Greater amberjack fishing out of the Lower Keys
Greater amberjack are a structure fish, and Lower Keys boats that target them work reefs and wrecks on the Atlantic side near Big Pine Key. This guide covers when the bite is rated, where the named structure sits, how far each run is and how locals fish it. It helps you decide where to look and does not promise fish. For ramps, channels and wider context, use the Lower Keys port guide. The wider picture is in the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide.
When amberjack are around the Lower Keys
FishingBooker’s Cudjoe Key page rates amberjack as good in September. It is the only month the local listings rate, so it is the one to plan around.
Big Pine Key and Cudjoe Key are the home water for every run below. Boats leave from the bay side, cut through the channels and work the Atlantic side.
Where boats run from the Lower Keys
Most boats run through the channels to Atlantic-side reefs within a few miles of shore near Big Pine. Longer runs reach The Humps off Cudjoe Key and Wood’s Wall, about 30 miles off.
Channels to the ocean side
Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles channels are the routes to the ocean side.
Atlantic-side reefs near Big Pine
Atlantic-side reefs lie within a few miles of shore near Big Pine. Looe Key Reef, about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key, is the named reef in this band.
Offshore runs
The Humps sit offshore of Cudjoe Key. Wood’s Wall lies about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key. Match those distances to your fuel, your boat and the marine forecast.
Grounds and structure
The named structure runs from Looe Key Reef in 35 ft to Wood’s Wall in 2,000 ft. Between them sit the 112 ft Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck, American Shoal and The Humps.
| Name | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Looe Key Reef | 35 ft | About 6 miles south of Big Pine Key |
| Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck | 112 ft | Not listed |
| American Shoal | Not listed | Southwest of Big Pine Key |
| The Humps | Not listed | Offshore of Cudjoe Key |
| Wood’s Wall | 2,000 ft | About 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key |
Chart layers such as Chart Contours show the structure around these grounds, but they are not for navigation.
Looe Key Reef
Looe Key Reef sits in 35 ft, about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. Check the sanctuary zone rules in the Regulations section before you fish it.
Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck
The Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck is an artificial reef in 112 ft. The Busch wreck page lists amberjacks among the fish there. The methods section below uses it as its main example.
American Shoal
American Shoal lies southwest of Big Pine Key.
The Humps
The Humps sit offshore of Cudjoe Key.
Wood’s Wall
Wood’s Wall is in 2,000 ft, about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key. It is the longest run on this list.
How amberjack are fished here
Locals bottom fish and reef fish for amberjack. FishAnywhere’s Cudjoe Key page describes dropping live or cut bait straight down over structure.
The Busch wreck in 112 ft is the worked example: position over the structure, then send the bait straight down. For wider bottom and reef context, see the reef fish guides.
Local listings say amberjack without naming the species. Our greater amberjack guide covers how to tell the species apart.
Who fishes them out of this port
Southern Water Charters lists amberjack fishing.
FAQ about greater amberjack fishing out of the Lower Keys
What month is best for amberjack out of the Lower Keys?
FishingBooker’s Cudjoe Key page rates amberjack as good in September. It is the only month the local listings rate, so it is the one to plan a trip around.
How far is the run to Looe Key Reef and the Busch wreck?
Looe Key Reef is in 35 ft, about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. The Busch wreck sits in 112 ft, and its distance is not listed. Wood’s Wall, about 30 miles off, is the far end of the range.
Which channels lead to the ocean side?
Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles channels lead to the ocean side of the Lower Keys.
Are local "amberjack" listings greater amberjack?
Local listings say amberjack without naming the species. The greater amberjack guide covers how to tell them apart.
Can I book a trip instead of running my own boat?
Yes. Southern Water Charters lists amberjack fishing out of this port.
