The Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is a common game fish in the Florida keys. They range from depths of fifteen feet to over 400 feet of water. They frequent heavy structure such as large ship wrecks and sea mounts. Juveniles are found around shallow reefs and small inshore wrecks. Occasionally, large A.J.’s or reef donkeys (as they are sometimes called) will move into a shallow water wreck where they may be targeted by sport fishermen on very light tackle.
Many years ago, we perfected a technique whereby we tease these bruins to the surface with live blue runners and get them so exited that they sometimes run into the boat and kick huge plumes of water into the air, soaking the angler in the process. The angler can then present the lure to his choice of contenders and the battle then ensues. It is one of the most visual and exciting forms of fishing ever developed.
At the current time, we have to our credit, the largest Amberjack ever taken on a fly rod. Using this technique, Dr. William Monroe landed a giant 103 lb. 12 oz. monster for the largest A.J. ever taken on a fly rod and is still the I.G.F.A. world record. We also hold numerous other line class I.G.F.A. world records, both mens and women, for this species.
Amberjack is a popular species for making fish dip. Recipes for cooking Amberjack as well as other types of fish can be found on our Weekly Recipes page.
Amberjack Photo Gallery
Amberjack Fishing Locations
Dry Tortugas
The Dry Tortugas is the last, great vestige of sportfishing in the northern hemisphere. This remote group of islands are surrounded by more than ten thousand square miles of fishing resources that have remained relatively untapped due to the time that it would take to cover this vast and remote area.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico, for our purposes, begins at the North side of the flats, along the lower Florida Keys and includes a portion of the Florida Bay, continuing to the West and North of the Dry Tortugas, encompassing more than 5000 square miles of fishable water within range of our hi-tech, offshore boats.
Key West
Key West offers the sportfishing enthusiast the largest variety of gamefish in the world. Other locations will argue that they are the sportfishing capital of the world, or the best for this species or that particular fish. There are more “I.G.F.A. World Records” from the waters of Key West than the next closest, several locations combined.
Marquesas
Marquesas is a magical word that conjures thoughts of tropical breezes, emerald green water surrounding a tropical island paradise. A ring of islands surrounded by acres and acres of pristine water and shallow flats where giant Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Mutton Snappers, great Barracudas and monster Sharks of all kinds prowl the flats.
