THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 11, 1996 TAG: 9607110527
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BOB HUTCHINSON
LENGTH: 29 lines
Just a few years ago, almost no one in Virginia fished for amberjack, a coastal wreck and reef dweller that averages 35 pounds and can exceed 100 pounds.
Now, it seems almost everyone becomes an amberjack fisherman at some point during the summer.
The fish has tremendous fighting qualities and can be extremely easy to catch. In its weight class, it's about the softest touch available to Virginia's ocean fishermen.
Its only shortcoming is as table fare. Most folks are not fond of it, although some say it's as good as any fish.
I've seen it on the menu throughout Florida. Personally, I'll stick with grouper. But that's not the point.
The point is that after a so-so June, tremendous numbers of big jacks have appeared around coastal wrecks and reefs, where most will remain until chased south by fall's northeasters.
With their willingness to hit live baits and various artificials, including surface-popping plugs, they should provide lots of angling thrills.
So if you're headed home after a day of offshore trolling and you have an empty fish box, you might want to drop by a coastal tower or wreck.
Amberjack can save the day, just as they often have in the past. by CNB