Chad Tobler and Capt. Damon McKnight agree that heavy tackle is critical when it comes to amberjack fishing, and a common mistake of inexperienced AJ anglers is to go too light.
Here are these anglers’ setups:
• Tobler — Penn International 50W or 80W reels spooled with 150- or 200-pound mono and the stiffest rod (i.e., tuna rod) you can find. He builds Carolina-rigs with 200-pound mono leader and various egg sinker weights (depending on current), but 8-ounce weights are normally used.
He finishes off the rig with triple-strong 8/0 circle hooks.
And don’t forget the stand-up fighting belt.
• McKnight — Shimano TLD 50 reels spooled with 250-pound mono and Shimano Tallus 80-130 rods. His Carolina rigs include 400-pound mono leaders and 32-ounce weights tipped with 13/0 circle hooks.
