Amberjack caught in Mariato, Panama
Amberjack
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Amberjack Description
Amberjack, or “Reef Donkeys”, are not a great looking fish but they sure pull hard. In many parts of Latin America they are called “Pez Fuerte” which literally means “Strong Fish”. They are found in tropical reefs in both the Atlantic and Pacific. They sometimes come up to the surface but are generally found nearer to the bottom.
Although in some places they carry ciguatera toxin and in others they carry parasitic worms, they are pretty tasty in the areas where you can eat them.
Amberjack Tackle
If you are targeting large adult specimens (and what else would you target really?) I recommend conventional gear with 50lb braid lines or so. Although they are not as adept at bricking you in the rocks as Snappers or Groupers, you do need to pull hard to ensure that doesn’t happen. An Accurate BX2 or BX reel is an excellent choice. Click here for tackle recommendations.
Amberjack Techniques
Amberjack readily eat lures and bait fished either at the bottom or at whatever depth they happen to be at. They can sometimes be coaxed to the surface with chum.
Amberjack Lures
Amberjack readily eat metal jigs, both the butterfly jig-type and the traditional West Coast Iron like Salas 6X.
Amberjack Baits
Any decent sized live baitfish should work. Small fish in the jack family such as blue runner type baits are always good. I once had a 65lb Amberjack attack a 10lb Yellowfin Tuna I was reeling in during a trip to Panama. We dropped back a Skipjack and caught it.
Where to get the big Amberjack
These guys are pretty widespread. Panama has some big ones on the Pacific side and there are some big ones in Kona. Almost all of my biggest ones have been caught in Panama.
Other Amberjack Resources
The above barely scratches the surface on how to catch Amberjack. The resources below will help you catch them:
I've never fished with them, but I understand these guys can put you on them in Panama: www.pescapanama.com
These guys can put you on them in Florida: www.anotherkeeper.com
Home
Amberjack Description
Amberjack, or “Reef Donkeys”, are not a great looking fish but they sure pull hard. In many parts of Latin America they are called “Pez Fuerte” which literally means “Strong Fish”. They are found in tropical reefs in both the Atlantic and Pacific. They sometimes come up to the surface but are generally found nearer to the bottom.
Although in some places they carry ciguatera toxin and in others they carry parasitic worms, they are pretty tasty in the areas where you can eat them.
Amberjack Tackle
If you are targeting large adult specimens (and what else would you target really?) I recommend conventional gear with 50lb braid lines or so. Although they are not as adept at bricking you in the rocks as Snappers or Groupers, you do need to pull hard to ensure that doesn’t happen. An Accurate BX2 or BX reel is an excellent choice. Click here for tackle recommendations.
Amberjack Techniques
Amberjack readily eat lures and bait fished either at the bottom or at whatever depth they happen to be at. They can sometimes be coaxed to the surface with chum.
Amberjack Lures
Amberjack readily eat metal jigs, both the butterfly jig-type and the traditional West Coast Iron like Salas 6X.
Amberjack Baits
Any decent sized live baitfish should work. Small fish in the jack family such as blue runner type baits are always good. I once had a 65lb Amberjack attack a 10lb Yellowfin Tuna I was reeling in during a trip to Panama. We dropped back a Skipjack and caught it.
Where to get the big Amberjack
These guys are pretty widespread. Panama has some big ones on the Pacific side and there are some big ones in Kona. Almost all of my biggest ones have been caught in Panama.
Other Amberjack Resources
The above barely scratches the surface on how to catch Amberjack. The resources below will help you catch them:
I've never fished with them, but I understand these guys can put you on them in Panama: www.pescapanama.com
These guys can put you on them in Florida: www.anotherkeeper.com
Click on a pic below to enlarge
