When greater amberjack are off Miami
Greater amberjack fishing out of Miami centers on the O.L. Bodenhamer wreck, about 2 miles off the coast in about 370 feet of water. The same structure goes by the name Liberty Ship Reef. Boats leave shallow reef fishing behind quickly here, since 370 feet lies within a couple of miles of the beach. This page covers where boats run, how the fish are worked, who fishes for them and where the rules live. The wider picture is in the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide.
Year-round at the Bodenhamer wreck
Greater amberjack are present year-round at the O.L. Bodenhamer wreck off Miami. For the species itself, from growth to behavior, see our greater amberjack guide.
Where boats run
Local structure runs from shallow to deep, so pick your ground by depth and distance.
O.L. Bodenhamer Wreck / Liberty Ship Reef
The O.L. Bodenhamer wreck, also called Liberty Ship Reef, sits about 2 miles off the coast in about 370 feet. Some descriptions put it at 400. The Reward Fleet, Double Threat and Top Gun all list this wreck among their targets.
Other named structure near Miami
Depth across these grounds steps from 22 feet to 160 feet to about 370 feet, with the Bodenhamer at the deep end. Bug Light Shoal artificial reef sits in 22 feet. Fowey Rocks, a lighthouse and rocks, lies in 160 feet and is known as sailfish grounds. Bache Shoal Reef is a quick boat ride from Miami Harbor. The Edge is about 3 miles from the coastline, just off Miami Beach. Star Trek Reef is another named mark.
| Name | Depth (ft) | Distance/location note |
|---|---|---|
| Bug Light Shoal artificial reef | 22 | |
| Fowey Rocks | 160 | Lighthouse and rocks; sailfish grounds |
| Bache Shoal Reef | Quick boat ride from Miami Harbor | |
| The Edge | About 3 miles from the coastline, just off Miami Beach | |
| Star Trek Reef | ||
| O.L. Bodenhamer Wreck / Liberty Ship Reef | about 370 | About 2 miles off the coast |
How they are fished here
Greater amberjack are fished over wrecks and reefs, from party boats and charters. Wreck and reef fishing is the working method on this coast, and both party boat and charter trips put anglers over structure like the Bodenhamer.
Who fishes for them out of Miami
Three operations list greater amberjack.
Top Gun Fishing Charters
Top Gun Fishing Charters runs a 41 ft Hatteras convertible that takes up to 6 anglers. Captain Nel Martinez runs it.
The Reward Fleet
The Reward Fleet’s listing gives departure from Bayside Marketplace, Miami.
Double Threat Charters
Double Threat Charters runs a 43 ft Hatteras built in 1972, with two 450 HP Cummins engines, and takes 6 persons.
FAQ: greater amberjack fishing out of Miami
When are amberjack around Miami?
They are present year-round at the O.L. Bodenhamer wreck.
How far out is the Liberty Ship Reef?
It is about 2 miles off the coast. Liberty Ship Reef is the same site as the O.L. Bodenhamer wreck.
How deep is the Bodenhamer wreck?
The wreck lies in about 370 feet. Some descriptions give 400.
Which charters list greater amberjack?
Top Gun Fishing Charters, The Reward Fleet and Double Threat Charters list them. Top Gun runs a 41 ft Hatteras, The Reward Fleet departs from Bayside Marketplace, and Double Threat runs a 43 ft Hatteras built in 1972.
Where do I check the rules?
Check with FWC through the Florida regulations page linked above, before you fish.
