Greater Amberjack
Family Carangidae, JACKS and POMPANOS
Seriola dumerili
Illustration and Copyright by Diane Rome Peebles
Illustrations are for viewing purposes only.
Description: dark stripe (variably present) extends from nose to in front of dorsal fin and "lights up" when fish is in feeding mode; no scutes; soft dorsal base less than twice the length of the anal fin base.
Similar Fish: other Seriola.
Where found: OFFSHORE species associated with rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks, typically in 60 - 240 feet of water; sometimes caught NEARSHORE in south Florida; juveniles associated with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep.
Possession and Size Limits: 1 per person (for-hire captain and crew may not retain bag limit), 30” FL.
Federal Recreational Season: Closed June 1 - July 31.
NOTICE: Accountability measures are in place that require NOAA Fisheries to issue an in-season closure for Greater Amberjack if the annual quota is met or projected to be met. In addition, if recreational landings exceed the quota, the length of the season for the following year may be shortened as necessary to recover the overage from the prior fishing year. Th season for that following year may be readjusted to ensure recreational harvest achieves but does not exceed the intended harvest level.
Size: common to 40 pounds.
Remarks: largest of the jacks; thought to spawn OFFSHORE throughout most of the year; feeds on squid, fish, and crustaceans.
