Florida City Evening Flats Fishing With Ray Shetty

Greater Amberjack Overview The Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) belongs to the Carangidae family in the order Perciformes. These powerful fish are distinguished by their streamlined bodies, bluish-grey coloration with a silvery-white belly, and the amber stripe that runs along their flank. In Florida City waters, they represent one of the strongest fighting fish pound-for-pound that anglers can encounter. Greater Amberjack Habitat and Distribution Greater Amberjack primarily inhabit offshore environments around reefs, wrecks, and other underwater structures. They typically stay in depths ranging from 60 to 240 feet, though younger fish may be found in shallower waters. Around Florida City, they're most commonly encountered near artificial reefs and natural limestone formations that provide structure and concentrate baitfish. Greater Amberjack Size and Weight These impressive fish typically measure between 60-75 inches in length when fully grown, with weights ranging from 40 to 200 pounds. The average catch in Florida waters tends to be in the 30-50 pound range, though much larger specimens are regularly caught, particularly during peak seasons. Greater Amberjack Diet and Behavior Amberjacks are aggressive predators that feed primarily on squid, crabs, and smaller fish like sardines, herring, and small jacks. They hunt in groups and are known for their voracious feeding frenzies. They're most active during dawn and dusk, making evening trips particularly productive for targeting them. Greater Amberjack Spawning Season In Florida waters, Amberjacks typically spawn from March through June, with peak activity in April and May. During this period, they form large spawning aggregations offshore, often gathering around specific reef structures and wrecks in deeper waters. Greater Amberjack Fishing Techniques When targeting Amberjacks, live bait presentations using blue runners, pinfish, or sardines often produce the best results. Vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs in the 6-12 oz range works exceptionally well when fish are holding deep. In the flats, lighter tackle can be used with success during evening hours when they move shallow to feed. In October around Florida City, focus on transitional areas where deeper channels meet flats as the water temperature begins to cool. Greater Amberjack Is It Good to Eat? Amberjack offers firm, white meat with a mild flavor that lends itself well to a variety of cooking methods. It's particularly good grilled or blackened. While not as popular as some other game fish for the table, many anglers appreciate its versatility in recipes. It's rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though larger specimens may contain higher levels of mercury. Greater Amberjack Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the best bait for Greater Amberjack? A: Live baits like blue runners, pinfish, and Spanish sardines are top producers, though vertical jigs and deep-diving plugs also work well. Q: Where can I find Greater Amberjack near Florida City? A: Focus on offshore reefs and wrecks in 80-200 feet of water, or look for them on deeper edges of flats during evening hours in fall months. Q: Is Greater Amberjack good to eat? A: Yes, it has firm white meat with a mild flavor, though some anglers prefer smaller specimens (under 30 pounds) for better taste. Q: When is the best time to catch Greater Amberjack in Florida? A: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) typically offer the best fishing, with October being particularly productive around Florida City.