The mighty Amberjack is one of the most formidable foes in the Gulf. These elusive beasts are caught regularly in the Destin, FL area but Amberjack charter excursions book up quickly. From avid deep sea fishermen to first-timers, everyone wants a piece of the Amberjack!
Destin is the Place to Nab Amberjack
Dreaming of a trip down to the Gulf Coast to try your luck catching a few fish? If you plan your trip for Spring you’ll have the best chance of landing a huge sport fist, and maybe even the elusive Amberjack. Planning ahead is crucial this time of year as sport fishers know which captains can find the Amberjack most easily and book their charters well in advance. Booking your boat well in advance will ensure you’ve got an experienced, skilled captain and crew on hand to help you track down one of the most exciting fish in the Gulf.
Plenty of folks drive to Destin from Atlanta or Birmingham to take advantage of the emerald-green waters and powdery sand. There’s a lot of great shopping here, tons of excellent seafood, and plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, too. One of the best kept secrets about Destin, though, is that it’s a world-class deep sea fishing destination.
Charter boat excursions are great for all kinds of groups:
- Families including small children love the thrill of the catch
- Fishing tours are popular among Bachelor parties and guys’ trips
- Avid fishermen flock to Destin to reel in record-breaking Cobia and Amberjack
What Makes Amberjack So Popular with Anglers?
Size wise, adult Greater Amberjacks can weigh up to 200 pounds and grow to six feet long. But most Amberjacks average between 20 and 40 pounds. Also, if you’re looking for a fight, Amberjack will not disappoint. Their average catch size, along with the fact that many anglers think of them as one of the hardest-fighting species in the Gulf of Mexico, make Amberjack a formidable opponent.
Amberjacks taste good, as well. They have a rich, buttery flavor described by some as a mix between Tuna and Mahi-Mahi. Plus, they cook nicely, either baked, broiled, pan-fried, grilled, or smoked. So, it’s not hard to see what makes Amberjack so popular among Gulf Anglers. And, just in case you’re wondering, Amberjack gets its name from the amber stripe that runs from its nose to its tail.
Fishing for Amberjack vs Other Fish
Known for some of the world’s best fishing, Florida’s Emerald Coast is teeming with too many species of fish to list. But some of the most common catches you might hook on a typical day include Red Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and several types of sharks. Red Snapper is the most popular target for area fishermen. They’re smaller on average than Amberjack and more plentiful. Grouper can be challenging and great fun to catch. Cobia congregate closer to shore than Amberjack.
Destin is “The World’s Luckiest Little Fishing Village”
Record-sized catches off its coast in many different species earned Destin, FL the title of “The World’s Luckiest Little Fishing Village.” Notable records include the largest Gag Grouper ever caught at 80 pounds, six ounces, Florida’s biggest Red Snapper at 46 pounds, 8 ounces, and the world’s largest Warsaw Grouper, a whopping 436 pounds, 12 ounces. Destin also has one of the world’s largest concentrations of expert boat captains and well-maintained fleets. For catching Amberjack, or any of Florida’s many types of fish, few destinations rival Destin. And, while the largest Amberjack – 142 pounds – ever caught in Florida was reeled in off Islamorada, Amberjacks are pretty much everywhere in the Gulf Coast area.
Along with being one of the world’s top saltwater fishing locations, Destin also doubles as a popular family vacation spot. The area has a mix of small, medium, and large amusement parks that cater to families with children of all ages. Destin’s HarborWalk Village features shopping, nightlife, live entertainment, weekly fireworks, seasonal festivals, and enough restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. You can also catch a dolphin cruise there as well as rent all types of watercraft including jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. And, for those who just have to squeeze in a day of shopping, Destin Commons has over 60 outlet stores representing many of the top brands.
How to Catch an Amberjack
The Amberjack, in particular, is a fish that is challenging to find and catch. Certain charter boats have good “luck” season after season, helping charter guests reel in huge Amberjacks time and again. Turns out, it’s not luck after all. The right captain and charter boat crew can mean all the difference in fining a trophy Amberjack and coming home empty handed which is why it’s important to choose your charter boat carefully. There are plenty of “bargain” fishing tours in Destin…don’t be fooled!
Amberjack fishing techniques include bottom fishing (anchored or drifting), jigging with a baited or metal jig along the bottom or near oil rigs, trolling near oil rigs, chumming, and plunking. In case you’re wondering, the plunking method requires a heavy rig that keeps your bait in one place on the bottom as opposed to drifting, which bounces the bait along the bottom as the boat moves.
If you’re serious about fishing for Amberjack, consider taking a charter boat out of Destin Harbor. Area captains know the ins and outs of fishing for Amberjack as well as most species of fish found in the Gulf of Mexico. Many captains and deckhands grew up on the water and are third or fourth-generation charter operators.
If you’re looking for a fight to the end, you’re in the right place. Amberjack never gives up on the way up. They fight hard from start to finish. If you’re looking for the thrill of reeling in an Amberjack – or any of the 50 or so types of fish found in the Gulf of Mexico – then Destin, Florida is the place to be. Destin is home to North America’s largest commercial fishing fleet.
Taking a successful Amberjack trip can leave you with memories that will carry you for years to come. Since the fish swim so deeply you’ll typically want to book a half- or whole-day charter to ensure you get out in the open ocean where these beasts like to roam.
Worst case scenario? You spend a beautiful day on the open ocean with the wind in your hair and your friends and family by your side.
Best case scenario? You come home with a prize-winning story about the Amberjack of a lifetime.