When greater amberjack are off Swansboro
Greater amberjack fishing out of Swansboro runs in late spring and early summer. That is when the fish are in the area, which says nothing about whether they will bite on a given day. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the wider Atlantic Southeast guide.
This guide covers only Swansboro. For the inlet, the launches and the other species, see the Swansboro port page. General biology and behavior are in the greater amberjack species guide. Swansboro boats reach the ocean through Bogue Inlet, and the grounds below are measured from there.
Where Swansboro boats run
Boats run to nearshore structure such as AR-330 and the 14 Buoy, and to wrecks in the 10-mile range. The reef fish guides cover the regional reef-fishing picture. Locally, the structure falls into two groups by distance: rocks and reefs close in, and wrecks farther out.
Rocks off Bogue Inlet
- Keypost Rocks (KP1 and KP2): Directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier.
- Station Rock: 34 35.27 N, 77 04.11 W, about 2-3 miles from Bogue Inlet.
- East Rock (Bogue): 34 35.33 N, 76 56.75 W.
AR-330 and the 14 Buoy
AR-330 is the Howard Chapin Reef. Together with the 14 Buoy, it forms the nearshore structure Swansboro boats run to.
Other named reefs
Three more artificial reefs sit in the same water, all listed in the state artificial reef guide:
- J. Paul Tyndall Reef (AR-340)
- Onslow Bay Sport Fishing Club Reef (AR-342)
- Swansboro Rotary Club Reef (AR-345)
Wrecks in the 10-mile range
Boats also run to wrecks in the 10-mile range. Check the NWS marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before the longer run.
| Structure | Type | Location as given |
|---|---|---|
| Keypost Rocks (KP1 and KP2) | Rocks | Directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier |
| Station Rock | Rock | 34 35.27 N, 77 04.11 W, about 2-3 miles from Bogue Inlet |
| East Rock (Bogue) | Rock | 34 35.33 N, 76 56.75 W |
| AR-330 (Howard Chapin Reef) | Artificial reef | Off Bogue Inlet |
| 14 Buoy | Nearshore structure | Off Bogue Inlet |
| AR-340 (J. Paul Tyndall Reef) | Artificial reef | Off Bogue Inlet |
| AR-342 (Onslow Bay Sport Fishing Club Reef) | Artificial reef | Off Bogue Inlet |
| AR-345 (Swansboro Rotary Club Reef) | Artificial reef | Off Bogue Inlet |
| Wrecks | Wrecks | 10-mile range |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
How amberjack are fished here
Two methods are used locally.
Live bait over structure
Live bait is trolled over the structure listed above. Fish the structure itself rather than the open water between marks.
Poppers on 5000-size reels and 60 lb braid
Big popper plugs are the topwater option. The local setup is a 5000-size reel spooled with 60 lb braid.
Who fishes for them out of Swansboro
These operators and reports list amberjack:
- Instigator Fishing & Diving Charters: Lists amberjack among its trip species. Runs a 31′ Contender for fishing and freediving.
- Liquid Fire Sportfishing: Capt. Josh Henderson lists amberjack among his trip species. See the Liquid Fire Sportfishing fishing reports.
- Fisherman’s Post captains: Captains who report in the Swansboro/Emerald Isle section of Fisherman’s Post also list amberjack.
FAQ about greater amberjack fishing out of Swansboro
When are greater amberjack off Swansboro?
Late spring and early summer.
Where do Swansboro boats run for amberjack?
Nearshore structure such as AR-330 and the 14 Buoy, and wrecks in the 10-mile range.
What is the closest named structure to Bogue Inlet?
Keypost Rocks, directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier. Station Rock is about 2-3 miles from Bogue Inlet at 34 35.27 N, 77 04.11 W.
What tackle is used locally?
Live bait trolled over structure, and big popper plugs on 5000-size reels with 60 lb braid.
Which charters list amberjack out of Swansboro?
Instigator Fishing & Diving Charters (31′ Contender, fishing and freediving) and Liquid Fire Sportfishing (Capt. Josh Henderson).
