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Caught a 32inch Greater Amberjack Offshore in Jensen
Greater Amberjack Offshore Fishing in Jensen Beach
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The Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll encounter offshore. These powerful members of the jack family are prized by anglers for their incredible strength and stamina when hooked. - Can reach lengths of 60-75 inches and weights from 40-200 pounds. - Primarily inhabit offshore structures like reefs and wrecks in depths of 60-240 feet. - Known for their distinctive amber stripe running along their sides. - Nicknamed "reef donkeys" by local anglers due to their stubborn, powerful fights.
Fishing Charter by Captain Dennis Youngkin in August
Meet your Captain Dennis Youngkin
- Experience The Best Jensen Beach Fishing Charters!
Summary
Sunday July offshore fishing in Jensen Beach delivered non-stop action with Grocery Cart Fishing Charters. We set out early from Sandsprit Park under partly cloudy skies—perfect conditions for our 6-hour private charter. Using a combination of trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques, we targeted both pelagic and reef species throughout the day. The highlight came when we landed a massive 32-inch Greater Amberjack, showcasing why the Treasure Coast offers some of Florida's best offshore fishing. For anglers looking to experience the thrill of battling hard-fighting gamefish like Amberjack or Blackfin Tuna, our Ultimate Offshore Pelagic & Reef Fishing Experience provides everything you need: quality gear, local expertise, and access to Jensen Beach's most productive fishing grounds.
Fishing Charter with Dennis Youngkin – Rates & Booking
Captain Dennis Youngkin of Grocery Cart Fishing Charters offers Sunday July fishing trips that deliver consistent action on the water. Our Private 6 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip in Jensen Beach is designed for up to 4 guests, making it perfect for small groups and families looking for a personalized experience. We provide all the necessary fishing gear, licenses, and local knowledge to put you on quality fish. The charter departs from Sandsprit Park, where you'll board a well-maintained vessel equipped with everything needed for a successful day offshore.
When booking your trip, you can expect professional guidance, quality equipment, and a focus on both catching fish and creating lasting memories. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, Captain Dennis tailors the experience to match your skill level and interests.
Highlights of Private 6 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip In Jensen Beach
Our offshore adventures target both pelagic and reef species, giving you a diverse fishing experience in the productive waters off Jensen Beach. The combination of trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques keeps the action going throughout the day. Recent trips have resulted in impressive catches of Greater Amberjack measuring up to 32 inches, along with Blackfin Tuna and other exciting offshore species.
The area's underwater structure creates the perfect environment for amberjack, particularly during the summer months when these powerful fighters are most active. With our local knowledge and specialized techniques, we'll put you in the right spots at the right time for maximum success.
Local Species Insights: Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll encounter in Jensen Beach's offshore waters. These powerful predators typically hang around deep-water structures like reefs and wrecks in depths of 60-240 feet. When hooked, they make strong, determined runs that will test both your tackle and stamina—earning them the nickname "reef donkeys" among local anglers.
Summer is prime time for targeting amberjack in the Jensen Beach area, as water temperatures and bait patterns create ideal feeding conditions. We typically target them using heavy conventional tackle with live bait such as blue runners or speedy vertical jigs worked near structure. The fight is what makes these fish so popular—expect your arms to burn as you work to turn these powerful fish away from structure.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your offshore trip, we recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. It's also good to pack a small cooler with drinks and snacks, though we provide all the fishing gear and ice for your catch. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 anglers and features modern electronics, safety equipment, and all the specialized tackle needed for offshore success.
Most trips begin early morning to maximize fishing time, though we can adjust start times based on seasonal patterns and weather conditions. We clean and bag your catch at the end of the trip, so you can take home your fresh fillets for a delicious meal. For the best experience, book at least a few weeks in advance, especially during peak summer months when Greater Amberjack fishing is at its prime in Jensen Beach.
Fishing in Jensen Beach, FL: Greater Amberjack
The Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is a powerful member of the Carangidae family in the order Perciformes. These impressive fish are easily recognized by their streamlined bodies with bluish-gray coloration on top, silvery-white bellies, and distinctive amber stripe running along their sides. In Jensen Beach waters this July, these prized gamefish provide some of the most challenging battles anglers will experience offshore.
