Recreational fishermen can harvest only amberjack larger than 28 inches fork length. Commercial fishermen can harvest only amberjack larger than 36 inches fork length. In state and South Atlantic waters, commercial fishermen can land amberjack with the head removed if the remaining fish is larger than 28 inches in length. In all three jurisdictions recreational anglers are limited to a bag limit of three amberjack per person while on the water. However, the state allows a six fish possession limit on land.
Federal agencies handle charter and headboats differently than private recreational boats.
In the Gulf and South Atlantic, charter and headboats that are away from port more than 24 hours in a single trip can have on board a two-day bag limit. Headboats in the Atlantic away from port for more than 48 hours can have a three-day bag limit of amberjack. Clearly it would be more convenient if anglers had more consistent rules.