When greater amberjack are here
Big greater amberjack out of Fernandina Beach hold on The Ledge wrecks, 30 to 40 miles out, and they also turn up on the nearshore wrecks the kingfish spread passes over. This page covers when the fish are here, how far to run, and which named structure to mark. For inlet and port context, see the Fernandina Beach port guide. For biology and identification, see the greater amberjack species guide. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide.
The local season
Pipe Dream says the season is open in spring and summer and closed otherwise.
- Open: May to August, per the operator
- Closed: September to April, per the operator
Check the federal season
That is the operator’s statement, not the rule. Check the current federal South Atlantic rules before you fish.
How far boats run
Out of Fernandina Beach there are three bands, listed here nearest first. Check the official marine forecast before the run.
Nearshore wrecks
Amberjack show up on the nearshore wrecks the kingfish spread passes over, so a kingfish trip over those wrecks can turn up amberjack. The artificial reefs in 60 to 83 ft sit in this nearer band and are listed in the table below.
The Ledge, 30 to 40 miles
Big amberjack hold on The Ledge wrecks, 30 to 40 miles out.
The Gulf Stream break, 50 to 70-plus miles
Pipe Dream describes the Gulf Stream temperature break and weed lines in 100 to 1000 ft, 50 to 70-plus miles out of the inlet. That is the outer edge of the operator’s range.
Grounds and structure off Fernandina Beach
These are the named grounds and artificial reefs off Fernandina Beach, with the depths and positions we have for each.
| Site | Depth (ft) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| The Ledge (wrecks) | ||
| Captain Daddy (CD-06-#01) artificial reef | 67 | 30 25.920 N, 81 15.953 W |
| Captain Daddy (CD-06-#02) artificial reef | 67 | |
| Fernandina Snapper Banks culverts (FC sites, 1988 to 1991) | 70 to 83 | about 30 36 to 30 38.7 N, 81 11 W |
| Fernandina Banks Barbett (wooden boat) and 1989 culverts | 70 | about 30 36.6 N, 81 10.6 W |
| FB-6 culverts site | 60 | about 30 39.9 N, 81 11.0 W |
| BA reef sites (BA Reef, BA Site) | 60 to 65 | |
| Gulf Stream temperature break and weed lines | 100 to 1000 | 50 to 70-plus miles out (Pipe Dream) |
The FWC artificial reef listings carry the CD-06-#01 position. Coordinates are for planning, positions marked "about" are approximate, and chart layers are not for navigation.
Captain Daddy reefs
Both Captain Daddy reefs sit in 67 ft.
Fernandina Snapper Banks culverts
The FC sites are concrete culverts placed from 1988 to 1991, in 70 to 83 ft.
FB-6 and the BA sites
FB-6 is a culverts site in 60 ft. The BA reef sites run 60 to 65 ft.
How it’s fished and who fishes it
Locals fish heavy conventional bottom rigs, and two operators list greater amberjack from this port.
Heavy conventional bottom rigs
Pipe Dream fishes heavy conventional bottom rigs on the wrecks and reefs listed above. For general bottom-fishing technique, see our reef fish guides.
Local charters
Two operators list greater amberjack from this port:
- Pipe Dream Charters out of Amelia: Captain Scott Thompson
- Reel Dream Fishing Charters: St. Augustine-based, runs a Fernandina trip
FAQ: greater amberjack out of Fernandina Beach
What months are greater amberjack open off Fernandina Beach?
Pipe Dream states May to August, closed otherwise. Check current federal South Atlantic rules before you fish.
How far is The Ledge from Fernandina Beach?
The Ledge wrecks sit 30 to 40 miles out, and big amberjack hold there.
How deep are the nearshore artificial reefs?
They run 60 to 83 ft. Captain Daddy is 67 ft, the FC culverts are 70 to 83 ft, Barbett is 70 ft, FB-6 is 60 ft, and the BA sites are 60 to 65 ft.
What tackle do locals use for amberjack?
Pipe Dream fishes heavy conventional bottom rigs.
Who runs amberjack charters out of Fernandina Beach?
Pipe Dream Charters with Captain Scott Thompson, and Reel Dream Fishing Charters, which is St. Augustine-based and runs a Fernandina trip.
