Amberjack, aΔΔjola in Maltese, are the reef predator most Maltese skippers mean when they talk about jigging: hard fighting fish that hold over wrecks, drop offs and rocky ground.
Instant bookingAxopar 37 cabin with AC and 600 hpFree cancellation up to 1 day beforeFrom β¬1,700
fish in deep watersFree cancellation up to 5 days beforeFrom β¬450
FishingmaltaFree cancellation up to 5 days beforeFrom β¬380
Instant bookingHooked Malta - Ultimate Tuna Fishing Free cancellation up to 5 days beforeFrom β¬650
Mister Fish ChartersFree cancellation up to 5 days beforeFrom β¬350
What a amberjack fishing charter costs in Malta
| Trip length | Boats | Lowest | Median | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half day (up to 5 hours) | 4 | β¬350 | β¬415 | β¬650 |
| Three quarter day (6 to 7 hours) | 1 | β¬500 | - | β¬500 |
| Full day (8 hours or more) | 1 | β¬1,700 | - | β¬1,700 |
Prices are for the whole boat, from 5 listings on Reelzy as of October 2026. Boats priced in another currency are converted to EUR at the current rate. A median is shown only where at least 3 boats offer that trip length. 1 boat sells single seats on shared trips, from β¬80 per person.
Other fish to target in Malta
Amberjack charters in other countries
Which boat for amberjack
Amberjack live deep and pull hard for the bottom, so the trip is about the skipper's ground and the tackle more than the port. The boats here fish for them in different ways:
- Mister Fish Charters in Marsascala is the most complete amberjack trip: jigging and slow pitch jigging, live baiting and bottom fishing over the reefs, with light and heavy tackle, for up to 4. Guests can keep their catch, and children are welcome.
- Fishingmalta fishes all year from Ta' Xbiex, bottom fishing the reefs and ledges for table fish and jigging for the predators that hold there, on a 33 foot boat for up to 10.
- Fish in deep waters is a Gozo skipper with 30 years of deep sea fishing behind him, fishing the reefs off Gozo for up to 4 anglers.
- Adele II, a fast Axopar 37 from Floriana, mixes bottom fishing, jigging and live baiting for groups of up to 11 who want a cabin and a quick run to the grounds.
- Hooked Malta in GΕΌira is built for tuna, but carries jigging and live bait gear, so amberjack are a target on the same heavy tackle day.
When amberjack bite in Malta
Amberjack are caught from late spring through the winter and are at their best in the summer heat, when they feed hard over the deep reef edges. Autumn adds lampuki offshore, so a September or October day can mix jigging on the bottom with trolling on the surface. In the cooler months amberjack share the reefs with dentex. The month by month picture for every species is in our Malta fishing seasons guide.
What to ask before you book
- Jig or live bait? Jigging means working a metal jig up and down all day, which is tiring but very active. Live baiting is slower and suits mixed groups. Ask which the skipper plans, and say if anyone is new to it.
- Can you keep one? Amberjack are good eating, and most crews let guests take a fair share of table fish above the legal size. Some boats release most fish. Our guide on keeping fish on a Malta charter explains the rules.
- How long is the trip? The grounds are deep, and a short trip leaves little time over them. A full day gives the skipper room to try several marks if the first is quiet.
- Staying on Gozo? Fishing from the Gozo side saves the ferry. Our Gozo fishing trip guide covers what the day looks like.
Questions and answers
Short answers to what people ask before they book. Anything else, ask the captain in chat.
When is the best time to catch amberjack in Malta?
Amberjack are caught from late spring through the winter and are at their best in the summer heat, when they feed over wrecks, drop offs and deep reef edges.
How do Maltese charters fish for amberjack?
Mostly by jigging and live baiting over deep reefs and wrecks, with bottom fishing for other reef fish on the same trip. Mister Fish Charters in Marsascala also offers slow pitch jigging.
Can I keep an amberjack caught on a Malta charter?
Usually yes, if it is above the legal minimum size and the boat allows guests to keep their catch. Some crews release most fish, so ask the skipper before you book.