Amberjack
The structure-oriented bruisers of Los Cabos. Amberjack are powerful, stubborn fighters that test both your gear and your stamina around reefs and wrecks.
Overview
Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) are the heavyweight champions of Cabo's structure fishing. These powerful members of the jack family are known for their brute strength and stubborn fights. Unlike the surface-oriented Jack Crevalle, Amberjack are deep-water fish that hold near reefs, wrecks, pinnacles, and other underwater structure. When hooked, they make a powerful run straight for the bottom, and once they reach cover, it's almost impossible to get them out.
In Los Cabos, Amberjack are present year-round and are commonly caught at the Gordo Banks and other structure-rich areas. They're a welcome bycatch when bottom fishing or can be specifically targeted with heavy jigging gear.
Physical Characteristics
Amberjack are deep-bodied fish with a blunt head and a distinctive amber-colored stripe running along their side from nose to tail. They have a forked tail, dark blue-green back, and silver-white belly.
Greater Amberjack (the species found in Cabo) can exceed 150 pounds and 5 feet in length. The IGFA All-Tackle world record is 155 pounds, 10 ounces.
Best Seasons
Amberjack are present year-round in Los Cabos but are most active from May through November when water temperatures are warmest. Summer and fall offer the best combination of calm seas and active fish. They hold at depths of 60-300 feet around structure, with the larger fish typically found in deeper water.
Hot Spots
Gordo Banks
5-10 mi SE. The pinnacle areas (180-300 ft) hold amberjack consistently.
Los Arcos
1-3 mi E. Structure around the famous rock arch holds amberjack year-round.
Iman Bank
12 mi E. The shallower pinnacles are productive for amberjack.
Golden Gate Bank
15 mi NW. Deep structure holds larger specimens.
Best Techniques
Table Fare
Amberjack is good eating, particularly when the fish is smaller (under 30 lbs). The meat is white, firm, and steak-like, similar to grouper but slightly darker. It's excellent grilled, baked, or turned into ceviche. Larger specimens can have a stronger flavor and coarser texture. Most Cabo charter crews will clean and fillet your Amberjack, and local restaurants will prepare it.
Conservation
Note
Test Your Gear Against an Amberjack
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