Greater amberjack fishing out of Grand Isle means running to rigs and structure offshore, with no single named ground. This page lists the named structure with distances and bearings from the green No. 1 ATON, the depth band, the conditions buoy, and who fishes the species locally. Working depth centers near 80 ft, and the local range runs 80 to 200 ft. The greater amberjack species guide covers the biology, our reef fish guides cover the wider picture, and everything below is specific to Grand Isle. The island has two passes: Barataria Pass to the east and Caminada Pass to the west. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
Where Grand Isle boats run for amberjack
Boats run to rigs and structure offshore, with no single named ground. Depths are in feet, and every bearing and distance below is measured from the green No. 1 ATON at the Barataria Pass channel entrance.
| Structure | Depth | Distance/bearing from green No. 1 ATON |
|---|---|---|
| Exxon-Mobil platforms SW of Barataria Pass | About 11 miles at 202 degrees | |
| Freeport sulphur rig reef (FLRA-27) | About 30 ft | About 3.9 miles |
| Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) | Crest about 206 ft | |
| Sandy Point rigs (West Delta) | ||
| Caminada Pass jetties |
Exxon-Mobil platforms southwest of Barataria Pass
These platforms sit about 11 miles at 202 degrees from the green No. 1 ATON. The group is:
- L
- BB
- CC
- 9M
- 019
- J
- P
- Q
- R
- S
- T
- U
- W
Sandy Point rigs (West Delta)
The West Delta platforms at Sandy Point include Green Monster, MX-WD 23-3, MX-WD 24-4 and MX-WD 23-FLARE No. 3.
Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank)
The crest of Midnight Lump sits at about 206 ft, just past the 200 ft end of the local working range.
Freeport sulphur rig reef (FLRA-27)
This reef sits in about 30 ft of water, about 3.9 miles from the green No. 1 ATON. It is also called Grand Isle 9.
Caminada Pass jetties
The jetties are the named structure at Caminada Pass, on the west end of the island.
A bearing and distance is a planning reference, not a navigation fix, so check the chart before you run. Platform structure changes over time as rigs are removed or reefed. If you use the Chart Contours layer to study the bottom, keep in mind that chart layers are not for navigation.
Depths and how amberjack are fished locally
Local depth guidance comes from charter listings, which put the working range well offshore of the nearshore reefs.
Working depth
Working depth centers near 80 ft. The local range runs 80 to 200 ft, per Bentrod’s offshore trip details.
How charters list it
Greater amberjack appears on local charter species lists. The charters that list it are named in the section on who fishes the species.
Matching structure to the range
Compare the structure depths against the band.
| Structure | Depth | Against the 80 to 200 ft range |
|---|---|---|
| Freeport sulphur rig reef (FLRA-27) | About 30 ft | Shallower than the band |
| Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) | Crest about 206 ft | Just past the band |
Reading conditions before the run
The nearest NOAA buoy is NOAA station 8761724 GISL1 at Grand Isle, 29.265 N, 89.958 W. Check these readings there and in the official NWS marine forecast before you commit to a run:
- Wind speed
- Wave height
- Wave period
GISL1 reads conditions at Grand Isle, not at the rigs.
Who fishes amberjack out of Grand Isle
Amberjack effort out of this port comes from one charter operation and one local tournament.
Bentrod Fishing Charters (The Bent Rod)
Bentrod runs a 32 ft Twin Vee offshore catamaran with twin 300 HP Suzuki engines and room for 6 passengers. It lists greater amberjack and works 80 to 200 ft.
Creole Classic Fishing Tournament
The Creole Classic is a local tournament for greater amberjack, usually held in June.
FAQ about amberjack fishing out of Grand Isle
How far are the Exxon-Mobil platforms from Barataria Pass?
About 11 miles at 202 degrees from the green No. 1 ATON. Check the chart before you run, since this is a planning reference and not a navigation fix.
What depth do Grand Isle boats fish for amberjack?
About 80 ft. The range runs 80 to 200 ft, per Bentrod.
How deep is Midnight Lump?
The crest of Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) is about 206 ft, just past the local range.
Is there a charter that lists greater amberjack?
Bentrod Fishing Charters (The Bent Rod) lists it. The boat is a 32 ft Twin Vee offshore catamaran with twin 300 HP Suzuki engines and room for 6 passengers.
When is the Creole Classic?
Usually June.
Which buoy covers Grand Isle?
NOAA station 8761724 (GISL1) at 29.265 N, 89.958 W. It reads conditions at Grand Isle, not at the rigs.
