Florida · Southeast
AMBERJACK FISHING
IN STUART
Stuart 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 Stuart
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 — Stuart
Month-by-month availability for amberjack in Stuart, FL.
How to Catch Amberjack in Stuart
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 Stuart
Top spots where local captains target amberjack and other nearshore species.
St. Lucie Reef
Natural reef formations running parallel to shore off Stuart in 15-60 feet of water hold snapper, grouper, hogfish, and barracuda. The three reef lines provide varied depths and habitat types for bottom fishing within a short boat ride from St. Lucie Inlet. Cobia, king mackerel, and sailfish patrol the reef edges during their seasonal migrations.
Bathtub Reef (Stuart)
Bathtub Reef Beach on Hutchinson Island features a unique nearshore Anastasia limestone formation that creates a protected wading area and productive fishing habitat. Snook, pompano, and whiting are caught from shore, while the deeper water beyond the reef holds snapper and sheepshead. The reef formation makes it one of the most unique fishing spots on the Treasure Coast.
Stuart Artificial Reefs
Martin County maintains an active artificial reef program with deployed structures within 3-10 miles of St. Lucie Inlet. Concrete modules, reef balls, and bridge rubble in 30-70 feet of water attract snapper, grouper, cobia, and amberjack. GPS coordinates for all permitted reef sites are publicly available through the county.
House of Refuge Reef
The nearshore reef area adjacent to the historic House of Refuge on Hutchinson Island features natural hard bottom and worm rock in 10-30 feet of water. Snook prowl the beach trough along the island, while the reef holds sheepshead, snapper, and triggerfish. The area is a favorite of shore-based anglers and kayak fishermen.
Other Species in Stuart
More fish you can target while visiting Stuart.
Amberjack Fishing in Stuart — FAQ
Amberjack fishing in Stuart is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Amberjack fishing charters in Stuart 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 Stuart, 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 Stuart, you may also catch Sailfish, Snook, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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