Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili)
- Size: Adult greater amberjacks can reach lengths up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) and weigh over 150 pounds (68 kilograms).
- Habitat: Greater amberjack are typically found in offshore waters, around reefs, wrecks, and other underwater structures. They prefer deep waters, often ranging from 60 feet (18 meters) to well over 300 feet (91 meters). They tend to school in the water column above these structures looking for prey.
- Bait: Their diet primarily consists of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. Live pilchards, cigar minnows, blue runners, pinfish, squid, shrimp, and crabs can all work well as live baits and lures such as bucktail and diamond jigs are especially effective artificials.
- Tackle: Amberjack are unbelievably strong and can sometimes require multiple people tag-teaming to bring one to the boat. Very heavy spinning or conventional gear is recommended, especially when fishing above structure.
- Food Value: Smaller amberjack have thick, firm fillets that taste very good when grilled. Larger specimens are usually wormy and should be released.