Amberjack Fishing in Miami
Seriola dumerili
Greater amberjack are the bruisers of Miami’s wrecks. They gather in schools over deep structure and pull straight down with brute strength. An amber stripe runs from the eye along the body, and a dark band crosses the head. Anglers come back from an amberjack fight with sore arms and big smiles.
Quick facts
Most are 30 to 45 inches long.
Large fish are caught on deep wrecks.
They earn it with their stubborn fight.
They gather in large groups over structure.
Over wrecks and deep reefs.
Where to catch them off Miami
Deep wrecks
Miami has dozens of sunken ships that hold amberjack.
Artificial reefs
Concrete and steel reefs hold bait and jacks.
Deep reef edge
Ledges in 150 feet and deeper.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
Amberjack are caught most of the year. They are closed to harvest in April.
Key events
Greater amberjack closure
Atlantic greater amberjack are closed to harvest April 1–30 for spawning.
Fixed by rule.
AffectsAmberjack
Best time and conditions
Cooler months
Winter and spring are reliable.
Moving water
Current over a wreck brings the school up.
Techniques and baits
Live bait on the bottom
A live bait dropped to the wreck.
Vertical jigging
Heavy jigs worked up and down.
Heavy tackle
They run for the wreck when hooked.
Fast cranking
Turning their heads quickly keeps them out of the structure.
Top baits and lures
- Live blue runners
- Goggle-eyes
- Vertical jigs
- Pilchards
Florida regulations
Lesser amberjack and banded rudderfish have different rules: 14 to 22 inches to the fork, 5 per person combined. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Amberjack rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
Good when fresh, especially smaller fish. We clean legal fish at the dock.
Which charter is best?
Full Day Fishing
- $1,200 per trip
- 8 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Blackfin Tuna, Cobia, Tripletail, Almaco Jack, Shark and Barracuda
Saltwater Inshore
- $650 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Snook, Tarpon, Barracuda, Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Schoolmaster Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Grunt and Almaco Jack
Shark Fishing
- $750 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Shark, Tarpon, Barracuda and Cobia
Spearfishing
- $850 per trip
- 4 hours, 8:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Hogfish, Cubera Snapper, Snapper and Grouper
Amberjack FAQ
When is amberjack season in Miami?
They are caught most of the year. Harvest is closed in April.
How many amberjack can I keep?
1 greater amberjack per person, at least 28 inches to the fork.
Why are they called reef donkeys?
Because of their stubborn, heavy fight.
How deep are amberjack?
Usually 60 to 300 feet over wrecks.
Which charter is best for amberjack?
The Full Day offshore trip, which leaves time to fish deep wrecks.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.