Greater amberjack fishing out of St. Pete Beach is wreck fishing. The named target is Nohab (South Jack Wreck), about 15 nautical miles (nm) off Egmont Key, in about 66 ft of water. The sections below cover the timing cue, the run, the structure by depth, who fishes it from St. Pete Beach, and the rules to check. The wider picture is in the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
When greater amberjack are around St. Pete Beach
South County Reef draws jacks during the migrating season, so it’s the structure to watch for timing on the nearer grounds. Timing, behavior and size are covered in our greater amberjack guide.
Where boats run
The run builds outward from Egmont Key. Nohab is the far end, and South County Reef sits closer in.
Nohab (South Jack Wreck)
Nohab, also called the South Jack Wreck, rests about 15 nm off Egmont Key in about 66 ft. It is the named jack wreck for the port.
South County Reef
South County Reef sits in 45 ft and draws jacks during the migrating season. It’s worth checking on the way out, since it’s nearer than Nohab.
Reading the Egmont buoy
NDBC station 42098, Egmont Channel Entrance, FL, is a waverider buoy at 27.590 N, 82.931 W. It reports wave height and period. Read it alongside the official marine forecast before you leave the dock.
Grounds and structure near St. Pete Beach
From inside Tampa Bay, the named structure steps west and deeper.
| Spot | Depth (ft) | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Egmont Key Reef (Egmont Reef) | 18 | Just inside Tampa Bay, east of Egmont Key |
| Pass-a-Grille Jetty | Southwest tip of Pass-a-Grille | |
| Merry Pier pilings | ||
| St. Pete Beach Reef | 35 | |
| South County Reef | 45 | |
| Pass-a-Grille tri-pod | A couple miles offshore from Pass-a-Grille | |
| Pass-a-Grille ledges and rockpiles | 60 to 120 | Offshore; from the tri-pod, head west |
| Nohab (South Jack Wreck) | 66 | About 15 nm off Egmont Key |
You can view this named structure against the Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How greater amberjack are fished here
Wreck fishing
Wreck fishing is the local method, with Nohab as the named wreck target. For general wreck technique, see our reef fish guides.
Who fishes them out of this port
Angler’s Dream Fishing offshore trips include amberjack on private and shared offshore runs, aboard a 32 ft center console. Captain Joe Genovese also lists greater amberjack.
FAQ
How far is the run to Nohab?
About 15 nautical miles off Egmont Key. The wreck is also called South Jack Wreck.
How deep is Nohab?
About 66 ft.
What structure is on the way out?
Egmont Key Reef sits at 18 ft inside Tampa Bay. Farther out are St. Pete Beach Reef at 35 ft and South County Reef at 45 ft. The Pass-a-Grille tri-pod is a couple miles off Pass-a-Grille, and the ledges and rockpiles in 60 to 120 ft lie west of it.
Which buoy should I watch?
NDBC station 42098, Egmont Channel Entrance, which reports wave height and period. Pair it with the official marine forecast.
Which charters list greater amberjack?
Angler’s Dream Fishing, which has a 32 ft center console and runs private and shared offshore trips, and Captain Joe Genovese.
