Also known as
- AJ US
- Amber US
- Amberjack US
Identification
A torpedo-shaped tropical and subtropical reef-and-wreck pelagic powerhouse with a deep barrel-chested profile delivering brutal sustained runs and structure-bound power. Females out-grow males.
- Bluish-grey back grading to silvery flanks and a white belly
- Diagnostic dark stripe running from snout through the eye to the dorsal fin — intensifies when feeding
- Long single dorsal fin with a long anal fin running parallel below
- Slender tail base with no bony scutes along the lateral line
- Forked caudal fin built for sustained cruising
Where it holds
- Coral Reefs
- Offshore
- Inshore
Behaviour
A schooling structure-associated pelagic predator working the upper 60m around offshore reefs, drop-offs, wrecks, oil platforms, and seamounts. Hunts mid-water and near-bottom for baitfish, squid, and crustaceans, with frequent deep foraging trips to 200m+. Aggressive structure-bound feeding with powerful explosive strikes. Most active in 17-26°C (63-79°F) water; spring/summer-spawning aggregations form on offshore structure.
Diet: Small Baitfish, Blue Runners, Pinfish, Sardines, Squid, Crabs
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Jigging
The dominant Gulf, SE US, Mediterranean, Japanese, and Indo-Pacific charter approach — drop a 200-400g speed jig or slow-pitch jig (silver, blue, pink, green) over a wreck, oil rig, or pinnacle in 60-150m and work it with sharp aggressive sweeps from the bottom. 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 blue runner, pinfish, hardtail, cigar minnow, or large sardine on a 9/0-12/0 circle hook with 100-150lb 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 across offshore structure — pull diving plugs, feathers, rigged ballyhoo, and spoons at 4-7 knots over wrecks, rigs, and reef edges. Once a school is found, switch to jigging or live-lining for follow-up hookups. PE5-6 trolling tackle, 80-100lb fluorocarbon leader.
Chunking
A productive approach for holding fish around offshore wrecks and rigs — anchor up-current and establish a chum slick of cut sardines, menhaden, or squid, then deploy 200-400g chunks on heavy tackle drifting back through the slick. Particularly effective when fish are reluctant to commit to jigs. PE6-8 tackle, 100lb fluorocarbon leader.
Spear Fishing
Bluewater Spearfishing
A premier bluewater spearo target — free-dive around offshore wrecks, oil rigs, and pinnacles in 20-45m where schools concentrate. Curious yet wary, they often approach divers from below before circling. Aim for the head or spine on the first shot. 110-130cm gun with double or triple bands and 7.5-8.0mm shaft, breakaway rig with 400lb+ shooting line for the immediate run to structure.
Inshore Spearfishing
An accessible Mediterranean and SE US shore-and-jetty approach where smaller fish (5-15kg) cruise reef edges and artificial structures in 15-40m — stalk slowly using structure for cover. The fish are less wary in shallow water but the run for cover is just as fast. 100-120cm gun with 7.0-7.5mm shaft and a reel or breakaway float.
