Amberjack Season in the US for 2026 Reading Time: 6 minutes

Amberjack season is one of the most exciting times of the year for coastal anglers in the United States. While primarily found offshore, anglers near the coastline can also get in on the intense action provided by these “reef donkeys.” Known for their incredible strength and relentless fights, if you’re looking to test out your gear and skills, Greater Amberjack season is the perfect time to get on the fishing grind.

Let’s take a look at what brings Amberjack season together for a few of the country’s most popular coastal states. We’ll look at all the rules, techniques, the best conditions, bait, and more. Each region can have a different vibe, so it’s best to prepare depending on where you plan to fish on your Amberjack journey. Follow along!

General Amberjack Season Overview

A man in a blue hoodie stands on a boat, holding a large Amberjack with pliers and enjoying the ocean view during Amberjack season. Another boat's visible in the background.

States protect Amberjack through conservation efforts due to overfishing and slower repopulation. Therefore, you cannot harvest them year-round. Often compared to Tuna fillets, Amberjack are sought after due to their firm texture and rich flavor. Many anglers hope to land their own catch to take home!

Currently, you can’t harvest Amberjack in Gulf waters until the new 2026–2027 fishing season opens on September 1 of this year. Usually, their open season is split into two halves each year – one running from late winter to early spring and the other often around summer to fall.

Typically, the minimum size for harvesting is 34 inches, but that can vary depending on whether the fish is caught in state or federal waters. This is another reason why you’ll want to check your specific area’s regulations before harvesting any Amberjack during the season. The limit for harvesting is usually one Amberjack per person per day. As we dive into specific states below, keep an eye out for changing guidelines and those that apply to your region!

Florida Amberjack Season

Florida is home to a highly diverse range of marine species, both inshore and offshore. And Amberjack is by no means the least of them! They are abundant on the Gulf side, specifically along reefs, wrecks, and offshore ledges and structure. But don’t worry, you can also find them in the Atlantic. They stick around deeper waters, often where you can find larger Grouper and Snapper, with an average depth of around 100 feet. Blue runners, threadfin, crabs, and cigar minnows are among the best baits to catch them.

Five people on a boat are posing with a large Amberjack, enjoying the season. Two fishing rods and a calm sea set the perfect background, and everyone's clearly having a great time.

As mentioned in the general overview, the season will reopen for Gulf waters on September 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Atlantic Amberjack season in Florida will reopen in May and last through December. Both regions allow 1 fish per person per day, but the minimum size varies. A 34-inch minimum fork length is required for Gulf waters, while the minimum for the Atlantic is 28 inches.

Alabama Amberjack Season

Alabama may have a smaller coastline compared to Florida, but it’s still packed with offshore structure, rigs, and artificial reefs that hold quality Amberjack. These powerful fish tend to stay in deeper waters, often ranging from 60 to 250 feet. There, they share habitat with species like Snapper, Triggerfish, and Grouper. In Alabama, you can use live bait such as blue runners and hardtails, along with vertical jigs, to hook into these tough fish.

In Alabama state waters, Amberjack season closely follows federal Gulf regulations. This year, Amberjack season is expected to reopen on September 1, with a harvest limit of one fish per person per day and a minimum fork length of 34 inches. As season dates can shift, make sure to check updates from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources before heading out.

Texas Amberjack Season

You know what they say – everything is bigger in Texas, including the Amberjack! Amberjack here are often on the larger side, sometimes exceeding 100 pounds, making for a mighty catch. Their favorite habitats are oil rigs and artificial reefs, where they feed on smaller reef fish such as ribbonfish. Cut bait is also a popular option in these deep Texas waters.

Two men on a boat are holding a large Amberjack, smiling brightly during Amberjack season, with the ocean and sky in the background.

While Texans don’t consider Amberjack a primary harvest species, you still have the opportunity to keep your catch. Typically, Texas Amberjack season runs from September 1 to August 31, but with the Gulf-wide emergency restriction, it is currently closed and expected to reopen in September 2026. Usually, the limit is one fish per day, with a minimum length of 38 inches. However, it’s best to check regulations closer to the season in case anything changes.

Louisiana Amberjack Season

Pack up your heavy gear and bring your best fishing skills, as Louisiana’s nutrient-rich waters and countless offshore structures create an ideal Amberjack environment. Deep-water ledges and structures, along with oil rigs, provide excellent habitat for these fish. Drop down squid, shrimp, small fish, or heavy metal jigs and spoons to hook into these powerhouses.

The open season follows the same pattern as the other Gulf states. It’s currently closed under the emergency restriction and expected to reopen on September 1, 2026. Keep an eye out for updates from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as the date approaches. In addition to a saltwater fishing license, Louisiana also requires a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit to harvest Amberjack. The limit is 1 fish per day with a 34-inch minimum fork length.

Mississippi Amberjack Season

Two people on a boat are holding a large Amberjack over the water, enjoying a successful season with the ocean and sky in the background.

Off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Amberjack are a well-known offshore species. They are often found holding tight to artificial reefs, offshore platforms, and deep structure. These fish prefer depths of up to 300 feet and you can commonly catch them around the same areas as offshore Snapper species. Anglers targeting Amberjack in Mississippi typically have success using live bait like hardtails and blue runners, as well as jigs worked vertically near structure.

As with the other Gulf states, Mississippi follows federal Gulf of America regulations and is expected to reopen on September 1, 2026. Current guidelines allow for 1 fish per person per day, with a minimum size of 34 inches fork length. Since regulations can change, you should confirm details with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources before planning your trip.

Now that you’ve had an overview of various states that hold Amberjack, it’s clear that they all follow similar federal guidelines and are affected by conservation closures. When the season reopens, each state may still have slightly different regulations or closure dates, so be sure to check your local rules before heading out.

How to Make the Most of Amberjack Season

Amberjack season delivers a pretty consistent experience no matter where you’re fishing. Stick to deep water, structure-focused spots, and expect some seriously hard fights. The best days to head offshore are when seas are calm and winds are light. This makes it easier to reach and stay on top of reefs, wrecks, and rigs where these fish hold.

Three men are sitting on a boat during Amberjack season, each holding a large Amberjack. They're wearing matching blue shirts, and the ocean's in the background.

Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most productive fishing times, when Amberjack are actively feeding. Known for their aggressive and territorial nature, they’ll readily hit live or cut bait, as well as jigs jerked and bounced close to structure. Once hooked, the real challenge begins. Amberjack are famous for their tough fights and tendency to power straight back down into wrecks or rigs. Keep steady pressure, avoid slack line, and react quickly. All these are key to landing one successfully and bringing home a nice meal if you choose.

Remember to have a valid fishing license and check your state’s current regulations, guidelines, and any additional permits before heading out.

Amberjack Season Is Getting Closer

Amberjack season is one you don’t want to overlook. Between their raw power and the challenge they bring, every hookup feels like a battle you have to earn. It’s a true deep-sea fishing experience and fun for all.

With seasons being relatively short and tightly regulated, preparation is everything. Make sure your gear is ready, your spots are mapped out, and your timing is dialed in before opening day. Always keep an eye on changing guidelines, as updates can happen quickly.

Once the season kicks off, it’s go time. And when that first Amberjack hits, you’ll understand exactly why anglers wait all year for it. Good luck to all preparing for their next adventure!

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