When amberjack are around Ocracoke
Greater amberjack fishing out of Ocracoke means running your own boat through Ocracoke Inlet to offshore structure between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout. The Ocracoke port page covers ramps, the inlet and forecast zones. The wider picture is in the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast region guide.
The greater amberjack guide covers seasonal behavior for the species. Use it to set your timing, then use this page to set your course.
Where boats run from Ocracoke
Two named grounds sit on the shoal systems on either side of the port: Back of the Tower on Diamond Shoals to the north and east, and The Slot on Cape Lookout Shoals to the south and west.
Gecko, an Ocracoke charter, publishes Gecko charter photos that show amberjack, though the captions do not name the grounds.
- Back of the Tower: tip of Diamond Shoals, about 600 ft
- The Slot: across Cape Lookout Shoals
You can plot both against the depth lines on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Back of the Tower
Back of the Tower sits at the tip of Diamond Shoals in about 600 ft. Before the run, read the shoal edge on your own chart and mark where the bottom steps off toward that depth.
The Slot
The Slot crosses Cape Lookout Shoals. No depth is published for it, so read it off your chart.
How amberjack are fished locally
Local amberjack fishing is documented mostly through charter photos, not published technique. Tackle and methods for the species are in the species guide above.
For the wider picture, see the guide to reef fish across the region. This page is meant to help you decide where to look, and it makes no promise about fish.
Who fishes for amberjack out of Ocracoke
Charter boats and private boats both fish offshore out of Ocracoke.
Charter boats
Gecko is an Ocracoke charter whose published photos show amberjack.
Private boats
Private boats leave through Ocracoke Inlet, and the port page covers ramps and the inlet. Before any run, check the NWS Newport/Morehead City marine forecast for wind, wave height and period, and read the numbers against your own boat.
FAQ: greater amberjack fishing out of Ocracoke
When is greater amberjack fishing out of Ocracoke best?
This page does not set a timing window. Seasonal behavior for the species is in the greater amberjack species guide, which is the place to plan your dates.
Where do boats fish amberjack from Ocracoke?
Two named grounds are Back of the Tower, at the tip of Diamond Shoals, and The Slot, across Cape Lookout Shoals. Plot both on your chart before you leave the dock.
How deep is Back of the Tower?
About 600 ft, at the tip of Diamond Shoals. Confirm depth on your own chart before you run.
Do Ocracoke charters catch amberjack?
Gecko, an Ocracoke charter, shows amberjack in its published photos.
Where are the amberjack rules for Ocracoke?
NCDMF sets rules in state waters, and SAFMC and NOAA Fisheries set them beyond 3 miles. The North Carolina regulations page points to both. Check the agency pages for current figures before fishing.
