Also known as
- Longfin Yellowtail US
- Highfin Amberjack US
- False Amberjack US
Identification
A heavy slightly high-backed circumtropical wreck-and-seamount pelagic bruiser — flatter and deeper-bodied than other Seriola, delivering brutal pulling power and exceptional stamina. Males and females alike.
- Dark brown to dark blue-green back grading to dusky silver flanks
- Distinctive dark band running diagonally from eye across the nape in adults
- Elongated sickle-shaped dorsal and anal fins — a key identification feature
- Flatter deeper-bodied profile compared to other Seriola species
- Heavily muscled compact tail base built for sustained power
Where it holds
- Offshore
- Coral Reefs
Behaviour
A schooling structure-associated pelagic predator working the 30-160m band around outer reef slopes, offshore banks, deep wrecks, oil platforms, and seamounts. More oceanic than other jacks. Hunts mid-water and near-bottom for small fish, squid, and shrimp using explosive speed; juveniles associate with floating sargassum and debris. Forms small to moderate schools and aggregates on offshore structure during spawning. Most active in 22-28°C (72-82°F) water.
Diet: Small Baitfish, Small Reef Fish, Squid, Shrimp
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Jigging
The dominant Caribbean, Gulf, Hawaiian, and Indo-Pacific charter approach — drop a 200-400g speed jig or slow-pitch jig (silver, blue, white, pink) over a deep wreck, oil rig, or offshore bank in 30-150m and work it with sharp aggressive sweeps or yo-yo lifts. Strikes are violent and the run for structure is immediate. PE6-8 jigging tackle, 24-37kg braid, 30cm of 100-130lb fluorocarbon leader.
Live Lining
An equally productive trophy approach — drop a live small fish, squid, or large shrimp on a 9/0-12/0 circle hook with 100-130lb fluorocarbon leader to within 5-10m of structure on a heavy fishfinder rig or free-line. Fish strike instantly and run hard for the structure — apply maximum pressure on the hookset to turn the fish.
Trolling
An effective method for locating schools over offshore reefs and seamounts — pull deep-diving plugs, spoons, and rigged baits at 4-7 knots over wrecks, platforms, and reef slopes. Once a school is found, switch to jigging or live-lining for follow-up hookups. Downriggers help reach the 30-100m feeding zone over banks. PE5-6 trolling tackle, 80-100lb fluorocarbon leader.
Spear Fishing
Bluewater Spearfishing
A premier circumtropical bluewater spearo target — free-dive deep wrecks, offshore banks, and seamounts in 20-60m where schools concentrate. Aggressive and curious; they often investigate divers around structure. Aim for the head or spine on the first shot. 120-130cm gun with triple bands and 7.5-8.0mm shaft, breakaway rig with 400lb+ shooting line for the immediate run to structure.
Inshore Spearfishing
An accessible warm-water approach where smaller fish (5-15kg) move onto deep inshore reefs, ledges, and artificial structures in 25-60m — stalk slowly using structure for cover. Fish are wary in shallower water but the run for cover is just as fast. 110-120cm gun with double or triple bands and 7.0-7.5mm shaft.
