Greater amberjack fishing out of Palm Beach happens on deep wrecks and reefs in about 100 to 300 ft, and some of that structure sits within three miles of shore. This guide covers when the fish are around, where boats run from Palm Beach Inlet, the structure in that band, how local boats fish it and who runs there. Use the Palm Beach port guide for inlet, ramp and conditions detail, and the greater amberjack species guide for biology and general tactics. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide.
When greater amberjack are around Palm Beach
Mallard puts the best of it in spring. Boats that already fish offshore from the inlet at that time of year can add a deep-structure stop to trips they’re making anyway. Anglers who trailer in from elsewhere should plan around spring.
How far boats run
Local boats fish greater amberjack on deep wrecks and reefs in about 100 to 300 ft, and every ground below is measured against that band.
FishingBooker places Bridge Reef and the Playground in 100 to 200 ft within three miles of shore. The run from Palm Beach Inlet to the shallow end of the band is short, so a center console can reach greater amberjack depth without a long offshore trip.
Two other reference points come from other fisheries:
- Sailfish ledge: about 20 minutes from Palm Beach Inlet.
- The Hill: further out than the sailfish ledge.
Grounds and structure off Palm Beach Inlet
Some of the grounds below are named greater amberjack grounds. Others are local structure from sailfish, kingfish, wahoo and tuna fishing that sits in the same depth band. Each entry is labeled so you can tell which is which.
Bridge Reef and the Playground
Depth: 100 to 200 ft
FishingBooker places both within three miles of shore. These are the named greater amberjack grounds.
The 120 ft ledge
Depth: 120 ft
Offshore of the inlet. This is Mallard’s name for the kingfish edge. It sits at the shallow end of the band, so treat it as structure rather than a proven greater amberjack spot.
The sailfish ledge
Depth: 120 to 200 ft
About 20 minutes from Palm Beach Inlet. The ledge is unnamed and known from sailfishing. It lies inside the band.
The 100 to 300 ft edges
Depth: 100 to 300 ft
An offshore edge known for wahoo. Its depth matches the full band.
The Hill
Depth: 200 to 300 ft
Further out than the sailfish ledge. It is a blackfin tuna spot in the deep half of the band.
Sailfish Alley
The Gulf Stream corridor from Fort Pierce to North Miami Beach. It frames all the structure above.
M/V Ana Cecilia
Depth: 80 to 85 ft
One mile offshore of Singer Island. This wreck sits shallower than the 100 to 300 ft band, so we make no greater amberjack claim for it.
Danny McCauley Memorial Reef (tug)
Depth: 80 ft
One mile offshore of Singer Island and part of the Wreck Trek. It is also shallower than the band, and we make no greater amberjack claim for it.
The grounds at a glance:
| Ground | Depth | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge Reef and the Playground | 100 to 200 ft | Within 3 miles of shore |
| 120 ft ledge | 120 ft | Offshore of the inlet |
| Sailfish ledge | 120 to 200 ft | About 20 minutes from the inlet |
| 100 to 300 ft edges | 100 to 300 ft | Offshore edge |
| The Hill | 200 to 300 ft | Further out than the sailfish ledge |
| M/V Ana Cecilia | 80 to 85 ft | 1 mile off Singer Island |
| Danny McCauley Memorial Reef | 80 ft | 1 mile off Singer Island |
For the wider reef fish picture, see our reef fish fishing guides. You can mark these grounds as waypoints in Breakpoint, though the chart layers are not for navigation.
How greater amberjack are fished here
Local boats use live bait on heavy gear, and the depths they quote line up with the structure above. The species guide covers general tactics.
Live bait dropped 200 to 300 ft
Reel Intense drops live bait 200 to 300 ft on a heavy rod and reel at wrecks. That depth matches The Hill and the deep half of the edges.
Large live baits on deep structure
Mallard fishes large live baits on deep structure.
Who fishes for them from this port
Two local charters list greater amberjack. How they work is a useful template if you run your own boat.
Mallard Sport Fishing
Mallard is a 54 ft custom-built sportfishing vessel at Sailfish Marina. It fishes large live baits on deep structure and rates spring as the best time. Mallard’s best time to fish has the operator’s own account.
Reel Intense Fishing Charters
Reel Intense runs custom 35 ft center consoles with Captain Weston. It drops live bait 200 to 300 ft on a heavy rod and reel at wrecks. That boat class is close to what many private owners run.
FAQ: greater amberjack fishing out of Palm Beach
How deep do Palm Beach amberjack hold?
About 100 to 300 ft on deep wrecks and reefs. Bridge Reef and the Playground sit in 100 to 200 ft, according to FishingBooker.
How close to shore is amberjack structure?
FishingBooker places Bridge Reef and the Playground within three miles of shore. The M/V Ana Cecilia and the Danny McCauley tug sit one mile off Singer Island in 80 to 85 ft, which is shallower than the main band.
When is the best season?
Mallard puts the best of it in spring. Before any trip, check FWC rules through the state page.
What depth do local boats drop baits?
Reel Intense drops live bait 200 to 300 ft on a heavy rod and reel at wrecks. Mallard fishes large live baits on deep structure.
Which charters target amberjack here?
Mallard Sport Fishing runs a 54 ft custom sportfisher from Sailfish Marina. Reel Intense Fishing Charters runs custom 35 ft center consoles with Captain Weston.
