When the Fish Are Here
Greater amberjack are present at Orange Beach year-round, according to the Orange Beach fishing guide. Presence doesn’t mean harvest is open, though. The rules are set separately, and the Regulations section below points to them. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
- Presence: year-round at this port
- Harvest: governed by state and federal rules, regardless of whether the fish are present
Where Boats Run
Boats fishing for greater amberjack out of Orange Beach run to offshore reef and wreck grounds, and the fishery lasts all year. The named grounds range from 3 miles to about 23 miles out. For the wider Gulf reef-fish picture, see our reef fish guides.
How Far
Run distances to the named structure, nearest first:
- Poseidon’s Playground: 3 miles offshore
- Orange Beach artificial reef zone: 8 to 15 miles offshore
- The LuLu: about 20 miles south
- Argosy VI: about 23 miles offshore
Distances are approximate, and chart data is not for navigation. Weigh the run against your boat and your fuel.
Reading Conditions
The nearest NOAA buoy is NDBC station 42012 readings, "Orange Beach," at 30.061 N, 87.547 W. It sits 44 NM SE of Mobile in 27 m of water.
The buoy is a single fixed point and reports conditions there, not at each reef or wreck along your route. Before you run, check wind, wave height and period at the buoy and in the NWS Mobile coastal waters forecast.
Grounds and Structure Near Orange Beach
The named sites run from 38 ft at 3 miles to 122 ft at about 23 miles. Depth and distance change what you are fishing, so check the numbers first.
| Site | Type | Depth | Distance from Orange Beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Beach artificial reef zone | 48 reef sites from 64 pyramid modules, 24 square miles | 8 to 15 miles offshore | |
| The LuLu (formerly M.V. Yokamu) | freighter wreck | 100 ft | about 20 miles south |
| Argosy VI | former riverboat casino sunk as a reef barge | 122 ft | about 23 miles offshore |
| Poseidon’s Playground | 38 ft | 3 miles offshore |
Orange Beach Artificial Reef Zone
The zone covers 24 square miles, with 48 reef sites built from 64 pyramid modules, 8 to 15 miles offshore. Site maps and coordinates are on the Outdoor Alabama offshore reef zone page.
The LuLu
The LuLu is a freighter wreck, formerly the M.V. Yokamu, in 100 ft about 20 miles south of Orange Beach.
Argosy VI
The Argosy VI is a former riverboat casino sunk as a reef barge, in 122 ft about 23 miles offshore. Of the named sites on this page, it is the deepest and the farthest out.
Poseidon’s Playground
Poseidon’s Playground sits in 38 ft, 3 miles offshore. It is much shallower and a shorter run than the 100 ft and deeper structure.
Whiskey Wreck
The Whiskey Wreck is a Gulf Shores dive site, 150 feet from Bahama Bob’s Beach Side Cafe. It is a shore dive site rather than an offshore amberjack ground, and it is listed here only so the name isn’t confused with offshore structure.
How Greater Amberjack Are Fished Here
The local method is bottom fishing on offshore trips. Rigs, tackle and species biology are covered in our greater amberjack fishing guide. The port-specific decisions are which ground to fish and how long a run it takes to reach it.
Who Fishes for Greater Amberjack Out of Orange Beach
These local boats list greater amberjack:
- Zeke’s Landing Charter Fleet: Sea Hunter, a 62-foot offshore boat running 6 to 44 hours, plus the Zeke’s Lady party boat.
- Chipper’s Clipper: a 42 ft boat.
- Shady Lady Charters: Shady Lady, a 60-foot A1 Marine vessel, with Captain Brian per the listing.
- Hudson Marina head boats: per-person head boats in Orange Beach.
Zeke’s Lady and the Hudson Marina boats are party and head boat formats, where you book a spot rather than the whole boat.
FAQ About Greater Amberjack Fishing Out of Orange Beach
Are greater amberjack around Orange Beach year-round?
Yes, per the Orange Beach port guide. Harvest rules are separate, so check the Regulations section above.
How far do boats run for greater amberjack?
The reef zone is 8 to 15 miles offshore. The LuLu is about 20 miles south, and the Argosy VI is about 23 miles offshore. These distances are approximate.
How deep are the LuLu and the Argosy VI?
The LuLu sits in 100 ft. The Argosy VI sits in 122 ft.
Which buoy should I check before running offshore?
NDBC station 42012 at 30.061 N, 87.547 W, 44 NM SE of Mobile, in 27 m of water. It is one fixed point, so also check the official forecast.
Can I book a boat that lists greater amberjack?
Yes. Zeke’s Landing runs Sea Hunter and Zeke’s Lady. Chipper’s Clipper, Shady Lady and the Hudson Marina head boats also list greater amberjack.
