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North Carolina Department of Environment Quality

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Marine Fisheries - Amberjack_greater

Marine Fisheries
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Greater amberjack

Greater Amberjack

Seriola dumerili

AKA: amberjack, jack

Description: Amberjacks have a dark stripe on the head, which runs from the nose, through the eye, to the front of the first dorsal fin. Their backs are blue or olive-colored, the sides and belly are silver-white. Occasionally there is an amber or pinkish color to the body. Juveniles have five or six vertical bars along the sides. They have a long anal fin base.

Size: Greater amberjack grow to 6 feet and more than 200 pounds. Citations are given for fish weighing 50 pounds or more and there is an award for the live release of a fish 50 inches or longer.

Sometimes confused with: lesser amberjack and almaco jack

Habitat: Amberjack are an offshore fish found in the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They are frequently found near reefs, wrecks, rocky outcrops, Sargassum patches and floating debris from the outer reefs to open waters. Studies indicate amberjack move in the spring from the Carolinas to southeast Florida.

Eating habits: Amberjacks are opportunistic predators that feed over reefs and wrecks in small groups. Their diet includes crabs, squids and other fish found on reefs.

Life cycle: Amberjacks spawn offshore from March through July, with a peak in May or June. Females reach sexual maturity between ages 3 and 5.

Fishing tips: Amberjacks are powerful fighters that test anglers’ tackle. Anglers catch amberjack by drifting with live or cut baits and by trolling with spoons and other deep running artificial lures. Chumming will attract and hold schools of amberjack near the boat. Anglers commonly catch amberjacks while targeting king mackerel.
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries • 3441 Arendell Street • Morehead City, NC 28557 • 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632

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