Science Name: | Seriola dumerili |
Other Names: | Amberjack |
Ideal Temp: | 65 to 75 |
World Record: | 155 lbs. 12 oz, Bermuda |
Environment: | reef, offshore |
Techniques: | medium tackle |
Greater amberjack are found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. In the western Atlantic, they are distributed from Nova Scotia to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, where they concentrate around reefs, rock outcrops and wrecks. Greater amberjack that are at least 5 years of age, or 33.5 inches long, spawn from March through July. They may reach a size of 6 feet, and weigh nearly 200 pounds. Voracious predators, greater amberjacks eat mostly crab, squid and other fishes found on reefs. They are often found in small groups and are friendly to divers.
Amberjack eat a diet that is very typical of a deepwater, structure-holding fish: crabs, crustaceans, squid and small fish.
Ambers can be caught by trolling near the surface with lures, plugs, jigs, spoons or strip baits. Live bait such as mullet, grunts or other small fishes are also very effective. These fish can also be chummed into a frenzy and casted to with medium to heavy spin, cast or fly tackle. The jack strikes fast, is a hard fighter and is known for diving to the bottom.
Tips for Fishing