Greater amberjack fishing out of Port O’Connor means a run of about 40 to 60 miles to structure in 66 to 130 ft, and the first question is whether the fish are open. The Port O’Connor port guide covers the harbor and the Gulf entrance, and the greater amberjack guide covers the fish itself. This page covers when the boats fish them, how far they run, where they stop, what they drop, and who does it. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the wider Gulf of Mexico guide.
When greater amberjack are around Port O’Connor
Local listings disagree on the season, and each is stated here as the operator shows it. Settle the question before you plan fuel or a launch time.
- Cannan: amberjack on year-round bottom trips.
- Texas Fins and Feathers: amberjack shown as "Out of Season" for October.
- POC Offshore: amberjack on dated trips.
Year-round on bottom trips
Capt. Bill Cannan lists amberjack on his bottom trips with no seasonal break. Those trips target several reef fish, and amberjack is one of them.
"Out of Season" for October
The target-species page at Texas Fins and Feathers shows amberjack as "Out of Season" for October. POC Offshore runs amberjack on dated trips, which conflicts with that listing.
How far boats run
Two distances define the run from this port: 40 miles and 60 miles. Plan fuel for the run you choose, out and back, and size the trip to your boat’s range.
| Trip | Operator | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 8-hour | Texas Fins and Feathers | About 40 miles offshore |
| 10-hour | POC Offshore | Up to 60 miles offshore |
10-hour trips, up to 60 miles
POC Offshore runs amberjack only on its 10-hour trips, which go up to 60 miles offshore.
8-hour trip, about 40 miles
Texas Fins and Feathers lists amberjack on its 8-hour trip, which runs about 40 miles out.
Grounds and structure
Two named reefs sit at 66 to 70 ft and 130 ft. The jetties and the Bird Island flat are the way out to the Gulf. Chart layers such as Chart Contours show the bottom around a reef site, but they are not for navigation.
| Name | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Port O’Connor jetties (north and south) and the flat to Bird Island | n/a | Gulf entrance for POC boats |
| Keeping it Wild Reef | 66-70 ft | Port O’Connor nearshore reef site |
| Matagorda Island 712 (MI 712) | 130 ft | Reef site |
Jetties and the Bird Island flat
The north and south jetties and the flat out to Bird Island are the Gulf entrance for POC boats. The Port O’Connor port guide has the entrance and the places to read conditions.
Keeping it Wild Reef, 66-70 ft
The Keeping it Wild Reef project is a Port O’Connor nearshore reef site in 66 to 70 ft.
MI 712, 130 ft
Matagorda Island 712 (MI 712) is a reef in 130 ft, the deepest named structure for this port.
How amberjack are fished here
Local boats use live bait and jigs. The reef fish guides cover technique that carries across the Gulf.
Live bait
POC Offshore fishes live blue runners or large piggy perch. Choose whichever holds up better in your well for the run.
Speed jigs and vertical jigs
POC Offshore also fishes speed jigs and vertical jigs, which work the water column over structure.
Into the structure
Texas Fins and Feathers says to drop bait right into the structure, where the fish are holding.
Who fishes for them out of Port O’Connor
Three local operators list greater amberjack. Their boats and trips show how the run is made from this port.
POC Offshore Adventures
POC Offshore fishes a 31′ Twin Vee catamaran. Its 10-hour trips go up to 60 miles, using live bait and jigs. See the POC Offshore Adventures trip page for its listing.
Texas Fins and Feathers
Capt. Robert Peel runs the boat. The 8-hour trip goes about 40 miles out. See the Texas Fins and Feathers offshore trips for its listing.
Capt. Bill Cannan
Capt. Bill Cannan runs "BIDNEZ," a 36′ Yellowfin with triple Yamaha F250s. His bottom trips list amberjack year-round. See Capt. Bill Cannan’s bottom trips for his listing.
FAQ: greater amberjack fishing out of Port O’Connor
How far do boats run for amberjack out of Port O’Connor?
About 40 miles on the 8-hour trip from Texas Fins and Feathers, and up to 60 miles on POC Offshore’s 10-hour trips. Plan fuel for the full run, out and back.
What depth is the MI 712 reef?
MI 712 sits in 130 ft. Keeping it Wild Reef sits in 66 to 70 ft. These are the two named reefs for this port.
What bait do local boats use for amberjack?
POC Offshore uses live blue runners or large piggy perch, plus speed jigs and vertical jigs. Texas Fins and Feathers says to drop bait right into the structure.
Are amberjack open in October?
The listings conflict. Cannan lists amberjack year-round, Texas Fins and Feathers shows "Out of Season" for October, and POC Offshore runs dated trips. Check the state and federal rules before you fish.
How do boats get into the Gulf from Port O’Connor?
Through the north and south jetties and across the flat out to Bird Island, the Gulf entrance for POC boats.
