Greater amberjack fishing out of Panama City Beach runs from about 3 nautical miles south of the piers to the Liberty Ship, about 10 miles offshore. The SAARS D Super Reefs at 74 ft, Black Bart at 75 ft and the El Dorado at 103 ft all fit into one trip plan. Below are the named reefs and wrecks with depth and position, the charters that run amberjack trips, and where the rules live. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the wider Gulf of Mexico guide.
Where Panama City Beach boats run for amberjack
Boats run to Gulf reefs and wrecks offshore. According to the Panama City Beach port guide, boats leave from marinas on Grand Lagoon and reach the Gulf through St. Andrews Pass. Reel Groovy offers amberjack trips from Captain Anderson’s Marina.
Distances range from about 3 nautical miles to about 10 miles:
- Pier reefs: Seltzer Reef and City Pier Reef sit about 3 nautical miles south of their piers.
- Liberty Ship: The wreck lies about 10 miles offshore.
Reefs and wrecks off Panama City Beach
The order below is pier reefs, then module sites, then wrecks. Depths are in feet as listed, and positions are given only where we have them.
| Structure | Type | Depth | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAARS D Super Reefs | Super reef modules | 74 ft site, modules at 73 to 75 ft | |
| Black Bart | Oilfield supply ship wreck | 75 ft | |
| Liberty Ship | WWII wreck, 441 ft | 100 ft | About 10 miles offshore |
| El Dorado | Cruise ship wreck | 103 ft |
For the wider Gulf picture, see our reef fish guides.
Seltzer Reef
Seltzer Reef sits about 3 nautical miles south of the M.B. Miller County Pier.
City Pier Reef
City Pier Reef sits about 3 nautical miles south of the city pier at Pier Park.
SAARS D Super Reefs
The site holds five 18-ft modules, Bay County 2015 sets 17 to 21, in 74 ft of water. The modules rest at 73 to 75 ft.
DuPont Modules 1 to 11
Modules 1 to 11 are Bay County modules, funded by FWC in 2012.
Black Bart
Black Bart is an oilfield supply ship wreck in 75 ft of water.
USS Strength
The USS Strength is a minesweeper wreck.
Liberty Ship
The Liberty Ship is a 441 ft WWII wreck in 100 ft of water, about 10 miles offshore.
El Dorado
The El Dorado is a cruise ship wreck in 103 ft, the deepest of the sites listed here.
How amberjack are fished from this port
Amberjack here are fished as reef and wreck fishing, on charter and head boats. For tactics, tackle and biology, see our greater amberjack guide. If you are weighing a charter against taking your own boat, the next section names the operators.
Who fishes for amberjack out of Panama City Beach
These local charters list greater amberjack.
Reel Groovy Experiences
Reel Groovy runs the 43 ft Reel GRooV with Capt. Gary Ray. Amberjack trips leave from Captain Anderson’s Marina.
Hook’em Up Charters
Hook’em Up Charters runs three vessels taking groups of 6 to 28 passengers.
FAQ: greater amberjack out of Panama City Beach
How far out is the amberjack structure off Panama City Beach?
Seltzer Reef and City Pier Reef sit about 3 nautical miles south of their piers. The Liberty Ship sits about 10 miles offshore.
What depth is the El Dorado?
The El Dorado is a cruise ship wreck in 103 ft.
How big is the Liberty Ship wreck?
The Liberty Ship is a 441 ft WWII wreck in 100 ft, about 10 miles offshore.
Which reefs are closest to the beach?
- Seltzer Reef, about 3 nautical miles south of the M.B. Miller County Pier.
- City Pier Reef, about 3 nautical miles south of the city pier at Pier Park.
Who runs amberjack trips out of Panama City Beach?
- Reel Groovy Experiences runs the 43 ft Reel GRooV with Capt. Gary Ray from Captain Anderson’s Marina.
- Hook’em Up Charters runs three vessels for groups of 6 to 28.
When is amberjack open?
FWC and NOAA Fisheries set season dates, and they can change, so check both agencies before you plan a trip. The greater amberjack species page covers when the fish are around.