Greater Amberjack Overview
Greater Amberjack are highly sought-after by offshore anglers due to their incredible fighting ability and substantial size. Often called "reef donkeys" for their stubborn, powerful runs, these fish are known to test both tackle and angler. They're a cornerstone species of Florida's reef fishery, particularly along the Treasure Coast where Jensen Beach is located.
Greater Amberjack Habitat and Distribution
These fish typically inhabit offshore structures in depths ranging from 60 to 240 feet. They favor reefs, wrecks, underwater ledges, and other substantial structure where they can ambush prey. In the Jensen Beach area, they're commonly found along the reef edges and artificial reef systems located 15-30 miles offshore. Adult amberjack tend to remain in deeper water while juveniles may occasionally venture closer to shore.
Greater Amberjack Size and Weight
Greater Amberjack are impressive specimens, typically measuring between 60 and 75 inches in length when fully grown. Their weight ranges from 40 to 200 pounds, with trophy specimens approaching the upper end of this range. The 32-inch amberjack caught on our recent charter represents a quality fish, though they can grow substantially larger with age.
Greater Amberjack Diet and Behavior
These predators feed primarily on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. They're aggressive hunters that patrol structure and use their speed and power to overtake prey. Amberjack often school in groups around productive feeding areas, though larger specimens may be more solitary. They're most active during daylight hours, making them ideal targets for daytime offshore charters.
Greater Amberjack Spawning Season
In Florida waters, Greater Amberjack typically spawn from March through June. During this period, they gather in large spawning aggregations over deep reefs and wrecks. Water temperature plays a critical role in triggering spawning behavior, with 72-78°F being the preferred range. During spawning season, harvest regulations are often more restrictive to protect breeding populations.
Greater Amberjack Fishing Techniques
To target these powerful fish, heavy conventional tackle with 50-80lb test line is recommended. Live baits including blue runners, pinfish, and sardines are extremely effective, especially when presented near structure. Vertical jigging with speed jigs in the 7-16oz range provides an active approach that triggers aggressive strikes. In July, anglers around Jensen Beach find greater success by focusing on deeper wrecks and reefs in the 150-200ft range, where amberjack seek cooler water temperatures.
Greater Amberjack Is It Good to Eat?
Greater Amberjack offers firm, white meat with a moderate flavor that many find enjoyable. The meat has larger flakes than many other fish and a higher fat content, making it suitable for grilling, baking, or smoking. It's a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it's worth noting that amberjack from certain areas may carry a risk of ciguatera toxin, so local consumption advisories should always be checked.
Greater Amberjack Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Greater Amberjack?
A: Live baits are typically most effective, particularly blue runners, large pinfish, and Spanish sardines. For artificial lures, diamond jigs and large speed jigs in the 7-16oz range work well when actively jigged near structure.
Q: Where can I find Greater Amberjack near Jensen Beach?
A: Greater Amberjack around Jensen Beach are typically found on deep offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 150-250 feet of water. Key spots include the Push Button Hill area and numerous artificial reef sites located 15-30 miles offshore.
Q: Is Greater Amberjack good to eat?
A: Yes, Greater Amberjack provides good table fare with firm, white flesh that's excellent for grilling or baking. Some anglers prefer to remove the dark red meat along the lateral line for a milder flavor. Always check local health advisories regarding amberjack consumption.
Q: When is the best time to catch Greater Amberjack?
A: In the Jensen Beach area, the summer months (June through September) typically offer the best Greater Amberjack fishing. During these months, consistent weather patterns allow for regular access to offshore fishing grounds where these fish reside.
Q: What tackle do I need for Greater Amberjack?
A: Heavy conventional tackle is recommended - 30-50 class reels spooled with 50-80lb test line, paired with sturdy 6-7 foot rods rated for heavy jigs or live baits. Strong hooks (5/0-8/0) and substantial leader material (80-100lb) are essential due to their powerful runs and proximity to structure.
Q: Are there size restrictions for keeping Greater Amberjack?
A: Yes, regulations for Greater Amberjack in Florida waters change periodically. Currently, there are minimum size limits, seasonal closures, and bag limits. Always check with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the most current regulations before your trip.
