Where boats run for greater amberjack out of Pensacola
Greater amberjack fishing out of Pensacola ranges from artificial reefs about 5 nautical miles off Pensacola Pass to trips in federal waters. Distances on this page are measured from the pass, the entrance covered in the Pensacola port guide. Treat the numbers as a guide to where to look, not a promise of fish. The wider picture is in the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
Harvest timing is set by the agencies, and the Regulations section below points to them.
Reef and wreck trips up to 9 miles
Reef Reaper lists amberjack on reef and wreck trips up to 9 miles offshore, the close-in end of the range.
Federal-waters trips
Southern Strike lists greater amberjack among the species on its federal-waters grouper trip. Federal waters fall under a different jurisdiction than the 9-mile reef and wreck trips.
Grounds and structure near Pensacola Pass
The only named structure here is artificial reef.
| Name | Type | Depth | Distance from Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge Reef (Escambia Nearshore East Artificial Reef Site) | Artificial reef | 43 ft | About 5 nautical miles southeast |
| Escambia County 2026 reef group | 43 reef sites, 217 concrete modules |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge Reef
This reef sits in 43 ft of water, about 5 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. Its official name is the Escambia Nearshore East Artificial Reef Site, and it is the nearest named structure on this page.
Escambia County 2026 reef group
Escambia County added 43 new reef sites and 217 concrete modules. Boaters who fish reefs on their own have more structure to put on the chart.
How amberjack are fished here
Local anglers use reef fishing and wreck fishing. Tackle, bait and behavior are covered in the greater amberjack guide.
Reef fishing
Reef fishing centers on the structure described above: the Bridge Reef, the 2026 concrete modules, and the reef trips Reef Reaper runs up to 9 miles out. You work the structure itself.
Wreck fishing
Wreck fishing goes with the reef and wreck trips Reef Reaper lists. Southern Strike’s trip also lists grouper, which the reef fish guides cover.
Who fishes for them out of Pensacola
Two charters list greater amberjack, both on center consoles between 25 and 28 ft.
| Charter | Captain | Boat | Trip that lists amberjack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reef Reaper Fishing Charters, LLC | Captain Paul Swisher Jr. | Sea Hunt center console, listed as 27 ft and 28 ft | Reef and wreck trips up to 9 miles offshore |
| Southern Strike LLC | Captain Quintarius Simpkins | 1990 Triumph center console, 25 ft | Federal-waters grouper trip, greater amberjack among species |
Reef Reaper Fishing Charters
Captain Paul Swisher Jr. runs a Sea Hunt center console on reef and wreck trips up to 9 miles offshore.
Southern Strike
Captain Quintarius Simpkins runs a 1990 Triumph center console on a federal-waters grouper trip that lists greater amberjack.
FAQ about greater amberjack fishing out of Pensacola
How far do boats run for amberjack from Pensacola?
Reef Reaper lists amberjack on reef and wreck trips up to 9 miles offshore. Southern Strike lists greater amberjack among the species on its federal-waters grouper trip, which runs farther out.
How deep is the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge Reef?
It sits in 43 ft of water, about 5 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. Its official name is the Escambia Nearshore East Artificial Reef Site.
What did Escambia County add in 2026?
Escambia County added 43 new reef sites and 217 concrete modules, grouped as the Escambia County 2026 reef group.
Which Pensacola charters list greater amberjack?
Reef Reaper Fishing Charters, LLC, with Captain Paul Swisher Jr. on a Sea Hunt center console listed as 27 ft and 28 ft. Southern Strike LLC, with Captain Quintarius Simpkins on a 1990 Triumph center console, 25 ft.
Where do I check amberjack rules?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission covers state waters. NOAA Fisheries and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council cover federal waters. See the Regulations section above. Trips from this port can cross from state into federal waters.
