Do you want to learn how to catch amberjack? If so, then this blog post is the one for you. In this article, we will discuss the different types of bait that can be used and what type of fishing gear should be used. We’ll show you how to find where they live and the best places. This knowledge is essential if you are looking into catching your own food or trying new things on your next vacation!
Let’s get started with all the information you’ll need about how to catch amberjack!
Where To Find Them?
Amberjacks are commonly found offshore, particularly near reefs and wrecks. They often hang out in depths of 250 to 300 feet.
Inshore: The fish are sometimes spotted inshore as well, particularly close to drop-offs.
They like flats with clear water and seagrass beds. When fishing for amberjacks off of the coast of Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in the southern Atlantic, anglers need to check local regulations.
Amberjacks can also be found near rocky shores. They’ll sometimes use these areas as shelter when they’re small. This is a good place to look for them when they’re adults.
Amberjacks will sometimes feed near the surface. If you see birds diving into the water, there’s a good chance that there are amberjacks below.
When Is The Best Time To Catch Amberjack?
There’s no wrong time to go fishing for amberjack, but there are some times that are better than others. Spring and fall are the most popular times to target these fish, but they can be caught all year round.
Amberjack likes warmer water and will move to deeper depths when the temperature drops too low. Fishermen targeting these fish should consider water temperature when choosing their fishing location.
Amberjack is typically located at greater depths in the summer months due to cooler water temperatures at surface level. As winter approaches, many amberjacks will start moving towards shallower depths during the day.
Water temperature is only one factor when fishing for amberjack. Other environmental conditions can also affect their location and activity level, including current, tide, wind, lunar phases, and cloud cover.
During the spring months (March through May), amberjack like to spend time in water about 90 feet deep. During fall months (September through November), amberjack can be found in water up to 130 feet deep.
In the summer, they will move to depths of about 160 feet, and in winter they will congregate near the surface in water that is only 50 to 60 feet deep.
How To Catch Amberjack?
When targeting these fish, it’s important to use the right gear. Amberjack is a strong fighter and can be caught on a variety of baits, including live bait, cut bait, artificial lures, and jigs.
The key to success when fishing for amberjack is to use the right tackle and approach their feeding habits. Anglers who take the time to understand these fish can enjoy success year-round.
Rod
First and foremost, you need to decide what type of fishing rod you want. There are a few different options to choose from, including baitcasting rods, spinning rods, and trolling rods. Each of these rods has its own strengths and weaknesses, so you need to decide which one will work best for the type of fishing you plan on doing.
Once you have decided on the type of rod, you need to consider the size and weight of the amberjack. This will help you determine the strength and power of the rod you need. If you are targeting amberjack specifically, you will need a heavier-duty fishing rod. A rod with medium to heavy action is ideal for fighting these fish. Make sure that the rod is at least 9 feet long, as amberjack can get pretty big! If you are using light tackle, you may not be able to bring in a big one.
Finally, you need to take into account your budget. Fishing rods can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, so you need to find one that fits within your budget.
Reel
When you are fishing for an Amberjack, a sturdy and durable reel that is capable of handling this huge fish would be an advantage. You can use spinning reels or even baitcasting reels to catch Amberjack as long as they have the required strength and durability to handle these types of fish.
Please note that most saltwater anglers are quite partial to reels designed for use with braided lines. Today, the fishing world has numerous saltwater reels designed at a very modest price point and they can be paired really well with braid lines.
This reel has a very smooth drag which you can utilize when catching Amberjack. Spinning reels like this are within the $100 price range and name brands can carry prices that stretch up to $200 or so.
Line
In order to land amberjack on your line, you will need a good quality fishing line that is capable enough to pull the heavyweight of this large-sized fish. If you are planning to target smaller amberjack then a 30-pound braided line will be a good choice for you as it has a smooth surface and can easily shoot through your guides when fitted with an aggressive type of reels like Penn Slammer or Shimano Stella. On the other hand, if you are looking for larger specimens then a 40-pound braided line will be a good choice to go with as this high-strength fishing line is capable enough to pull them out of the water without breaking your line.
It’s not only about the size of the fish that should decide the strength of your fishing line. You should also take into account other factors like the type of water you will be fishing in and what kind of bait you will be using. If you are fishing in saltwater, then a braided line is a better option as it is resistant to abrasion and can withstand the harsh environment. On the other hand, if you are fishing in freshwater then a monofilament line is a better option as it is more flexible and can absorb the shock caused by fish on the hook.
Lures
When it comes to fishing for amberjack, there are a few things you need to consider before selecting your lure. Amberjack can be caught using a wide variety of lures, so it is important to know what type of bait will work best in the conditions you are fishing in.
In general, amberjack prefers live bait or lures that mimic live bait. Some of the most popular lures for amberjack include bucktails, jigs, spoons, and plugs. When fishing in deep water, it is often best to use large plugs or jigs. In shallow water, bucktails and spoons are a better choice.
It is also important to match the color of your lure to the conditions. Amberjack is most often found near the surface during early morning and evening hours, so use light-colored lures and baits when fishing this time of day. It is also best to match the color of your lure or bait with the bottom type you will be fishing over. For example, if you are fishing over a sandy bottom, use a lure that is colored like sand.
In addition to choosing the right type and color of lure, you also need to use the right size. Amberjack can be caught on lures as small as 1/16th of an ounce, but larger lures are often more effective. When casting your lure, make sure to use a light touch and keep your rod tip high. This will help you feel the strikes of amberjack when they occur.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can greatly increase your chances of catching amberjack on your next fishing trip. Amberjack is a challenging fish to catch, but with the right lure and techniques, you can land one of these powerful fish. Good luck!