Jack Crevalle Fishing Guide

Jack crevalle is one of the most powerful, aggressive inshore and nearshore fish in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico — a fish that fights with a relentless, muscle-burning fury that humbles even experienced anglers. They are compact and muscular with a deeply forked tail, blunt head, prominent scutes along the lateral line, and a characteristic dark spot on the gill cover and each pectoral fin. Jacks are pack hunters that work cooperatively to corral baitfish against the surface, creating explosive, audible blitzes visible from a considerable distance. A large school of feeding jacks on the surface is one of saltwater fishing's most visceral sights. While generally not considered table fare in the US due to their dark, strong-flavored flesh, they are eaten extensively throughout the Caribbean and Latin America when properly prepared.

Jack Crevalle is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Jack crevalle are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and South Atlantic, ranging north to Nova Scotia in summer and south to Uruguay. They inhabit nearshore coastal waters, bays, estuaries, inlets, and occasionally move into freshwater rivers for short periods. They are highly migratory, schooling fish that follow baitfish concentrations and are regularly encountered inshore during the warmer months.

Diet

Jacks are aggressive, primarily piscivorous predators that feed on sardines, pilchards, mullet, pinfish, shrimp, and nearly any available baitfish, hunting cooperatively in large schools. They drive bait to the surface and create churning blitzes that attract birds and create fishing opportunities. Topwater plugs, poppers, and fast-retrieved lures trigger explosive strikes from feeding schools.

Fishing Techniques

Best Seasons

Spring, Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 10 lbs. World record: 57.5 lbs (Barra do Kwanza, Angola (2000)).