Lesser Amberjack
Identification
Lesser amberjack are the smallest of the Seriola family found off the Outer Banks, typically running 3 to 10 pounds with occasional fish to 15 pounds. They have a similar body shape to greater amberjack but with a more slender, less deep profile. The back is olive-green to dark brown, with silver sides and a dark stripe running from the nose through the eye to the first dorsal fin. The key identifier separating lesser from greater amberjack is the eye size — lesser amberjack have proportionally larger eyes than greater amberjack, and they have a more elongated body. The anal fin of lesser amberjack originates farther forward than in greater amberjack.
Habitat and Behavior
Lesser amberjack are found on nearshore and offshore reefs, wrecks, and hard-bottom areas from 30 to 150 feet of water off the OBX. They are less strictly tied to large offshore structure than greater amberjack and will also associate with smaller live-bottom patches, floating debris, and Sargassum. Lesser amberjack are schooling fish that often mix with almaco jack and small greater amberjack around the same structure. They feed aggressively on small baitfish, squid, and pelagic crustaceans. They are active throughout the water column but often hold mid-water over wrecks and reefs.
Fishing Techniques
Lesser amberjack are most often caught incidentally while jigging or live bait fishing for other species over wrecks and reefs. They respond readily to vertical jigs in the 40-80g range — smaller jigs than you’d use for greater amberjack. Drop the jig to the bottom and work it up through the water column with sharp lifts and controlled drops. Lesser amberjack will often hit on the drop, so watch for line slack. Live bait fishing with small minnows or squid on a dropper loop or fish-finder rig also produces lesser amberjack. They are not particularly leader-shy, but fluorocarbon is still recommended.
Baits and Lures
For jigging, 40-80g knife jigs in blue/silver, pink, and glow patterns are effective for lesser amberjack. Smaller butterfly jigs and slow-pitch jigs also work well since these fish have smaller mouths. Live cigar minnows, sardines, and small squid strips on 4/0-6/0 circle hooks with 30-50 lb fluorocarbon leader are standard live bait offerings. Small metal jigs (1-2 oz) and soft plastic swimbaits can also produce when casting around floating structure. Lesser amberjack are aggressive feeders and will eat a wide variety of offerings when you locate them.
Best Times and Locations on the OBX
Lesser amberjack are a summer and early fall species on the Outer Banks, appearing from June through October. They are found on both nearshore and offshore structure — from reefs 10-15 miles out to wrecks 30+ miles offshore. Nearshore reefs off Oregon Inlet (the 4-mile reef area) and Hatteras Inlet hold lesser amberjack alongside Spanish mackerel and other nearshore species. Offshore wrecks that hold greater amberjack will also produce lesser amberjack, often higher in the water column. The waters off Hatteras Inlet are particularly productive for lesser amberjack due to the concentration of wrecks and reefs in the area.
Regulations
Lesser amberjack are part of the amberjack complex managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. They are less commonly encountered than greater amberjack, but the same aggregate regulations may apply. Check current SAFMC regulations for the amberjack complex bag limits, minimum sizes, and seasonal closures. In North Carolina state waters, specific regulations for lesser amberjack may differ from federal rules. Always verify current regulations with NCDFW and SAFMC before your trip, as amberjack management measures change frequently.