Florida · Keys
AMBERJACK FISHING
IN KEY WEST
Key West is a solid destination for amberjack fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, April. Book a charter and target amberjack with local experts.
About Amberjack Fishing in Key West
The "reef donkey." Incredibly powerful fish found on deep reefs and wrecks. Known for brutal fights.
Greater Amberjack — nicknamed "reef donkeys" — are arguably the most powerful fish on Gulf reefs. These muscular, hard-fighting bruisers are found around deep wrecks, reefs, and oil platforms, and they use structure to their advantage by diving into the wreck once hooked. Amber-gold sides, a dark olive back, and a distinctive dark diagonal bar running through the eye to the dorsal fin make them easy to identify. They are relentless fighters that test tackle and angler endurance to the limit.
Scientific name: Seriola dumerili
Amberjack Seasonal Calendar — Key West
Month-by-month availability for amberjack in Key West, FL.
How to Catch Amberjack in Key West
Techniques & Bait
Live bait (blue runners, hardtails, pinfish) freelined or on a knocker rig near wrecks and reefs in 100-200+ feet is the top technique. Drop the bait to the top of the structure and hold on. Vertical jigging with heavy butterfly or speed jigs (200-400g) is extremely effective and has revolutionized amberjack fishing. Large topwater plugs and poppers can draw amberjack to the surface during feeding frenzies. The key is getting them away from structure immediately — heavy tackle and an aggressive hookset are essential.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod (5'6"-6 ft), reel loaded with 65-80 lb braid, 80-100 lb fluorocarbon leader, 7/0-9/0 circle or J-hooks. Stand-up gear recommended. This is NOT a light-tackle species.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Key West
Top spots where local captains target amberjack and other nearshore species.
Western Dry Rocks
Western Dry Rocks is a shallow coral reef formation about 5 miles west of Key West, considered one of the top reef-fishing spots in the Lower Keys. Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, hogfish, and cero mackerel patrol the patch reefs in 15-35 feet of water. Chumming techniques here produce fast yellowtail action year-round.
Sand Key Reef
Marked by the historic Sand Key Lighthouse roughly 7 miles south of Key West, this reef complex is a premier destination for yellowtail snapper chumming and bottom fishing. Grouper, hogfish, and mutton snapper hold along the deeper reef edges in 25-60 feet of water. The reef is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Eastern Dry Rocks
Eastern Dry Rocks is a coral reef formation approximately 5 miles south of Key West popular for reef fishing and diving alike. Anglers target yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and various grouper species along the reef ledges and sand channels. The reef's proximity to deep water brings in larger predators including barracuda and permit.
Rock Key
Rock Key sits between Sand Key and Eastern Dry Rocks, offering excellent reef fishing in 10-30 feet of crystal-clear water. Yellowtail snapper, lane snapper, and mangrove snapper are abundant on the reef structure year-round. Permit frequently cruise the adjacent sand flats, and the shallow reef heads hold hogfish and cero mackerel.
Other Species in Key West
More fish you can target while visiting Key West.
Amberjack Fishing in Key West — FAQ
Amberjack fishing in Key West is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Amberjack fishing charters in Key West are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live bait (blue runners, hardtails, pinfish) freelined or on a knocker rig near wrecks and reefs in 100-200+ feet is the top technique. Drop the bait to the top of the structure and hold on. Vertical jigging with heavy butterfly or speed jigs (200-400g) is extremely effective and has revolutionized amberjack fishing. Large topwater plugs and poppers can draw amberjack to the surface during feeding frenzies. The key is getting them away from structure immediately — heavy tackle and an aggressive hookset are essential.
No — when you book a charter in Key West, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Amberjack regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Amberjack in Key West, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Tarpon, Sailfish, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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