Florida · Tampa Bay
AMBERJACK FISHING
IN ST. PETERSBURG
St. Petersburg is a solid destination for amberjack fishing, with peak season in June and good catches in April, May, July. Book a charter and target amberjack with local experts.
About Amberjack Fishing in St. Petersburg
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. Petersburg
Month-by-month availability for amberjack in St. Petersburg, FL.
How to Catch Amberjack in St. Petersburg
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. Petersburg
Top spots where local captains target amberjack and other nearshore species.
Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier
The old Sunshine Skyway Bridge remnant has been converted into one of the world's longest fishing piers, stretching over a mile into Tampa Bay. King mackerel, grouper, snapper, tarpon, and sharks are all caught from the pier's deep-water sections. The massive pilings create an artificial reef system that attracts an incredible diversity of species.
Pass-a-Grille Channel
Pass-a-Grille Channel connects Boca Ciega Bay to the Gulf and funnels strong tidal currents that attract tarpon, snook, and Spanish mackerel. The channel's deep water and adjacent structure create a natural ambush zone for predatory fish. Spring and summer tarpon fishing at the pass is a St. Petersburg tradition dating back generations.
Pinellas County Artificial Reefs
Pinellas County operates one of the most extensive artificial reef programs in Florida, with hundreds of structures deployed in nearshore Gulf waters. Red grouper, gag grouper, hogfish, and snapper colonize these reefs in depths of 20-60 feet. The county maintains a detailed GPS database of all reef sites available to the public.
Johns Pass
Johns Pass connects Boca Ciega Bay to the Gulf between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island, creating strong currents that funnel baitfish and attract predators. Snook, tarpon, Spanish mackerel, and flounder are regularly caught around the pass jetties and bridge pilings. The pass's boardwalk and charter boat fleet make it an accessible nearshore fishing hub.
Other Species in St. Petersburg
More fish you can target while visiting St. Petersburg.
Amberjack Fishing in St. Petersburg — FAQ
The peak months for Amberjack fishing in St. Petersburg are June. During these months, Amberjack are most active and abundant in the St. Petersburg area.
Amberjack fishing charters in St. Petersburg 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. Petersburg, 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. Petersburg, you may also catch Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, King Mackerel. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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