Top 5 Live Baits for Landing Amberjacks
This November, it’s time to hit the road and get your Amberjack. There’s no question they are every fisherman’s dream game fish. Due to their aggressive resistance to being caught, Amberjacks proudly claim the nickname, “Reef Donkeys.” If you’re looking for a serious fight, be prepared to meet your match with these guys.
To catch an Amberjack, one must be the Amberjack. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but it does help to know what they like to eat. We’re giving you the low-down on the top 5 live baits that are sure to land you your Amberjack.
Amberjacks aren’t picky when it comes to what they eat. They like to feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans but will bite on just about anything, especially if it's shiny. As natural predators and extremely aggressive fish, they are sure to go after your live bait. Fish like Cigar Minnows, Sardines, Mullets, Blue Runners, and Menhaden make excellent bait for Amberjack.
To catch an Amberjack, one must be the Amberjack. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but it does help to know what they like to eat. We’re giving you the low-down on the top 5 live baits that are sure to land you your Amberjack.
Amberjacks aren’t picky when it comes to what they eat. They like to feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans but will bite on just about anything, especially if it's shiny. As natural predators and extremely aggressive fish, they are sure to go after your live bait. Fish like Cigar Minnows, Sardines, Mullets, Blue Runners, and Menhaden make excellent bait for Amberjack.
1. Cigar Minnows
Cigar Minnows are one of the best baits to use when fishing for Amberjacks. Not only are their shiny bodies likely to attract them, but they are the most common prey of Amberjacks in the wild. Their hardy bodies grow between 6 and 12 inches making them perfect live bait for larger predatory species. When used for live bait, the hook should be in the cartilage of their nose.
2. Sardines
Sardines make excellent live bait due to their shiny coat of scales and strong scent that attracts large predatory fish. Sardines can be the primary bait on a hook but can also have an artificial lure alongside them. If you are thinking of adding an artificial lure, vertical jigs are ideal when fishing for Amberjacks. The long heavy piece of metal will sink straight to the bottom and will let you hit depths where they like to hang out. Plus, the additional flash of metal is ideal for catching their eye.
3. Mullets
Finger mullets are small and found in many different areas. From bays to beaches, Mullets are easy to catch and are excellent to use for bait if you are after the bigger fish. It’s a common baitfish that is easy to use, and there are plenty of fish who want to eat them. Mullets can either be hooked through the eyes, through the lips, or even the tail depending on the currents.
4. Blue Runner
Blue Runner fish are great bait for larger fish like Amberjack. The best way to use them as live bait is to use circle hooks and attach it to the roof of the mouth and pierce it through the upper jaw. If you want to make it drift, attach it through the back of the fish and above the dorsal fin.
5. Menhaden
Menhaden fish are great fishing bait for bottom fishing. They have a bright, silver marking that is very attractive to large fish. Menhaden are found along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and grow up to 15 inches. The best way to use them as live bait is to hook them in front of the eye from one side of its nose to the other.