Amberjack: the reef donkey that never quits.
Ask any mate which fish leaves anglers sore the next morning and the answer is the same: amberjack. The humps and deep wrecks off Islamorada are full of them.
Amberjack live on structure: the humps, deep wrecks, and ledges where current piles bait. Drop a live bait or a heavy jig into the zone and the take is instant, followed by a dogged, no-quit fight straight down toward the wreck that earns them their nickname.
This is the strength-test trip, ideal for groups who want to trade the trolling spread for bent-rod combat. AJs stack with the year-round blackfin on the same structure, so the same drop often produces both.
Regulations note
Amberjack seasons and size limits are set by FWC and change; the captains fish them within whatever the current rules allow, and plenty of the fun is catch-and-release on the big ones regardless.
More amberjack from our decks
Every frame below came off one of our boats. Tap a trip together and add your own.
Quick answers
How big are Islamorada amberjack?
Fish from 20 to 60 pounds are common over the humps and wrecks, with bigger ones around. Whatever the size, they pull like freight.
Is this trip beginner friendly?
Yes, with a caveat: the bites are easy to get, the fights are real work. The crew coaches technique so you land them instead of losing them in the wreck.
Can we keep amberjack?
When the FWC season is open and the fish is legal size, yes. The captain knows the current rules cold.