Greater amberjack in Florida
Limits, records, best waters and stocking for greater amberjack.
- 142.13 lbrecord
Photo: NOAA Photo Library, CC BY 2.0
Fishing for Greater amberjack in Florida
Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is managed by FWC as a saltwater species. The Florida record greater amberjack weighed 142.13 pounds (Islamorada, 1979).
greater amberjack biology
Where to find greater amberjack
“Offshore species associated with rocky reefs, debris and wrecks, typically in 60 to 240 feet of water.”
“Sometimes caught nearshore in south Florida.”
“Juveniles associate with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep.”
Life cycle of greater amberjack
“Largest of the jacks.”
“Thought to spawn offshore throughout most of the year.”
“Feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans.”
Seasons for greater amberjack
“Thought to spawn offshore throughout most of the year.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida greater amberjack limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf | 1 a day | 34 in minimum | Open September 1 – October 13, 2026 |
| Atlantic | 1 a day | 28 in minimum | January-March and May-December. Closed April. |
| Statewide | 5 a day | 14-22 in. FL | Open year round |
Gulf state and federal waters. FWC executive order set the 2026 Gulf season to Sept. 1 – Oct. 13, consistent with the federal season. State Reef Fish Angler designation required.
Atlantic state and federal waters. State Reef Fish Angler designation required.
FWC saltwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record greater amberjack
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| All tackle | 142.13 | Islamorada | 1979 |
| Fly | 103.75 | Key West | 1977 |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Reef counties for greater amberjack
Counties with the most reefs, where greater amberjack hold.
- Bay County615 reef deployments
- Escambia County496 reef deployments
- Okaloosa County488 reef deployments
- Pinellas County367 reef deployments
- Miami-Dade County277 reef deployments
- Sarasota County261 reef deployments
- Volusia County191 reef deployments
- Palm Beach County154 reef deployments
- Lee County136 reef deployments
- Broward County128 reef deployments
- Collier County121 reef deployments
- Martin County121 reef deployments
- Duval County107 reef deployments
- Manatee County106 reef deployments
- St. Lucie County92 reef deployments
Other Florida saltwater fish
Before you target greater amberjack
Is there a size limit on greater amberjack in Florida?
1 a day (Gulf), size: 34 in minimum.
What is the biggest greater amberjack caught in Florida?
It went 142.13 pounds, set in 1979.
Where do I catch greater amberjack in Florida?
See the bays and reef counties listed for greater amberjack above.
Does FWC stock greater amberjack?
FWC reports show no greater amberjack stocking lately.
What qualifies a greater amberjack as a Big Catch?
No Big Catch size is listed for greater amberjack.
What species name do greater amberjack go by?
Seriola dumerili.
Which license do I need for greater amberjack?
You need the Florida saltwater license at 16 and older.
When is greater amberjack season closed?
Yes: January-March and May-December. Closed April..
Where does this greater amberjack information come from?
The FWC profile, rule pages and record lists.