Greater Amberjack

Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) Description

The greater amberjack is a saltwater game fish that can reach 6 feet in length. The fish’s body is a bluish-grey or dark grey color, with a silvery-white stomach. You can also identify this species by the amber stripe in the middle of its body. The dark amber strip on their head extends to its first dorsal fin becomes a darker color when the fish is feeding or excited.  It is a slender fish with a pointed head and small eyes. 

Interesting Facts 

• The Greater Amberjack is a popular recreational game fish in North America because of its size. However, being at the apex of the marine food chain also means that this fish carries a considerable risk of ciguatera poisoning.  
• It is greatly prized for its high quality meat and commercial value.   
• Currently, it is considered one of the most important species in the commercial production of fish around the Mediterranean, and in North and South America. 

Size  

This fish grows to 6.2 feet in length and on average reach a weight of 39 pounds. They live up to 17 years, reaching sexual maturity at around 4 to 5 years old. Typically, females grow larger and live longer than their male counterparts.  

Fishing Habitat and Distribution 

The Greater Amberjack can be found on the eastern coast of the United States in the Atlantic Ocean the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean Sea.

Diet and Spawning

The Greater Amberjack primarily feeds on smaller fish and marine invertebrates. Their diet includes squid, crustaceans, sardines, and bigeye scad.  

The spawning period is from April to May. 

Fishing Technique - How to catch Greater Amberjack

Anglers can use trolling, casting or drifting techniques.  

 Amberjacks are most often caught aboard boats with heavy rods and reels with lines testing 50 pounds or more.  An experienced angler with light tackle can be successful with spinning and baitcasting rigs, and even fly rods.  Plugs, spoons, jigs, or even fly streamers and poppers can be used. Both metal jigs or live baitfish are effective in Amberjack fishing since the species is not that picky when it comes to its prey.   The best bait with heavy tackle though is live fish.