Captain's Corner

By STEVE PAPEN
Published January 23, 2008

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What's hot: Amberjack are in most reefs and wrecks at80 to 140 feet. During a recent trip offshore, fishing a spring in 120 feet, amberjack in the 30- to 50-pound class were on the surface behind the boat. We could pick oneand wait until it swam close enough to simply drop the bait in front of it.

Location: Amberjack tend to congregate over larger structure. Most people think of wrecks such as Mexican Pride or Blackthorn, but in recent years more fish have been found suspended over the mitigation piles in 90 to 120 feet near the pipeline.

Tactics: Getting these fish feeding is not difficult. A couple of quick drifts will produce enough for the dinner table. Anchoring and pitching 50 or 100 live baits over the side will get these fish under the boat, with a great view of the big brutes taking the bait.

Tackle: Large spinning rods are a good choice for fish in the 10- to 15-pound range. Medium-sized fish, 20 to 40 pounds, should be taken on conventional gear in the 50- to 60-pound class. When the large fish are located, conventional reels in the 80- to 100-pound class should be used.