Everything You Need To Know About Amberjack Season 2022

What is an Amberjack?

The greater amberjack, also known as AJ, amberjack, and reef donkey is generally described as being brown to olive on their back with a large head and mouth. Amberjack have a distinct dark stripe that runs from their snout to their tail that will light up when they are feeding. These fish live near structure such as oil rigs and reefs where they commonly are caught by anglers targeting red snapper. Amberjack are commonly targeted with cut bait or baitfish on large hooks dropped near these offshore structures.

Atlantic Amberjack Season 2022

Federal amberjack season runs from May 1st through March 31st and is closed for the month of April. The month long closure allows amberjack to spawn without pressure from anglers. Amberjack harvest is based on an annual catch quota and the season will close early if the limit is met.

Atlantic Amberjack Management

The greater amberjack population in the south Atlantic is currently above the management target level and is not being overfished. Even with a high population harvest restrictions are still in place. Atlantic amberjack must be at least 28” in length to be legally harvested with a daily bag limit of 1 fish per person.

North Carolina Amberjack Fishing

North Carolina is known for some of the best offshore fishing in the country and amberjack is part of it. With countless spots to target these hard-fighting fish, these waters routinely produce a ton of amberjacks every year. Check out our North Carolina amberjack guides to plan your next fishing trip.

North Carolina Amberjack Season 2022

Amberjack season runs from May 1st through March 31st and is closed for the month of April to allow spawning. Because amberjack is harvested based on an annual catch quota the season will close early if the limit is met.

North Carolina Amberjack Limits

Atlantic amberjack must be at least 28” in length to be legally harvested with a daily bag limit of 1 fish per person.

South Carolina Amberjack Fishing

Offshore from South Carolina is an ideal environment for amberjack with plenty of structure for these fish to inhabit. If you want to find out what this powerful fish is all about while being surrounded by beautiful coastline, check out our South Carolina amberjack guides.

South Carolina Amberjack Season 2022

Amberjack season runs from May 1st through March 31st and is closed for the month of April to allow for low pressure while spawning. Amberjack are harvested based on a yearly catch quota and if the quota is hit, the season will close early.

South Carolina Amberjack Limits

Atlantic amberjack must be at least 28” in length to be legally harvested with a daily bag limit of 1 fish per person.

Gulf of Mexico Amberjack Season 2022

The 2022 Gulf of Mexico recreational fishing season for greater amberjack is open from midnight on May 1, until midnight on June 1. The 2022/2023 amberjack season normally opens again August 1, but the regulations have changed for the remainder of the year. NOAA Fisheries announced an emergency rule change to move the amberjack season to September and October. This rule is effective for 180 days and the season will be closed early if the annual catch limit is met. The best time to catch amberjack in the gulf is between April and August when the water is warmer.

Gulf of Mexico Amberjack Management

The amberjack population is currently below the management target level in the Gulf of Mexico despite the abundance in the south Atlantic. In the Gulf of Mexico, Amberjack must be at least 34” in length to be harvested. In addition to the minimum size requirement, there is a daily bag limit of 1 fish per person.

Texas Amberjack Fishing

With such a wide variety of environments across the huge Texas coast, fishing is great for many species including amberjack. With plenty of offshore platforms creating the perfect place for amberjack to feed, catching a monster is always possible. If you want to plan your next fishing trip, check out our Texas amberjack guides.

Texas Amberjack Season 2022

The 2022 Gulf of Mexico recreational amberjack season is open for the months of September and October, 2022. The season will be closed early if the annual catch limit is met.

Texas Amberjack Limits

In Texas, Amberjack must be at least 38” long in order to be legally harvested. The Daily bag limit is 1 fish per person.

Louisiana Amberjack Fishing

Amberjack commonly feed near the oil rigs and other offshore structure that make Louisiana a top-notch fishing destination. With such productive waters it’s not a matter of if you get a bite, but can you keep them on. Check out our Louisiana amberjack guides to plan your next fishing trip.

Louisiana Amberjack Season 2022

The 2022 Gulf of Mexico recreational amberjack season is open for the months of September and October, 2022. The season will be closed early if the annual catch limit is met.

Louisiana Amberjack Limits

In Louisiana, Amberjack must be at least 34” in length to be harvested. In addition to the minimum size requirement, there is a daily bag limit of 1 fish per person.

Mississippi Amberjack Fishing

The amberjack fishing in Mississippi is incredible with the potential for multiple hookups and even a giant in a single trip. There is plenty of deep structure a short distance from shore and make finding the fish easy. If you want to battle it out with one of the strongest fish in the gulf, our Mississippi amberjack guides have you covered.

Mississippi Amberjack Season 2022

The 2022 Gulf of Mexico recreational amberjack season is open for the months of September and October, 2022. The season will be closed early if the annual catch limit is met.

Mississippi Amberjack Limits

In Mississippi, Amberjack must be at least 34” in length to be harvested. In addition to the minimum size requirement, there is a daily bag limit of 1 fish per person.

Alabama Amberjack Fishing

Amberjack are commonly caught by anglers looking to catch red snapper because these fish live in the same spots. Alabama has prime fishing for both species with endless offshore structure to target in search of a giant. Start planning your next fishing trip with one of our Alabama amberjack guides.

Alabama Amberjack Season 2022

The 2022 Gulf of Mexico recreational amberjack season is open for the months of September and October, 2022. The season will be closed early if the annual catch limit is met.

Alabama Amberjack Limits

In Alabama, Amberjack must be at least 34” in length to be harvested. In addition to the minimum size requirement, there is a daily bag limit of 1 fish per person.

Florida Amberjack Fishing

No matter which coast you go to in Florida you have prime amberjack fishing spots nearby. The abundant offshore reefs make the amberjack easy to find and a hard fight likely to follow. If you want to experience some of the best amberjack fishing in the country, check out our Florida amberjack guides.

Florida Amberjack Season 2022

The 2022 Gulf of Mexico recreational amberjack season is open for the months of September and October, 2022. The season will be closed early if the annual catch limit is met.

Florida Amberjack Limits

In Florida, Amberjack must be at least 28” in length in the Atlantic or 34” in the Gulf of Mexico to be harvested. In addition to the minimum size requirement, there is a daily bag limit of 1 fish per person.