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.
They'll grab baits or lures cast by beginners or grizzled veterans. And, truth be known, there have been countless experienced anglers over the years who have been thrilled by jack crevalle.
Jacks range in size from one pound to 30 or more pounds. In southwest Florida, where they are as common as tourists, they average about 5 pounds, with fish up to 15 pounds a routine occurrence. The best thing about jack crevalle is that they can stretch your line, bend your rod and make your arms ache. In addition, they put big smiles on faces.
Jacks are not considered good table fare, and most are released. There is no size or bag limit on the species. Also called crevalle jack, crevally and ulua, jacks occur in all of Florida's coastal waters. They can be found from the deep ocean reefs to well up coastal rivers.
Jacks usually run in schools, so it's difficult to catch just one. When you encounter a school, it's often non-stop, rod-bending action until you decide to quit.
Jacks are savvy battlers. They will flank into the current and defy you to reel them in. They will shake their head and love to fight in circles, slugging it out like a heavyweight boxer.
Where to find them?
That's easy. You'll most often find them in the open bays where they'll herd up a school of baitfish and drive them to the surface. When they do, the jacks will cause a surface disturbance that can be seen from several hundred yards. In addition, pelicans and seagulls will home in on the action, and dive for any baitfish missed by the jacks. So, if you encounter diving birds, you're likely in for a jack battle royale.
Jacks also love canals, creeks and rivers. They especially like to hover around the mouths of those waterways. So, it's a good idea to fish around those openings prior to entry.
Tackle for jack crevalle can range from light to heavy, depending, of course, on the size of the fish you encounter and your sporting nature. Five- to 10-pounders can be taken on medium spinning gear and 8- to 12-pound test monofilament with no problem. When the fish approach 20 pounds, it's time to beef up. You won't stand much of a chance of landing a 20-pounder with tackle that's more appropriate for spotted seatrout or other lightweights.
Bait choices are numerous because jacks aren't very selective. They'll hit live shrimp, dead shrimp, pinfish, finger mullet, pilchards, Spanish sardines, small threadfin herring, grunts and almost any baitfish. As far as artificial lures go, jigs top the list, followed by spoons, topwater plugs, jerk worms and wobbling plugs.
Jigs are best because they're versatile and can be cast plenty far. Heave them toward the school of jacks and begin retrieving almost as fast as you can. Some anglers prefer to employ a retrieve known as the "Florida whip," in which they snap the rod upward in a jigging motion as they retrieve quickly. Those who favor spoons should simply cast to the school, then begin a rapid retrieve.
Fly anglers aren't to be ignored. Jacks just love to dine on feathers attached to steel, and most any fly pattern will work. The favorite in local waters is the Clouser Deep Minnow, a pattern that was created by Pennsylvania fly shop owner Bob Clouser and fly-fishing icon Lefty Kreh. The fly was originally designed for smallmouth bass, but has become one of salt water's top patterns.
Other fly choices include Deceivers, Seaducers, Hansen's Glass minnow and any other baitfish imitation. Popping bugs often will solicit savage strikes.
Fly rods can range from 6- to 9-weight for jacks up to 12 pounds. Anglers should employ 10-weight rods for larger fish. Floating, sinktip and intermediate lines all work well.
The largest jack crevalle will be found in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. Often these hefty fish swim alone or in pairs. They often are caught trolling large plugs around reefs.
The Intracoastal Waterway is another great place to find jacks. The area between Sarasota and Venice is especially good, with schools of 8- to 12-pound jacks common there during late fall and winter. The jacks converge on that area to dine on baitfish and because the deep water is just a little warmer than the water in the open bays.
