The Lesser Amberjack is found near and offshore in depths of commonly 180 to 400 feet.   Usual size is up to 10lbs in weight.  Fish seldom reaches a size greater than 12 inches.

The Greater Amberjack is found inshore in waters less than 30 feet deep usually amongst floating objects.  Usual size for this fish inshore is from 5 to 10lbs. Offshore this species is found in rocky reefs and wrecks typically in water from 60 to 240 feet and the most common size is form 30 to 60lbs.

The Florida record for this specie is 142lbs.

The World record is 155lbs 10ozs.

Our picture shows a 36lb Amberjack captured by Charles Avery of Plymouth UK from the "ELECTRIC BLUE" fishing some 44 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico near the wreck of the 200 foot fuel barge the "MEXICAN PRIDE" which lies in 80 feet of water.

 These are beautiful fish to look at with very solid bodies.

The Greater Amberjack is a good tenacious fighter it can power down deep  and defies lifting.  It can make fairly long runs in the early part of the fight.  The fish has a great deal of stamina.  

The Lesser Amberjack fights as good as the other Jacks for its size.

  Tackle & Baits

Greater Amberjacks are most commonly caught on heavy tackle in the 50lb class.  If you are light tackle expert you can expect a long fight.  Best bait is a fish either live or dead, however live baits are preferred.  Drifting, casting or trolling are the respected methods.  I have captured Amberjacks by trolling using fairly light gear. They fight extremely well and are a beautiful looking fish. They do however vary in size and I have captured them as small as just a few lbs and in the next hook up as much as 25lbs. The larger fish of this specie I have caught at anchor using live bait such as Pinfish or Blue Runners. When they are on the feed action, is fast and furious and these fish fight well. Good stand up tackle is the order of the day.
Sometimes they will shoal around the boat in there hundreds., what a sight and some of them are monsters!

 Eating Qualities
The food value of the Lesser Amberjack is classified as minimal.  

However the food value of the Greater Amberjack is classified as excellent, also smoked and as fresh. There are very few bones.