Greater amberjack Fishing in Texas
Where to catch greater amberjack, the limits and the Texas records.
- 133 lbstate record
Photo: Jorge Alarcon or Dr. Daniel Benetti, Public domain
Fishing for greater amberjack in Texas
The saltwater species greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is found in Texas waters. Profile cites a 1994 115 lb record; current record list differs, use state_records.json. Texas recognizes a 133 pound rod and reel record from Gulf of America, set in 2019.
Timing and cover for Texas greater amberjack
When
TPWD has no season note.
Where they hold
Near structure such as artificial reefs and oil rigs
Greater amberjack facts from the TPWD species profile.
Keeping greater amberjack in Texas
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater amberjack | 1 | 38 in | Federal season note on page: 2026 federal season open Sep 1, closes Oct 14 |
Greater amberjack limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Record book: Texas greater amberjack
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 16 | 36 | Gulf of America | 2015 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 133 | 68 | Gulf of America | 2019 |
Greater amberjack records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Running offshore for greater amberjack
These ports send charters and party boats out for greater amberjack.
- Port Aransas8 offshore or party boat operators
- Galveston3 offshore or party boat operators
- Freeport3 offshore or party boat operators
- South Padre Island1 offshore or party boat operator
- Port Isabel1 offshore or party boat operator
- Lake Jackson1 offshore or party boat operator
- Port Bolivar1 offshore or party boat operator
- Angleton1 offshore or party boat operator
- Port O'Connor Little JettyCalhoun
- Quintana Jetty (Freeport south jetty)Brazoria
- Brazos Santiago Jetties (Isla Blanca / South Padre)Cameron
- Texas City DikeGalveston
- Port Mansfield Channel JettiesWillacy
- Packery Channel JettiesNueces
Greater amberjack ports: operator websites and directories, October 2026. Jetties: Texas General Land Office.
Questions about greater amberjack in Texas
Which Texas port is best for a greater amberjack charter?
Port Aransas leads the list of offshore operators here, ahead of Galveston and Freeport.
Do greater amberjack show up at Texas jetties?
Only on occasion, as greater amberjack mostly stay offshore beyond jetty range.
What changes for greater amberjack in federal water?
Texas sets the rules out to 9 nautical miles, and beyond that NOAA Fisheries manages greater amberjack.
Which greater amberjack holds the Texas record?
133 pounds, caught at Gulf of America in 2019, rod and reel all tackle.
How many greater amberjack can I keep in Texas?
You may keep 1 daily with a 38 inch minimum.
What habitat do greater amberjack use?
Near structure such as artificial reefs and oil rigs.
What license covers greater amberjack in Texas?
Anyone 17 or over fishing for greater amberjack needs the saltwater endorsement on a Texas license.
What do biologists call greater amberjack?
Seriola dumerili.
Is a license needed for greater amberjack at a state park pier?
Saltwater greater amberjack limits apply, but state parks waive the license.
More species pages
Every Texas sport fish has a page like this one for greater amberjack.