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Big Bend Florida Sportsman Guide

Fishing Tactics

Jack Crevalle

Now this is a fun fish to catch.  The Jack Crevalle is found throughout the inshore and nearshore waters of the Big Bend.  I do not specifically target them but really enjoy catching them on light tackle, when the opportunity presents itself.  Jacks usually travel in schools and the first sign you see of them is the water busting up or waving up as the school moves through the area.  The school is typically ravenous and is eating anything that moves in front of it.  This is not fancy fishing but rather fun fishing.  Once you spot a school, a nice 1 to 3 oz silver spoon will usually produce a quick hookup and a rousing fight.  Pound for Pound the Jack is a real battler.  Remember to keep your lure moving fast.

Another good hint is that Jack's hold up nicely in the bait well.  Keep one if you plan on doing any Jewfish/Goliath Grouper fishing during the day.  A big old Jewfish can hardly resist one of these tasty treats.

I do not know of anyone who like to eat Jacks.  Strictly a catch and release fun fish.

Crevalle Jack

jack crevalle fishing tactics from big bend florida sportsman guide
 

Family Carangidae, JACKS and POMPANOS
Caranx hippos


Description: color bluish-green to greenish-gold back and silvery or yellowish belly; soft dorsal and anal fins almost identical in size; prominent black spot on operculum (gill cover); black spot at the base of each pectoral fin; no scales on throat.

Similar Fish: other Caranx.

Where found: common in both INSHORE waters and the open sea.

Size: usually 3 to 5 pounds.

*Florida Record: 51 lbs.

Remarks: tolerates a wide range of salinities; schools corner a school of baitfish at the surface and feed with commotion that can be seen at great distances; feeds mainly on small fish; peak spawning occurs OFFSHORE from March through September.

* The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.