Almaco Jack

Source: Species facts, status language, and imagery adapted from the NOAA Fisheries species profile (last updated 06/26/2026). Ocean City charter and Maryland record notes are editorial orientation for OCEANCITY.MD readers. Always confirm current seasons, sizes, and bag limits before you fish—rules change.

About the species

Almaco jack are a pelagic, often deepwater species found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. In the Atlantic and Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), they are targeted by both the recreational and commercial fishing sectors due to their size and food quality.

In the Pacific Islands where there is a sizable market, almaco jack is farmed in deep water near the Island of Hawaiʻi. The fish are spawned and raised in on-land hatcheries until they are large enough for transfer to submersible marine net pens. Almaco jack also is a candidate for commercial aquaculture in the Gulf of America and U.S. Caribbean.

Maryland record catch

Confirm whether Maryland DNR publishes an Atlantic state-record category for Almaco Jack on the current sport-fish record board.

Verify on Maryland DNR — Sport Fish State Records . Record boards change when DNR accepts a new fish.

Maryland size & bag limits

Maryland’s Atlantic recreational seasons/sizes/creel summary does not publish a dedicated line for Almaco Jack. Verify COMAR, DNR public notices, and federal rules for your exact waters before you keep fish.

Editorial only — verify before you keep a fish. Confirm current seasons, sizes, and creel on Maryland eRegulations — Atlantic seasons, sizes & limits . Rules change; this page is orientation, not the legal digest. Also see verify regulations.

Population & fishing rate

See the NOAA species profile for current stock status language for this entry.

Appearance

• Almaco jack can grow up to a little over 5 feet long and up to 136 pounds.
• On average, adults reach a length of 3 feet and weigh between 15 and 31 pounds.
• Almaco jack are known to form spawning groups.

Biology

• Image

Where they live

Range

• Image

Habitat

• Is Almaco Jack Sustainable? U.S. farmed and wild-caught almaco jack is a smart seafood choice because it is grown and harvested under U.S. state and federal regulations.

Ocean City & Mid-Atlantic context

From Ocean City, Maryland, use this Almaco Jack profile as NOAA Mid-Atlantic directory context—not a promise you will meet the species on every charter.

Always verify current Maryland and federal size, season, and bag rules for your exact date and coordinates before you keep any catch.

Source facts and imagery are adapted from the NOAA Fisheries species profile for Almaco Jack.

What charter to book from Ocean City

Almaco Jack may appear on Ocean City trips depending on season and habitat—use the NOAA biology below and book the charter archetype that matches how you will actually fish.

Possible / related

• Bay guide — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Inshore charter — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Casting / light tackle — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Nearshore wreck / bottom — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Offshore charter — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Head / party boat — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.

Not typical from OC

• Trolling charter — Not a typical Ocean City trolling charter target for Almaco Jack.

Start with the charter directory trip-type picker so you compare boats inside the right archetype—not a bay-guide quote against a canyon invoice.

Related reading

• Plan a fishing day in Ocean City — Pick the trip archetype before you chase a species story.
• Charter directory stubs & trip-type picker — Compare boats inside the right archetype.
• Verify Maryland fishing regulations — DNR + NOAA steps before you keep any fish from an OC trip.
• Nearshore wreck fishing hub — Structure days from West Ocean City.
• Offshore sport fishing hub — Canyon and bluewater context from Ocean City.

Fishery management

• NOAA Fisheries and regional fishery management councils manage this species where applicable—see the NOAA profile for plan details.

Harvest

• See the NOAA wild-caught fishery section for landings and gear notes when published for this species.

Landings and management details matter most for the waters where Almaco Jack is actually fished—see the NOAA species profile .

Seafood facts

After a real OC boat day or market stop for Almaco Jack, Seafood after boat days covers dock buffer and cook-your-catch pacing.

Scientific classification

Plan the rest of the trip