Several Februarys ago Jay Ramsey caught the largest amberjack I ever saw while fishing 140-foot depths out from Tarpon Springs.
It weighed in at a bulky 120, only 35 pounds shy of the then I.G.F.A. all-tackle world record taken off Bermuda in 1981.
Even Ramsey, who had caught literally hundreds of big amberjack in three decades, had to stop and catch his breath following this high-noon duel in the Gulf of Mexico.
Where you find one amberjack, there's likely to be many more in the immediate vicinity. And, when grouper or red snapper aren't biting, this tenacious tackle-destroyer often saves the day.
For example, on another trip not many years ago with Cotee Master Guide Bill Miller aboard his "Double Trouble," Tampa adman Howard Hilton, astronaut Wally Schirra, and this scribe went offshore in search of grouper.
"If we can't find any grouper on this trip," said Miller, "I'll guarantee that we'll catch plenty of amberjack."
He was right. We met more amberjack that day than we could handle. It wasn't unusual to see a bend in every rod at once.
We all gave out after several hours of frenzied activity except Schirra who maintained a furious all-day pace until it was time to up anchor and head to port.
Miller was reluctant to leave because the astronaut was having so much fun.
However, what's enjoyable for some is agony to others.
Back in the early sixties, my first wife went on her first saltwater safari out from Panama City in the Panhandle area of north Florida.
Everything went fine that day until she hooked a 75-pound amberjack that refused to budge.
It took her nearly an hour before she was able to land the monster and 25 years elapsed before she again ventured onto saltwater.
Anyone who has battled this member of the Scombridae family of fishes knows the amberjack is one of the most tenacious of foes.
Found in waters throughout the world, this pelagic is particularly abundant throughout the eastern Gulf of Mexico from the Tampa Bay area to Pensacola, and all along Florida's Atlantic coast from Jacksonville to Key West. It usually hangs out around offshore wrecks, reefs, and other bottom structure.
It'll strike fast and will generally dive for the bottom where it often cuts an angler's line on rocks, reefs, or submerged obstructions.
Usually, the amberjack hits near the bottom, although it sometimes surfaces, especially when responding to a chum line, and can be taken on lighter tackle including fly rods.
It'll grab live baits, dead baits, strip baits, various artificial lures, and a wide variety of jigs ranging in weight from one to eight ounces.
Anglers pursuing this bruiser, which is caught year around in Florida offshore waters, might be wise to employ sturdy tackle, such as a 40- to 60-pound grouper or tarpon outfit. For deep jigging, a 5-1/2 stand-up rod with 30- to 50-pound mono will work fine, while fly rodders might consider an 8-1/2 to 9-foot, 10-12 weight rod with a floating or sinking tippet, and a reel holding at least 200 yards of 20-pound Dacron backing.
Recent steps to protect this game fish from exploitation have resulted in the establishment of a three-fish bag limit and a minimum size restriction of 28 inches.
As table fare, the amberjack doesn't rate particularly high marks, despite the fact that many Florida restaurants now feature it on menus. But, those who'll marinate the fillets overnight in French dressing, then cut the fillets into small, thin "fingers" and deep fry them as they would grouper or snapper, will find them to be quite tasty. It is also appetizing when smoked.
A tip: when filleting, be sure to trim off the dark, red meat which, when eaten, tastes a mite strong.
Whenever you're offshore and have an opportunity to square off against one of these powerful adversaries, don't hesitate.
Amberjack are true gamesters and worthy foes. Just be sure that you've eaten your Wheaties before lowering a bait or jig.
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