Where to Find Amberjack
Amberjack are typically found in deep water, ranging from 60 feet to 300 feet deep. They tend to inhabit wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs, where they can find shelter and food. Amberjack are also known to follow schools of baitfish, so it's a good idea to look for areas with a lot of activity on the surface, such as birds diving and fish jumping.
If you're looking to catch larger amberjack, it's best to target them in the spring and fall when they are most active. During the summer months, amberjack tend to move to deeper waters and can be more difficult to locate. This is where having a pedal fishing kayak really shines – the hands-free pedaling system allows you to cover more water efficiently while keeping your hands free to work your fish finder and prepare your gear.
Gear and Bait for Amberjack
When it comes to gear, it's important to use heavy-duty tackle that can handle the strength and power of an amberjack. A rod with a heavy action and a reel with a high line capacity are essential for this type of fishing. You'll also want to use braided line, as it has a smaller diameter and is more sensitive, allowing you to feel the bite more easily.
For bait, live bait is usually the most effective. Amberjack will take a variety of live baits, including sardines, herring, and blue runners. If you're using artificial lures, jigs and plugs that mimic baitfish can be effective.
Many kayak fishing enthusiasts prefer using a sit-on-top fishing kayak for amberjack fishing, as the open deck design makes it easier to handle heavy tackle and large fish. The stability of a quality fishing kayak is crucial when battling these powerful fish. Modern pedal drive kayaks offer the perfect combination of maneuverability and hands-free operation, letting you focus entirely on your technique and fish handling. For anglers who need apartment storage solutions or don't want the hassle of roof racks, portable fishing kayaks that fit in car boots are becoming increasingly popular.
Techniques for Catching Amberjack
One of the most popular techniques for catching amberjack is vertical jigging. This involves dropping a heavy jig down to the bottom and then jerking it back up through the water column. The sudden movement of the jig can trigger a strike from an amberjack. With a pedal kayak, you can maintain perfect positioning over structure while working your jig with both hands free.
Another effective technique is slow trolling live bait over wrecks or reefs. This involves using a downrigger to get your bait down to the desired depth and then trolling it slowly around the structure. This can be a great way to entice larger amberjack to bite. The hands-free fishing capability of pedal fishing kayaks makes trolling particularly effective, as you can maintain consistent speed and direction without constantly paddling.
Whether you're using a fin drive kayak or propeller drive kayak, the key is maintaining consistent movement while keeping your hands available for tackle management. This advantage of hands-free pedaling becomes especially apparent when you're fighting these powerful fish in deep water.
Once you've hooked an amberjack, it's important to keep a tight line and let the fish run if it wants to. These fish are incredibly strong and will put up a good fight, so be prepared for a battle. It's also important to have a gaff or a net ready to bring the fish aboard once you've landed it.
Tips for Catching Amberjack
Here are some additional tips to improve your amberjack fishing success:
- Use circle hooks: These reduce gut hooking and improve survival rates for released fish
- Fish the structure: Focus on wrecks, reefs, and artificial structures where amberjack congregate
- Vary your depth: Don't just fish the bottom – amberjack often suspend in the water column
- Stay mobile: The mobility of a lightweight fishing kayak allows you to quickly move between productive spots
- Watch your drag: Set it properly to handle the initial runs without breaking off
For those new to kayak fishing, choosing an apartment friendly kayak that doesn't require extensive storage space makes it easier to get on the water regularly. The more time you spend targeting amberjack, the better you'll understand their behavior patterns and preferred feeding areas.
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