The best time to catch Greater amberjacks is from February to June. Drift fishing in the upper water column over artificial reefs and wrecks is the best method for fishing Greater amberjacks. They can also be found near floating and submerged objects.
Habitat: Ocean
How to identify Greater Amberjack
Greater amberjacks are easily identified by the dark green bar marking that runs from their snout to the front of their dorsal fin. They have a rusty-colored, graduated line that runs the length of their sides, which causes them to be confused with yellowtails. To tell these two fish apart, count the number of gill rakers on the lower gill arch. Greater amberjacks have 11-16, while yellowtails have 21-28.
Where to catch Greater Amberjack
Greater amberjacks can be found in and around the Indo-Pacific, central Pacific, western and eastern Atlantic, and the Mediterranean Sea. They swim in the upper surface waters near floating/submerged objects, such as buoys, shipwrecks, reefs, etc., and will also seek out deeper areas.
The following are habitats where you can catch Greater Amberjack:
How to catch Greater Amberjack
Peak fishing season for greater amberjacks runs from February through June. The best technique for catching an amberjack is to drift fish over wrecks and artificial reefs. Other effective methods include surface trolling, drifting, and casting. Anglers will sometimes accidentally catch greater amberjacks while fishing for groupers or snappers. Fishing for amberjacks generally includes the use of heavy reels and lines that can hold 50+ pounds, though experienced anglers can catch them with lighter gear. Bottom bouncing, saltwater jigging and drift fishing are favorite methods for catching Greater amberjacks.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Greater Amberjack:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Greater Amberjack
Greater amberjacks are not known to be very picky eaters. The best amberjack baits are blue runners or mackerel, though they will also respond to squid, jigs, and certain types of lures, such as spoons and plugs.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Greater Amberjack:
