The partition of plane seismic waves at plane interfaces introduces changes in seismic amplitude which vary with angle of incidence. These amplitude variations are a function of the elastic parameters of rocks on either side of the interface. Controlled‐amplitude processing is designed to obtain the true amplitude information which is geologic in origin. The offset‐amplitude information may be successfully used to predict the fluid type in reservoir sands. Various tests were carried out on a seismic profile from the Gulf Coast. The processing comparison emphasized the effects and pitfalls of trace equalization, coherent noise, offset, and surface‐related problems. Two wells drilled at amplitude anomaly locations confirmed the prediction of hydrocarbons from offset‐amplitude analysis. Furthermore, controlled‐amplitude processing provided clues in evaluating reservoir quality, which was not evident on the conventional relative amplitude data.