Unexpectedly and without notice, the National Marine Fisheries Service has closed the greater amberjack fishery in Gulf of Mexico federal waters from October 24 through December 31, 2009. They claim an established annual recreational harvest quota has been met.
However, fishing for amberjack in Atlantic waters off the Florida Keys is open and thriving.
These members of the jack family are commonly found lingering on all manner of natural or manmade reefs, rock outcrops and wrecks, although they tend to prefer structures that project at least ten feet from the bottom. In the Florida Keys, these structures are found in 100 to 300 foot depths a mere six to eight miles from shore.
Successful techniques
There are a couple of techniques for attracting and landing amberjack. As voracious predators, they respond to a variety of live baits, such as ballyhoo, pinfish, grunts or pilchards. A 30-pound class rod rigged with one of these guarantees success. Anglers that are more sporting choose spinning tackle and butterfly jigs. Known affectionately as reef donkeys for their stubbornness, amberjack provide a fun fight on lighter tackle.
Amberjack caught on the inshore Atlantic wrecks average in size from 20 to 40 pounds. This is a year-round fishery in the Florida Keys; however, the largest of the species are present during the spring. From April through July, the amberjack caught on the Marathon hump can approach 100 pounds and greater.
Food quality
Amberjack are lean fish with firm, white meat having a mild flavor. Many consider them to have been created for the smoker, and they are, indeed, the base for popular smoked fish dip recipes.
Other species that may be encountered while targeting amberjack include almaco jack, jack crevalle, mutton snapper as well as large black grouper, some in the 15- to 25-pound class.
(Sources of information for this article include Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.)
Did you enjoy this article? If so, please come back soon for more information on fishing in the Florida Keys. Future content will include tips and techniques, recipes, tackle reviews and more.
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