When Greater Amberjack Are Around Freeport
Greater amberjack fishing out of Freeport runs much of the year, but federal closures move the open dates. The Brazosport guide says to confirm with the captain before you plan a trip. Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters calls amberjack seasonal. If you run from the Freeport port page as your base, settle the open dates first. The Regulations section below points to where they live. The wider picture is in the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico region guide.
How Far Boats Run From the Freeport Jetties
Every distance on this page counts from the Freeport jetties, Surfside Jetty and Freeport South Jetty. Reefs and wrecks sit on a shorter run: George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef lies in 60 ft of water, 9 nautical miles from the jetties.
The longer option is the 40 to 60 mile range, where amberjack turn up with more regularity. That means a choice between the 9 nautical mile run to 60 ft of structure and a trip 40 to 60 miles out, where the fish show more often but the boat is much farther from the jetties.
The distance bands, in order:
- 9 nautical miles to George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef
- 60 to 120 ft platforms and ledges
- the 40 to 60 mile range
- overnight trips to Flower Garden Banks
Grounds and Structure That Hold Amberjack
These are the named grounds near Freeport, with depth and distance where we have a number. Blank cells mean the ground is named without a figure.
| Site | Depth (ft) | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Freeport jetties (Surfside Jetty, Freeport South Jetty) | Departure point | |
| George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef (BA-336) | 60 | 9 nautical miles from the jetties |
| Freeport Liberty Ship | 100 | |
| Nearshore platforms and natural ledges | 60 to 120 | |
| East Bank reef system | ||
| Buccaneer Field | ||
| Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary | Overnight charters |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef (BA-336)
This reef sits in 60 ft, 9 nautical miles from the Freeport jetties. The Brazosport guide says George Vancouver Reef holds snapper, grouper and amberjack. For the wider reef fish picture, see our reef fish guides.
Freeport Liberty Ship
A wreck in 100 ft of water.
Freeport jetties
Surfside Jetty and Freeport South Jetty are where every run starts.
Platforms and ledges
Nearshore platform clusters and natural ledges hold fish in 60 to 120 ft.
East Bank and Buccaneer Field
The East Bank reef system and Buccaneer Field are named grounds reachable from Freeport.
Flower Garden Banks
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is reachable from Freeport on overnight charters.
How Amberjack Are Fished Out of Freeport
Locally, amberjack fishing comes down to one setup over structure. The boat sets up over a wreck or reef, and the crew drops vertical jigs or live bait straight down. The same approach applies at BA-336, the Liberty Ship and the platforms. For tackle and biology, see the greater amberjack species guide.
Who Fishes for Amberjack Out of Freeport
Two local operators list greater amberjack.
Fresh Off the Boat Charters
Captain Jimmy Phan is owner and operator of Fresh Off the Boat Charters, which sells a dedicated 8-hour Amberjack & Bycatch trip.
Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters runs a 33 ft Contender, plus a 31 ft boat for 4-hour trips. It lists amberjack as seasonal.
FAQ: Greater Amberjack Fishing Out of Freeport
How far is BA-336 from the Freeport jetties?
9 nautical miles, in 60 ft of water.
How deep is the Freeport Liberty Ship?
100 ft.
How far do boats run for more regular amberjack?
The 40 to 60 mile range, per the Brazosport guide.
What methods are used for amberjack out of Freeport?
Boats set up over a wreck or reef and drop vertical jigs or live bait straight down.
Which Freeport charters target amberjack?
Fresh Off the Boat Charters runs an 8-hour Amberjack & Bycatch trip. Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters runs a 33 ft Contender.
