Greater amberjack fishing out of Boca Grande centers on reef structure. The named reefs sit 3.0 to 21 miles off Boca Grande Pass and Gasparilla Pass. This page gives depth, distance and bearing for each one, the run ranges a local charter works, and who fishes for them. The wider picture is in the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
When greater amberjack are off Boca Grande
No specific month is documented for amberjack off Boca Grande. For biology, spawning and habitat, see our greater amberjack guide.
How far boats run for amberjack
Anchors Away Charters lists amberjack as a possible catch on its 5-hour trips up to 25 miles and its 8-hour trips up to 45 miles. Every reef with a listed distance falls inside the 25-mile range, and the farthest is Boxcar Reef at 21 miles.
5-hour range, up to 25 miles
Six reefs with listed distances fit inside the 5-hour range: Mary Reef, Helen Reef, PowerPole Reef, Charlottes Reef, Causeway Reef and Boxcar Reef.
8-hour range, up to 45 miles
The 8-hour trip reaches well past Boxcar Reef, the farthest named reef below at 21 miles.
Reefs and structure off Boca Grande and Gasparilla passes
Bearings are measured from Boca Grande Pass, except Mary Reef, which is measured from Gasparilla Pass. The table runs closest to farthest.
| Reef | Depth (ft) | Distance (mi) | Bearing | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Reef | 30 | 3.0 | 205° | Gasparilla Pass |
| Helen Reef | 30 | 5.7 | 195° | Boca Grande Pass |
| PowerPole Reef | 45 | 7.3 | 254° | Boca Grande Pass |
| Charlottes Reef | 52 | 12.7 | 286° | Boca Grande Pass |
| Causeway Reef | 26 | 12.8 | 286° | Boca Grande Pass |
| Boxcar Reef | 70 | 21 | 267° | Boca Grande Pass |
| CCA Phoenix Reef | 50 | – | – | – |
| Gasparilla Reef | 12 | – | – | – |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Chart layers and the bearings listed here are for planning, not navigation.
Inside 8 miles
Mary Reef is the closest named reef, in 30 ft of water, 3.0 miles out at 205° from Gasparilla Pass. Helen Reef sits in 30 ft, 5.7 miles out at 195° from Boca Grande Pass. PowerPole Reef sits in 45 ft, 7.3 miles out at 254° from Boca Grande Pass.
12 to 13 miles
Charlottes Reef sits in 52 ft, 12.7 miles out at 286°. Causeway Reef sits in 26 ft, 12.8 miles out at 286°. Both share the same bearing from Boca Grande Pass, and their listed distances differ by 0.1 mile.
Boxcar Reef
Boxcar Reef sits in 70 ft, 21 miles out at 267° from Boca Grande Pass. It is the deepest and farthest named reef in the table.
CCA Phoenix and Gasparilla reefs
CCA Phoenix Reef sits in 50 ft. Gasparilla Reef sits in 12 ft. No distance or bearing is listed for either.
How amberjack are fished here and who runs for them
Anchors Away lists two methods, bottom fishing and trolling. For the wider reef fish picture, see our Gulf reef fish guides.
Bottom fishing and trolling
Anchors Away lists bottom fishing and trolling as its methods for amberjack.
Anchors Away Charters
Anchors Away Charters offshore trips run under Capt. Jeff Watkins Sr. The 5-hour trip goes up to 25 miles and the 8-hour trip goes up to 45 miles. Amberjack is listed as a possible catch on both.
FAQ about greater amberjack fishing out of Boca Grande
How far do boats run for amberjack out of Boca Grande?
Anchors Away lists amberjack as a possible catch on 5-hour trips up to 25 miles and 8-hour trips up to 45 miles.
What is the closest named reef?
Mary Reef, in 30 ft, 3.0 miles out at 205° from Gasparilla Pass.
What is the deepest named reef?
Boxcar Reef, in 70 ft, 21 miles out at 267° from Boca Grande Pass.
What methods are used for amberjack here?
Bottom fishing and trolling, as listed by Anchors Away.
Is there a charter out of Boca Grande that lists amberjack?
Yes. Anchors Away Charters, run by Capt. Jeff Watkins Sr., lists amberjack as a possible catch on its 5-hour and 8-hour offshore trips.
