Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle (Caranx hippos)
- Size: Jack crevalle can grow to considerable sizes, with some individuals reaching lengths of 2 to 3 feet and weighing over 30 pounds.
- Habitat: Jack crevalle are commonly found in nearshore and offshore waters, but prefer a range of environments from bays to estuaries to open oceans. They are often found near structure such as jetties, artificial reefs, and underwater wreckage.
- Bait: Jacks are incredibly aggressive and actively respond to chumming. The water’s surface will “boil” when a school of jacks is actively feeding and they will eat anything that hits the surface when in this type of frenzy. Live whitebait is the first choice, but jacks will eat shrimp, squid, crabs, and almost any artificial lure moving fast.
- Tackle: Light spinning gear plus a large jack crevalle will give you a fight you’ll never forget. Jacks are some of the strongest fish in the ocean pound for pound and are known for their brutal runs, violent head shakes, and repetitive circles when hooked.
- Food Value: While jack crevalle are edible, they are not typically considered a top choice for the dinner table. Their flesh is often strong-tasting and can be coarse, which may not appeal to all tastes. Many anglers prefer to catch and release jacks for the sport rather than for their culinary value.
