Greater amberjack off Little River are reported from April through October, holding in about 120 ft of water. Chilly Water fishes up to about 40 miles out, so the length of the run is the first thing to settle. This guide covers that run, the named structure along it, how the fish are worked locally and which charters list them. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the wider Atlantic Southeast guide.
Boats leave through Little River Inlet and head offshore from the Little River port. Most of the named nearshore structure sits in much shallower water than 120 ft, so the distance you cover matters.
When greater amberjack are off Little River
The season is reported as April through October, and that window determines when a run to 120 ft structure is worth planning. A reported season is a starting point and no guarantee of fish on any given day.
- Window: April through October, as reported by local anglers and operators
- Departure: Little River Inlet
- Target depth: about 120 ft
How far boats run out of Little River Inlet
Chilly Water fishes up to about 40 miles, which is the planning number for the far end of the run.
Before a run that long, check wind speed, wave height and wave period on the official marine forecast, and read the numbers against your own boat and your own limits.
Depth to target
Greater amberjack here are found in about 120 ft. That is deeper than most of the named nearshore structure off the inlet, so the shallow grounds are not where you will find them.
Grounds and structure near Little River
The named grounds step down in depth on the way out: Little River Reef at 25 ft, General Sherman Wreck at 48 ft, Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02) at 55 ft and BP-25 Reef at 92 ft, then about 120 ft for greater amberjack. Treat them as orientation points along the run.
| Name | Depth | Bearing and distance from Little River Inlet |
|---|---|---|
| Little River Reef | 25 ft | not listed |
| General Sherman Wreck | 48 ft | not listed |
| Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02) | 55 ft | 156 degrees, 10.5 nm |
| BP-25 Reef | 92 ft | not listed |
| Ron McManus Memorial Reef (PA-04) | not listed | not listed |
These grounds appear on our chart layers to help plan the run to structure. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Nearshore reefs and wrecks
- Little River Reef: 25 ft
- General Sherman Wreck: 48 ft
- Ron McManus Memorial Reef (PA-04): a named reef near the port
Offshore reefs
- Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02): 55 ft, bearing 156 degrees, 10.5 nm from Little River Inlet
- BP-25 Reef: 92 ft, the deepest named ground in this set
Other named spots
- Ninety Ninety Rock: within a few miles of land
- Three Mile Reef: a named nearshore spot
- Blackjack: a named offshore fishing area known for blackfin tuna and mahi
How amberjack are fished here
Two methods are used locally. Boats bottom fish on the same structure as vermilion snapper and triggerfish, and some captains drop live baits. For tackle and the general picture, see our greater amberjack guide.
On snapper and trigger structure
Bottom fishing for vermilion snapper and triggerfish is the usual way into this water, and greater amberjack share the same structure. Our reef fish guides cover the bottom-fishing basics.
Live-bait drops
Some captains drop live baits, which is the deliberate amberjack approach on this structure.
Who fishes for greater amberjack out of Little River
These local charters list greater amberjack, according to the operators themselves. The 27, 35 and 41 ft hulls give a sense of the boats that make this run.
- Voyager Fishing Charters (Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises): Super Voyager III and Continental Shelf
- Chilly Water Fishing: 27 ft Triton 2690 with two 200 HP Suzuki outboards; Captain Bevan Hunter
- Big O’s Fishing Charters: 35 ft Triton 351 with twin 425 HP Yamaha; Captain Orlando
- Fish Screamer III charters (Fish Screamer Charters): 41 ft custom fiberglass boat; Captain Danny Juel
FAQ: greater amberjack out of Little River
When is greater amberjack fishing out of Little River in season?
The season is reported as April through October. Check current rules before each trip, because they can change by season and quota.
How deep are greater amberjack off Little River?
About 120 ft, which is deeper than most named nearshore structure off the inlet.
How far do boats run for greater amberjack from Little River Inlet?
Chilly Water fishes up to about 40 miles. Check wind, wave height and period on the official marine forecast first.
Which named reef off Little River is deepest?
BP-25 Reef, at 92 ft. Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02) sits at 55 ft, 10.5 nm from the inlet on a 156 degree bearing.
How are greater amberjack fished locally?
By bottom fishing on the same structure as vermilion snapper and triggerfish. Some captains drop live baits.
Do Little River charters target greater amberjack?
Yes. Voyager Fishing Charters, Chilly Water Fishing, Big O’s Fishing Charters and Fish Screamer III list greater amberjack.
