When amberjack are around Ponce Inlet
Greater amberjack fishing out of Ponce Inlet starts in March, and FishAnywhere lists strong action in July and August. This page covers the season, the run, the named structure, local methods and the charters that list the species. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide.
For the general picture of the species, see our guide to greater amberjack. From Ponce Inlet, the job is choosing a ground that fits your boat and your weather window.
Where boats run out of Ponce Inlet
The runs fall into two tiers. The Volusia artificial reef sites sit about 10.8 to 12.5 nm out. The Party Grounds are about 35 miles out, and Rolldown is about 40 to 55 miles out.
Mark the named sites in Chart Contours before the run. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Site | Structure | Depth | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volusia Artificial Reef Site 1 | Argoil barge and culverts | 60 to 80 ft | 10.8 nm from the inlet |
| Volusia Artificial Reef Site 2 | Semarca and culverts | 75 ft | about 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees |
| Volusia Artificial Reef Site 3 | ships and barges | 75 to 85 ft | not listed |
| Party Grounds | ledge ground | 80 ft | about 35 miles |
| Rolldown | ground | not listed | about 40 to 55 miles |
Volusia Site 3
The wrecks at Volusia Artificial Reef Site 3 sit in 75 to 85 ft, and amberjack hold on the ships and barges. Of everything on this page, this is the most direct amberjack fact, and both local charters below list amberjack among their targets.
Sites 1 and 2
The Argoil barge and culverts at Site 1 are 10.8 nm from the inlet, in 60 to 80 ft. The Semarca and culverts at Site 2 sit in 75 ft, about 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees. Both are named structure within a short run.
Party Grounds and Mango Hole
The Party Grounds sit in 80 ft, about 35 miles offshore per FishingBooker. Mango Hole is on the way out to the Party Grounds, also per FishingBooker.
Cracker Ridge, East Ridge and Rolldown
Cracker Ridge sits a few miles west of the Party Grounds, near Volusia Site 2. East Ridge is named as a trolling ground alongside the Party Grounds. Rolldown is about 40 to 55 miles offshore.
Ponce Inlet jetty
The Ponce Inlet jetty is 1,000 ft long and sits inside Lighthouse Point Park at the inlet. It is the only named structure there.
How amberjack are fished here
Two methods cover the local picture: live bait, and bottom fishing on wrecks and reefs.
Live bait
Live bait is used for large fish and a hard fight. Fish it on the structure you picked from the table above.
Bottom fishing wrecks and reefs
Anglers also bottom fish the wrecks and reefs, which fits the ships and barges at Site 3 and the barge and culverts at Sites 1 and 2. For rigs and the wider reef-fish approach, see our reef fish fishing guides.
Who fishes for them out of Ponce Inlet
Two local charters list greater amberjack.
Hull’s Sea Lover
The Hull’s Sea Lover charter boat is docked in Ponce Inlet and lists greater amberjack.
Rare Breed Charters
Rare Breed offshore trips run on a 31 ft Cape Horn that takes up to 6 passengers. The trip page names Captain Daniel and lists greater amberjack.
FAQ
When does amberjack fishing start at Ponce Inlet?
Greater amberjack fishing out of Ponce Inlet starts in March. FishAnywhere lists strong action in July and August.
How far is the Party Grounds?
About 35 miles offshore per FishingBooker, in 80 ft. Mango Hole sits on the way out.
Which reef site holds amberjack?
Volusia Artificial Reef Site 3. Amberjack hold on its ships and barges.
How deep is Volusia Site 3?
The Site 3 wrecks sit in 75 to 85 ft.
Which charters list amberjack?
Hull’s Sea Lover and Rare Breed Charters. Rare Breed runs a 31 ft Cape Horn for up to 6 passengers.
