• Spotted seatrout

• Flounder

• Whiting

• Sheepshead

• Black drum

• Tarpon

• Jacks

• Mullet

• Seasonal nearshore species

Florida State Parks specifically notes redfish, trout, flounder, whiting, jacks and tarpon around Nassau Sound and Amelia Island State Park.

How to Choose Where to Fish

If you're visiting Amelia Island and aren't sure where to start, think about the type of fishing you want.

Want easy access from shore?
Try the beach.

Want structure and current?
Try the Fort Clinch Jetties.

Want a unique fishing experience?
Try the George Crady Bridge.

Want to explore tidal water?
Look toward Nassau Sound.

Want to explore the St. Marys area?
Head toward the northern end of the island.

And always check current park rules, access conditions and Florida fishing regulations before heading out.

Explore More Northeast Florida Fishing

Amelia Island is just one part of the larger Northeast Florida fishing region.

For more locations, species, gear and fishing strategies, explore the Northeast Florida Fishing Guide.

And when you're ready to understand the structure that makes many of these locations productive, read our Jetty Fishing: The Complete Guide.

Fish. Explore. Belong.

This is 912 Coastal.