Amberjack
Seriola dumerili
WA Regulations
Quick Reference
⚠️ Mixed Species Limit Applies
Amberjack is part of the Large Pelagic Finfish category with a combined daily bag limit of 3 fish. This includes all mackerels (Spanish, Grey, School, Spotted, Shark), Mahi Mahi, tunas, billfish, samsonfish, kingfish, cobia, and wahoo.
About Amberjack
Description
The greater amberjack is the largest of the jack family, known for its powerful build and fierce fighting ability. Amberjack have an elongated, fusiform body with a distinctive dark diagonal stripe running from the nose through the eye to the first dorsal fin. Coloration is typically olive-green to blue-green on the back, fading to silver-white on the sides and belly.
Distinguished from other jacks by their larger size, more elongated body shape, and the distinctive amber or golden stripe running along their flanks.
Habitat & Distribution
Found around offshore reefs, pinnacles, wrecks, FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), and oil platforms. Prefers structure in waters from 20-200m deep.
In WA, most commonly encountered from the Gascoyne through to the Kimberley, though occasionally caught on the West Coast around offshore reefs and structures.
Best Times & Conditions
Peak Season
Year-round in the Gascoyne and northern waters, with warmer months (October-April) typically seeing more active fish.
Best fishing often coincides with current activity around structure.
Ideal Conditions
- Water: 22-28°C preferred
- Depth: 20-200m around structure
- Current: Light to moderate current flow
- Time: Early morning and late afternoon best
How to Catch Amberjack
Jigging
The most effective technique. Work vertical jigs aggressively around structure. These fish hit hard and head straight for the reef.
Setup
- Rod: PE4-6 jigging stick, 5'6"-6'
- Reel: Heavy spinning or conventional
- Line: PE4-6 / 30-50lb braid
- Leader: 80-100lb fluorocarbon
Technique
- Drop jig to structure zone
- Work with aggressive jerks
- Be ready for savage strikes
- Keep pressure on to avoid bust-offs on structure
Live Baiting
Highly effective, especially with quality live bait drifted or floated near structure.
Setup
- Line: 30-50lb braid
- Leader: 80-100lb fluorocarbon
- Hooks: 7/0-9/0 live bait hooks
Best Baits
- Live yakkas
- Live scad
- Live slimy mackerel
- Live squid
Eating Quality
Flesh: Firm, white to pinkish, mild flavour
Best cooked: Grilled, pan fried, sashimi (when fresh)
Note: Larger fish can have stronger flavour. Best eaten fresh.
The Fight
Brutally powerful. Amberjack are renowned for their strength and determination to reach structure. Expect hard runs and dogged resistance. Nicknamed "reef donkeys" for their stubbornness.