When greater amberjack are around Clearwater
This is a run sheet for greater amberjack fishing out of Clearwater: when the fish are around, where boats run from Clearwater Pass, and how local captains fish them. Distances and bearings are measured from the Pass, and the fishing knowledge comes from the charters that publish it. For the wider picture, see the Clearwater port page. For biology and general tackle, see the greater amberjack species page. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
Two charters give the local timing:
- September: Stella Fishing Co. says September marks the reopening of amberjack season.
- July: FishEye Sportfishing reports catch and release amberjack in July.
Where boats run from Clearwater Pass
Every distance and bearing here is measured from Clearwater Pass, and the table runs nearest to farthest.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Distance (mi) | Bearing (°) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand Key Reef | 20 | 5.0 | 194 |
| Clearwater Reef | 27-32 | 5.0 | 311 |
| Dunedin Reef | 27-33 | ||
| Loggerhead Ledge | 40 | 9.4 | |
| Rube Alan Reef | 50 | 12.0 | 260 |
| Veteran Reef | 45 | 12.8 | 300 |
| Gregs Ledge | 55 | 13.8 | 289 |
| Indian Shores Reef | 42 | 14.3 | 238 |
These figures are not for navigation, so run your own chart.
For conditions, read NDBC station CWBF1 (Clearwater Beach, 27.978N 82.832W), which is also NOAA tide station 8726724. Check wind, wave height and period there and in the official forecast before you run.
Nearshore reefs, 20 to 33 ft
Sand Key Reef, Clearwater Reef and Dunedin Reef are the shallow named structure. Sand Key and Clearwater both sit 5.0 mi out, on nearly opposite bearings of 194 and 311 degrees.
Ledges and reefs, 40 to 55 ft
The run lengthens past Loggerhead Ledge. Rube Alan, Veteran, Gregs Ledge and Indian Shores sit roughly 12 to 14 mi out. Gregs Ledge, at 55 ft, is the deepest named ground in the table.
Deeper offshore wrecks and springs
The named reefs run 20 to 55 ft, but Stella says keepers are on deeper offshore wrecks and recommends 10 or 12 hour trips, which gives a sense of how far the keeper run goes.
FishEye fishes wrecks and springs, usually stopping at the nearest structure on the way in or first thing in the morning. A private boat can copy that pattern.
How amberjack are fished out of Clearwater
These are the methods FishEye reports.
Frisky live bait
FishEye uses frisky live pinfish, sardines and blue runners. Live bait is the main method in their reports.
Bucktail and flat-side jigs
FishEye also fishes large bucktail or flat-side jigs.
Topwater
FishEye reports 35-50 lb fish hitting topwater lures at certain times. It is an occasional option rather than the default.
Who fishes for greater amberjack out of Clearwater
Three local charters list greater amberjack:
- Stella Fishing Co. is the source of the September reopening note and the 10 or 12 hour trip recommendation. See the Stella Fishing Co. charter site.
- Reel Deal Sportfishing runs Reel Deal and Reel Deal II, both 34 ft diesel sportfishers. See Reel Deal Sportfishing’s two boats.
- FishEye Sportfishing publishes fishing reports written by Capt. Brandon Fraley. They fish amberjack alongside grouper and snapper trips, covered in our grouper and snapper pages. Their methods and structure are on FishEye’s amberjack charter page.
FAQ: greater amberjack out of Clearwater
When is amberjack season out of Clearwater?
Stella Fishing Co. says September marks the reopening. Check FWC and NOAA Fisheries for the open and close rules.
Can I catch amberjack off Clearwater in July?
FishEye reports catch and release amberjack in July. Check the agencies for harvest rules.
How far do boats run for keeper amberjack?
The named reefs sit 5.0 to 14.3 mi from Clearwater Pass in 20 to 55 ft. Stella says keepers are on deeper offshore wrecks and recommends 10 or 12 hour trips.
What bait works for amberjack out of Clearwater?
FishEye uses frisky live pinfish, sardines and blue runners, or large bucktail or flat-side jigs. FishEye also reports 35-50 lb fish hitting topwater lures at certain times.
Where do I check conditions before running out of Clearwater Pass?
Use NDBC station CWBF1 at Clearwater Beach (27.978N 82.832W), which is also NOAA tide station 8726724. Read wind, wave height and period there and in the official forecast.
