Species
Amberjack Fishing Charters
Greater amberjack are powerful fish that hold over deep wrecks and reefs offshore, with seasons set by fishery managers. 158 captains and guides in 40 towns list amberjack. Here is where, and the months it is in season where we have a published calendar.
Key facts
About the amberjack
A large, powerful jack with a dark (amber) stripe running from the snout through the eye to the first dorsal fin, which darkens when the fish is excited or feeding. Bluish-gray to olive back and silvery-white belly; often confused with lesser amberjack and almaco jack.
- Scientific name
- Seriola dumerili
- Also called
- Greater amberjack, medregal, coronado
- Family
- Jack family (Carangidae)
- Typical catch
- Most commonly up to 40 pounds
- How big they get
- Can grow up to 6 feet long; adults can weigh up to 200 pounds
- Where they live
- Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Brazil, including the Gulf and Caribbean; the US fishery runs from Virginia to Texas and the US Caribbean. Also found in the Pacific.
- Habitat
- Adults gather around reefs, rocky outcrops and wrecks at about 60 to 240 feet; juveniles school under floating sargassum.
- Diet
- Mainly crabs, squid and reef fish.
- Lifespan
- Can live to about 17 years; females grow larger and live longer than males
- On the table
- Sweet and mild, with tender, delicate flesh; high oil content gives it a buttery quality.
Where
Where to catch amberjack with a charter
Counts are captains who list amberjack, as of October 2026. Months come from the state wildlife agency or local captains’ published calendars where we have one; seasons and limits change, so check current rules.
Before you go
What to know about amberjack fishing
Things to know
- Federally managed: in the Gulf under the Reef Fish plan with a recreational closed season, and in the South Atlantic under the Snapper-Grouper plan. Check NOAA and your state for current rules.
- The Gulf stock was assessed as overfished in 2021 and is under a rebuilding plan targeting 2028; the South Atlantic stock is not overfished.
- Spawning happens mainly March through June on reefs and wrecks.
- Known as hard fighters that test tackle; also prized as a trophy catch.
How charters catch them
- Drifting live or cut bait over reefs and wrecks
- Trolling spoons and deep-running lures
- Chumming to draw and hold schools near the boat
- Often caught while fishing for king mackerel
Related fish
Fish caught on the same kind of trip
Questions
Amberjack questions
Is amberjack good to eat?
NOAA describes it as sweet and mild, with tender flesh and a buttery quality from its high oil content.
How big do greater amberjack get?
They can reach about 6 feet and 200 pounds, but most are caught at 40 pounds or less.
Why is amberjack season sometimes closed?
The Gulf stock is overfished and rebuilding, so federal managers use closed seasons and size and bag limits.
Facts on this page come from official fisheries and wildlife sources, checked October 2026:
Size and bag limits and seasons change and differ by state. Check the state agency before you keep a fish.
For captains and guides
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