Jack Crevalle
name: Jack Crevalle
other names: Jacks
These fish tend to have a 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.
The Crevalle jack is a pelagic fish. Both adults and juveniles are usually found in schools. However, larger individuals may be found swimming the waters alone. The fish is found in oceanic, estuarine or riverine environments. This is influenced by the life stage of the fish. They primarily are found along the continental shelf, but occur in waters as deep as 327 feet. Fish found in these deep waters are usually larger individuals.
Crevalle jack is a great predator. Adults prey upon on a variety of fish, shrimp and invertebrates. Juveniles feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans. When in schools these fish will hunt as a pack often driving the prey right out of the water as they try to jump for freedom.
Peak spawning occurs offshore from March through September. Once hatched the small fish make their way inshore to the protection of estuaries, mangroves etc. As these fish mature and grow the tend to spend less time in large groups and move further offshore and deeper water.
Fishing for Jacks mainly is done with light spinning tackle. 8 to 10lb line is usually sufficient unless you are going to target larger ones in deeper water, where you will not only need to upgrade the tackle for large jacks but the chances are you will also hook other species. Jacks take lures, spinner baits, fly's and of course fish baits. You can use either fish chunks or whole live bait. Now Jacks are not renowned to be hook shy, so the only time Jacks will not take your bait is if they do not know its there. For the best results Jacks like stimulation, cast lures around that will splash up the water and make some good noise, chum up the water with fish chunks to create some smell and you will attract Jacks. This is the best
