Greater amberjack fishing out of Biloxi centers on the rigs and salt dome south of the Mississippi River mouth, with nearer wrecks and reef sites between the port and the rigs. This page covers timing, grounds from far to near, the buoy to check, the local bait method, and who runs these trips. It does not promise fish. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the wider Gulf of Mexico guide.
When greater amberjack are around Biloxi
Aquiline lists amberjack for the colder months. Agencies set the open seasons, not charter listings, so use the listing as a rough timing signal and read the Regulations section below before planning a trip.
For general behavior and biology, see the greater amberjack guide.
Where Biloxi boats run for amberjack
The far target is the Horseshoe rigs. Nearer structure fills in between, and the Biloxi port page covers the port’s wider structure and conditions.
| Ground | Depth or distance | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe rigs | about 300 to 400 ft; salt dome top about 200 ft | South of the Mississippi River mouth |
| Ram Powell rig | Oil rig off Louisiana | |
| Offshore ledge | Named ground | |
| Ship Island wrecks, Camille Cut tanks and barges | about 15 to 20 miles offshore | |
| MDMR offshore reef sites | 15 permitted sites, Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks partnership | |
| Katrina Reef | Inshore, Biloxi area | |
| Horn Island Bar | South side of Horn Island, short boat trip | |
| Cat Island and Horn Island cobia grounds | Barrier islands |
Horseshoe rigs and the salt dome
The Horseshoe rigs stand in about 300 to 400 feet of water south of the Mississippi River mouth. Boats fish them over a salt dome whose top comes up to about 200 feet.
Chart Contours shows the rise from about 300 to 400 feet to the dome top at about 200 feet. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Ram Powell rig
The Ram Powell rig is an oil rig off Louisiana.
Offshore ledge
The Offshore ledge is a named ground on the Biloxi list. We have no depth or distance for it, so treat it as a waypoint to research.
Ship Island and Camille Cut wrecks
The wrecks around Ship Island, along with the tanks and barges at Camille Cut, lie about 15 to 20 miles offshore. They are the nearer structure on the run to the rigs.
MDMR offshore reef sites
MDMR lists 15 permitted offshore reef sites through the Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks partnership.
Closer structure: Katrina Reef, Horn Island Bar, and the barrier islands
Three closer grounds sit inshore and along the barrier islands:
- Katrina Reef: inshore, in the Biloxi area.
- Horn Island Bar: on the south side of Horn Island, a short boat trip from Biloxi.
- Cat Island and Horn Island cobia grounds: barrier islands that hold cobia in late April and early May.
Reading offshore conditions from Biloxi
Read offshore conditions from the nearest buoy and check them against the official marine forecast.
NDBC station 42040
The NDBC page says station 42040 was re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. Check its wind, wave height, and period, and compare them with the official marine forecast.
A buoy reports conditions at its own position, not along your route, and a forecast is only a forecast.
- Wind: compare the buoy value with the forecast.
- Wave height and period: compare the buoy with the forecast zone for your run, and read period alongside height.
How amberjack are fished out of Biloxi
The local method is live bait, caught on the way out. For general bottom and structure tackle, see the reef fish guides.
Catching the bait
- Catch a Spanish mackerel on a butterfly jig.
Sending it back down
- Send that Spanish mackerel back down on a 13/0 hook.
Who fishes amberjack out of Biloxi
Both overnight rig trips and charter boats work these grounds.
Overnight rig trips from Boardwalk Marina
The overnight trip to the rigs runs from Biloxi’s Boardwalk Marina.
Biloxi Bluewater Charters
Biloxi Bluewater Charters lists greater amberjack. Its captain is Jerry McClure, and its boat is the Gunslinger.
- Captain: Jerry McClure
- Boat: Gunslinger
- Power: twin Cat 375 hp
- Capacity: 6 guests
FAQ: greater amberjack fishing out of Biloxi
When are amberjack around Biloxi?
Aquiline lists amberjack for the colder months. Agencies set the open seasons, so check the regulations pages.
How deep are the Horseshoe rigs?
They stand in about 300 to 400 feet of water south of the Mississippi River mouth. Boats fish them over a salt dome whose top comes up to about 200 feet.
How far out are the Ship Island wrecks?
The Ship Island wrecks and the Camille Cut tanks and barges lie about 15 to 20 miles offshore.
What bait do Biloxi anglers use for amberjack?
A Spanish mackerel caught on a butterfly jig goes back down on a 13/0 hook.
Which buoy should I check before the run?
Check NDBC 42040, about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. Read its wind, wave height, and period against the official forecast.
Where do I find the rules?
The rules are on the Mississippi regulations page and the federal Gulf reef fish rules page.
