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
They like to feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans but will bite on just about anything, especially if it’s shiny. As natural predators and extremely aggressive fish, they are sure to go after your live bait. Fish like Cigar Minnows, Sardines, Mullets, Blue Runners, and Menhaden make excellent bait for Amberjack.
Morning Amberjack can be caught all day long. However, many amberjack anglers prefer to target them in the early morning or late evening hours, when the weather is more moderate. Some anglers prefer those times because the sun isn’t as intense, making for a more enjoyable day on the water.
Rigging Items for Amberjack
Since AJs are so tough, 80lb-100lb braided line or 80lb-100lb mono are your best bets to match their strength. As far as rigging goes, a 6ft/80lb test leader is the bare minimum, in the hot conditions the fish can be very picky.
Do amberjack fight hard?
They fight hard and are a prized trophy for any angler. If asked to describe the feisty personality of the highly sought after Amberjack, a crusty old veteran offshore fisherman was heard saying, “Find out for yourself – hook your line to a train, hold on tight and let it take off.
