Where boats run from Mayport
Greater amberjack fishing out of Mayport happens on the reefs and wrecks off Jacksonville. Visit Jacksonville names Spike Reef, Blackmar’s Reef and Nine Mile Reef among them. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the wider Atlantic Southeast guide.
Depths vary a lot. The FWC artificial reef sites sit in 75 to 80 ft, Spike Reef and Blackmar’s Reef in 105 to 110 ft, and the Dry Dock in 120 ft, about 45 miles southeast. The Dry Dock is the longest run on this list.
Check wind, wave height and period in the official NWS marine forecast before you leave the dock.
When greater amberjack are around
Amberjack off Mayport are fished on the reefs and wrecks listed in the next section. For biology, spawning and seasonal movement, see the greater amberjack species guide.
Grounds and structure that hold amberjack off Mayport
The structure falls into three depth bands, from about 75 ft to 120 ft. The FWC sites come first because they have published coordinates.
The coordinates below are copied from the FWC table as listed. Chart layers are not for navigation, so verify every position on official charts before you run.
75 to 80 ft: FWC artificial reef sites
| Site | Depth | Coordinates (FWC table) |
|---|---|---|
| Floyds Folly | 75 ft | 30 10.034 N, 81 09.322 W |
| HH Site, Shark Barge | 77 ft | 30 00.950 N, 81 04.718 W |
| CH Site, North Tug | 78 ft | 30 18.560 N, 81 04.150 W |
| NSS Site, Coppage Culverts | 80 ft | 30 17.296 N, 80 57.598 W |
Coppage Culverts is a different site from the Coppedge Tug, which Visit Jacksonville lists separately as shallow water. The four sites above are within 5 ft of each other in depth.
105 to 110 ft: Spike Reef and Blackmar’s Reef
Visit Jacksonville names both reefs.
- Spike Reef: bottom about 110 ft, with the wreck top at about 75 ft.
- Blackmar’s Reef: water depth stated as 105 to 110 ft.
Nine Mile Reef
Visit Jacksonville names Nine Mile Reef among the reefs off Jacksonville.
120 ft: Dry Dock AFDM-9
The Dry Dock (AFDM-9) is a former Navy dry dock in 120 ft of water, about 45 miles southeast. It is the deepest site on this list and the longest run.
How amberjack are fished locally
Local anglers use reef and bottom fishing on the structure above. Southern Salt describes offshore reef fishing charters that name amberjack. Because wrecks and reefs are the targets, your sounder and your position on the structure matter more than anything else you bring.
Who fishes them
Two charters out of Mayport list greater amberjack:
- Southern Salt Fishing Charters: Captain Brad Smith, departing from Mayport Boat Ramp.
- Strate Fishing Charters: Capt. Matt Strate.
FAQ about greater amberjack fishing out of Mayport
Which reefs off Mayport hold amberjack?
Visit Jacksonville names Spike Reef, Blackmar’s Reef and Nine Mile Reef. The Dry Dock and the four FWC sites (Floyds Folly, Shark Barge, North Tug and Coppage Culverts) add to the list. Depths run from about 75 ft to 120 ft.
How deep is Spike Reef?
The bottom is about 110 ft, and the wreck top is at about 75 ft.
How far is the Dry Dock from Mayport?
It is about 45 miles southeast, in 120 ft of water. It is the former Navy dry dock AFDM-9.
Which charters out of Mayport list greater amberjack?
Southern Salt Fishing Charters, with Captain Brad Smith departing from Mayport Boat Ramp, and Strate Fishing Charters, with Capt. Matt Strate.
Where are the amberjack rules for Mayport?
FWC sets the state rules, and Mayport is Atlantic water. Check the FWC page linked above before fishing. Gulf federal rules are separate.
