Greater amberjack fishing out of Pascagoula centers on structure in 60 to 200+ feet of water, reached by crossing the sound and running past Horn Island. Pascagoula boats leave the harbor, cross Mississippi Sound and head offshore from there. This guide covers the depth band and the run, the named structure (Fish Haven 13, the Liberty Ship hulls and the MDMR permitted reef sites), who fishes for amberjack here, and where the rules live. The wider picture is in the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
When and how far Pascagoula boats run
Boats cross the sound, clear the barrier islands at Horn Island and continue to deeper water. Local trips are described as offshore Gautier trips.
The operator’s general amberjack range is 60 to 200+ feet. That is a band of water, not a named spot. The season that determines when you can keep a greater amberjack is covered under Regulations below.
Before you leave the dock, read these numbers in the official marine forecast:
- Wind speed and direction
- Wave height
- Wave period
No active NDBC buoy was found near Pascagoula, so the forecast is your main source for offshore conditions.
Grounds and structure off Pascagoula
Amberjack here are fished on structure. The named pieces follow, from Horn Island outward.
| Ground | Depth | Relief/notes |
|---|---|---|
| Horn Island | Amberjack named in the area | |
| Liberty Ship hulls | 2 former hulls on permitted sites south of Horn Island | |
| Fish Haven 13 | 85 ft | Relief about 35 ft off the bottom |
| MDMR permitted offshore reef sites | 15 sites, about 16,000 acres, shared with Gulfport |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
Horn Island
Horn Island is the landmark boats run past. Greater amberjack are named in the water around Horn Island, which makes it a reasonable starting reference for where to look.
Liberty Ship hulls south of Horn Island
Two former Liberty Ship hulls sit on permitted reef sites south of Horn Island. As named structure, they give you a better starting point than open bottom.
Fish Haven 13
Fish Haven 13 sits in 85 feet of water with about 35 feet of relief off the bottom, which puts the top around 50 feet down. It falls inside the 60 to 200+ foot band and is a named place to work for greater amberjack.
MDMR permitted offshore reef sites
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources permits 15 offshore reef sites covering about 16,000 acres through its MDMR artificial reef program. The sites are shared with Gulfport, so expect Gulfport boats on the same water.
For the wider picture of structure fishing across the Gulf, see the reef fish guides.
How greater amberjack are fished out of Pascagoula
Trips are offshore Gautier runs to structure in the 60 to 200+ foot band. The day is built around the named relief and hulls above, and most of the planning is choosing which structure to fish. For tackle, bait and fish behavior, the greater amberjack guide carries the species detail.
Who fishes for them out of Pascagoula
Pier Pressure Charters LLC, under Captain David Burlison, is a local charter that lists greater amberjack. Private owner-operators run the same offshore Gautier trips to the same structure.
FAQ: greater amberjack out of Pascagoula
What depth do amberjack hold in off Pascagoula?
The operator gives a general range of 60 to 200+ feet, which is a band of water rather than a named ground. Fish Haven 13 sits at 85 feet, inside that band.
What are the depth and relief at Fish Haven 13?
Fish Haven 13 is in 85 feet of water with about 35 feet of relief off the bottom. It is one of the named reefs Pascagoula boats run to.
Are there amberjack around Horn Island?
Yes, amberjack are named around Horn Island. Two former Liberty Ship hulls sit on permitted sites south of the island. Structure improves the odds of finding fish but does not guarantee them.
Who runs amberjack charters out of Pascagoula?
Pier Pressure Charters LLC, with Captain David Burlison, lists greater amberjack. Contact the operator directly for trip details.
Where do I check amberjack rules before leaving Pascagoula?
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources sets the state rules, and federal rules apply farther out. Check both rules pages linked under Regulations before you fish.
