Florida · Space Coast
AMBERJACK FISHING
IN MELBOURNE
Melbourne is a solid destination for amberjack fishing, with good fishing in April, May, June, July. Book a charter and target amberjack with local experts.
About Amberjack Fishing in Melbourne
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 — Melbourne
Month-by-month availability for amberjack in Melbourne, FL.
How to Catch Amberjack in Melbourne
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 Melbourne
Top spots where local captains target amberjack and other nearshore species.
Sebastian Inlet (from Melbourne)
Sebastian Inlet, located about 20 miles south of Melbourne, is one of the most productive inlets on Florida's east coast, funneling huge volumes of water between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic. Snook, tarpon, redfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel stack up around the inlet jetties and adjacent nearshore waters. The inlet area is accessible for Melbourne-based boats on a short run south.
Pelican Flats Reef
Pelican Flats is a natural and artificial reef complex within 2-5 miles of Melbourne Beach in 20-40 feet of water. Sheepshead, snapper, flounder, and tripletail hold on the structure, while cobia and kingfish cruise overhead during spring migrations. The reef's shallow depth makes it ideal for light-tackle bottom fishing and half-day trips.
Indialantic Nearshore Reefs
The nearshore waters off Indialantic and Melbourne Beach feature scattered hard-bottom and deployed artificial reef structures in 15-50 feet of water. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, cobia, and pompano patrol these nearshore grounds during seasonal migrations. The area's proximity to the beach makes it accessible for smaller boats and quick fishing trips.
Brevard County Artificial Reefs
Brevard County has deployed numerous artificial reef structures offshore of Melbourne, including the Twin Barges and other purpose-built structures in 50-80 feet of water. Amberjack, triggerfish, black sea bass, and sheepshead colonize these reefs quickly. GPS coordinates for all county reef sites are publicly available through the Brevard County Marine Resources program.
Other Species in Melbourne
More fish you can target while visiting Melbourne.
Amberjack Fishing in Melbourne — FAQ
Amberjack fishing in Melbourne is productive during April, May, June, July, August.
Amberjack fishing charters in Melbourne 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 Melbourne, 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 Melbourne, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Snook, King Mackerel. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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