End of the Line
September 2024
Article and photos by Jimmy Jacobs.
The On The Fly South crew was in Fernandina, Florida on Amelia Island with a plan to do some DIY fishing at Nassau Sound on the south end of the isle. But Mother Nature had a different idea. The winds were howling, and rain was coming in sheets of monsoon proportions.
That left us with plan B. We headed downtown to Amelia Angler Outfitters near the city’s waterfront. And we were fortunate enough to catch the owner Capt. Terry Lacross in the shop to talk fishing. His establishment is the closest to being a fly shop that you will find on this island. They carry a full line of fishing apparel and conventional gear, plus a selection of fly rods, reels and Umpqua flies.
Capt. Terry is one of the legendary guides of northeast Florida. His legacy covers both fresh and saltwater fishing, going back to the early days of bass tournament action and spanning areas from the Caribbean to Alaska. One of the first rod-and-reel combos he acquired as a youth was fly gear, so Terry knows fly fishing as well. He continues spending up to 200 days per year on the water.
When he is not on the water with clients, the captain manages his shop or is at the word processor. Terry has authored books on redfish and mackerel fishing, plus hundreds of magazine articles on angling.
Terry Lacoss in the shop.
Terry and Mary Lacoss have operated Amelia Angler Outfitters store and charter business since 1978. Through the years Amelia Angler Outfitters has grown into a family business with daughters, Mary Lee Forehand, Lisa Mills and son Terry David Lacoss operating the business as well.
Amelia Angler Outfitters will also assist in booking your fishing, sailing, or sightseeing charters. They specialize in family and group charters. Located just across the railroad tracks from the harbor at 111 Center Street, Amelia Anglers carries angling apparel from Columbian, Mojo, Salt Life and Guy Harvey. There are all the standard fishing accessories, conventional tackle and fly gear too. Mirroring another of Capt. Terry’s passions, he’ll even sell you a set of golf clubs!
For beginning anglers, Terry offers a fishing school that begins in the classroom and ends on his 24-foot Triton boat with instruction on navigation, using fish finders and angling techniques. Additionally, Amelia Anglers offers fishing updates for surrounding waters on their website.
When you are on Amelia Island, drop by their shop or give them a call at (904) 261-2870.
