Florida · Northeast
AMBERJACK FISHING
IN ST. AUGUSTINE
St. Augustine is a solid destination for amberjack fishing, with good fishing in May, June, July. Book a charter and target amberjack with local experts.
About Amberjack Fishing in St. Augustine
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 — St. Augustine
Month-by-month availability for amberjack in St. Augustine, FL.
How to Catch Amberjack in St. Augustine
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 St. Augustine
Top spots where local captains target amberjack and other nearshore species.
St. Augustine Beach Pier
The St. Augustine Beach Pier extends into the Atlantic providing shore access to whiting, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and seasonal king mackerel. The pier's length puts anglers over productive nearshore waters where bottom structure attracts a variety of species. Cobia and tarpon are bonus catches during spring and summer months.
Matanzas Inlet Jetties
The rock jetties at Matanzas Inlet about 15 miles south of St. Augustine create prime nearshore structure where strong tidal currents attract flounder, redfish, sheepshead, and black drum. The inlet is known for excellent flounder fishing on the outgoing tide and produces some of the largest flounder in Northeast Florida each year.
Nine Mile Reef (St. Augustine)
A natural hard-bottom reef area approximately 9 miles east of St. Augustine Inlet in 50-65 feet of water. Red snapper, black sea bass, triggerfish, and vermilion snapper hold on the reef during open seasons. The reef is close enough for half-day trips and produces consistent bottom-fishing action throughout the year.
St. Augustine Nearshore Wrecks
Several deployed wrecks and artificial reef structures lie within 5-12 miles of St. Augustine Inlet in 40-80 feet of water. These structures hold red snapper, black sea bass, spadefish, and sheepshead around the hulls and deployed concrete. They are accessible year-round and are a staple of the local nearshore charter fleet.
Other Species in St. Augustine
More fish you can target while visiting St. Augustine.
Amberjack Fishing in St. Augustine — FAQ
Amberjack fishing in St. Augustine is productive during May, June, July.
Amberjack fishing charters in St. Augustine 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 St. Augustine, 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 St. Augustine, you may also catch Black Sea Bass, Redfish, Sheepshead, Flounder, Speckled Trout. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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