Greater amberjack across North Carolina
Finding and keeping greater amberjack, by North Carolina rules.
- 1 a daydaily creel
- 126 lb. 7 oz.record
Pick for amberjackPiscifun AlinoX 400 baitcaster with bait clicker25% OFFSale $149.99 Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: NOAA Photo Library, CC BY 2.0
Where greater amberjack fit in North Carolina
Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) lives in North Carolina’s saltwater habitat. NCDMF sets a creel of 1 a day with 28 in minimum where state and federal waters off north carolina (snapper-grouper complex).
The state record is 126 lb. 7 oz., taken at Off Swansboro in 2008. NCDMF citation: Award for harvest of fish, 50 pounds or greater. Award for live release of fish, 50 inches or longer.
For the amberjack herePiscifun Saltflow offshore rod25% OFFSale $299.99 How NCDMF describes greater amberjack
“Amberjacks have a dark stripe on the head, which runs from the nose, through the eye, to the front of the first dorsal fin. Their backs are blue or olive-colored, the sides and belly are silver-white. Occasionally there is an amber or pinkish color to the body. Juveniles have five or six vertical bars along the sides. They have a long anal fin base.”
- SizeGreater amberjack grow to 6 feet and more than 200 pounds.
- HabitatAmberjack are an offshore fish found in the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They are frequently found near reefs, wrecks, rocky outcrops, Sargassum patches and floating debris from the outer reefs to open waters. Studies indicate amberjack
- DietAmberjacks are opportunistic predators that feed over reefs and wrecks in small groups. Their diet includes crabs, squids and other fish found on reefs.
- Fishing tipsAmberjacks are powerful fighters that test anglers’ tackle. Anglers catch amberjack by drifting with live or cut baits and by trolling with spoons and other deep running artificial lures. Chumming will attract and hold schools of amberjack near the boat. Anglers commonly catch amberjacks while targe
- Also calledamberjack, jack
- Confused withlesser amberjack and almaco jack
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
Creel limits for greater amberjack
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex) | 1 a day | 28 in minimum | May 1 – March 31 |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
North Carolina record greater amberjack
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 126 lb. 7 oz. | Off Swansboro | 2008 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Species that pair with greater amberjack
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
Places to fish near Greater amberjack, pictured
Photo: Property of PLCMC, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Gerry Dincher, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Upstateherd, CC BY-SA 4.0
Worth knowing about greater amberjack
Which rules govern keeping greater amberjack?
1 a day (State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex)), size 28 in minimum.
Which water gave up the record greater amberjack?
126 lb. 7 oz. from Off Swansboro (2008).
Which waters produce greater amberjack?
Amberjack are an offshore fish found in the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They are frequently found near reefs, wrecks, rocky outcrops, Sargassum patches and floating debris fro
Does NCWRC stock greater amberjack?
Not on this year’s list.
How do I tell greater amberjack apart?
Greater amberjack grow to 6 feet and more than 200 pounds.
Can greater amberjack be kept this month?
May 1 – March 31
What license do greater amberjack anglers buy?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Which captains list greater amberjack?
None list it by name; see the guides page.
Seek out greater amberjack
Pick a water from the lists on this page.