Learn more about the nearshore fishing in the Amelia Island area.
Spring
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| March | 70° / 52° |
| April | 76° / 58° |
| May | 83° / 65° |
Action: Sheepshead, black drum, and Spanish mackerel are prime nearshore targets. Cobia begin showing near buoys and wrecks late spring.
Slow: Weather and winds can limit access early in the season.
Tips: Use live shrimp for sheepshead and drum, and small spoons or trolling rigs for mackerel.
Summer
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| June | 88° / 73° |
| July | 90° / 75° |
| August | 90° / 75° |
Action: King mackerel, cobia, and barracuda are common around reefs and wrecks. Tarpon cruise nearshore beaches.
Slow: Hot afternoons can slow the bite; fish early or late.
Tips: Slow-troll live baits for kings and cobia; free-line pogies for tarpon.
Fall
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| September | 85° / 71° |
| October | 78° / 62° |
| November | 70° / 53° |
Action: Kingfish run strong into early fall. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and redfish are active nearshore.
Slow: Late November cooling can push pelagics offshore.
Tips: Troll spoons for Spanish and blues; anchor near structure for redfish.
Winter
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| December | 63° / 45° |
| January | 61° / 43° |
| February | 64° / 46° |
Action: Sheepshead bite peaks on nearshore reefs. Black drum and sea bass are consistent.
Slow: Pelagics have migrated south.
Tips: Use fiddler crabs for sheepshead, cut squid for sea bass, and shrimp for drum.
