Stout tackle is a must when battling big amberjacks like the one Frank Lamb is hoisting. Photo by Polly Dean

When it comes to deep-water fishing in the northern Gulf of Mexico, the gorgeous crimson-hued red snapper and the bottom-hugging grouper get a lot of attention. However, if you are looking for the fish in these waters with the nastiest reputation as a battler, it is the greater amberjack that should be sought.

Amberjacks are extremely powerful fish and are noted for their ability to leave anglers worn down and arm weary after just one encounter. In the Gulf of Mexico, most concentrations of amberjacks occur in 120 to 130 feet of water. Amberjacks can be found suspended above wrecks, salt domes, and bottom breaks like cliffs or ledges, and they love to concentrate around oil and gas rigs or other towers. These deep-water structure-oriented fish seem to relish prowling in the mid-depths, and once hooked they let it be known that they do not want to be removed from their watery abodes.

Although greater amberjacks in the Gulf normally run in the 25- to 40-pound class, good numbers reach 60 to 70 pounds and can attain weights well over the 100-pound mark. Such hefty fish require tackle, rigging, baits and lures suited to their immense power.

BEEF UP THE TACKLE
Since amberjacks have the reputation of being one of the toughest species in the northern Gulf of Mexico, most die-hard amberjack pursuers opt for heavy tackle for forcing these bullies up from the depths. For example, a high-speed 6/0 reel loaded with 80-pound-test and seated on a 6- to 6 1/2-foot medium/heavy-action rod is an ideal setup.

Amberjacks have the power and speed to quickly cut your line on nearby underwater structure. Especially when amberjacks are holding close to the barnacle-encrusted legs of oil or gas rigs, many anglers even use their boats to quickly back away from the structure once a fish is hooked. This method puts added pressure on the fish, enabling you to turn the fish's head away from the underwater structure.

LIVE BAITS
If you're serious about catching amberjacks, especially the biggest of the hordes that patrol the Gulf of Mexico, then you had better stock your livewell with plenty of blue runners, commonly called "hardtails." Also, gather some bluefish when they're available. Especially around the Gulf's numerous platforms and towers, these two species are quite plentiful, and amberjacks are accustomed to feasting on them on a regular basis.

As the old saying goes, "The bigger the bait, the bigger the fish." When it comes to amberjack fishing, no truer words have been spoken. In order to deter the smallest fish in the school from striking first, go with the biggest bait possible. An amberjack weighing 40 pounds or better does not have any problem engulfing a 2- to 4-pound hardtail or bluefish. Amberjacks also dine on lively croakers, spots, pinfish, grunts and mullet.

RIGGING FOR AMBERJACKS
For amberjacks, a sliding sinker rig, which is nothing more than a beefed-up freshwater Carolina rig, suffices. First, slip an egg sinker ranging anywhere from 8 to 16 ounces onto the main line and then tie on a dull-finish No. 1 swivel. Next add four to five feet of 90- to 130-pound-test fluorocarbon leader material and finish off with a 9/0 to 11/0 circle hook.