pacific-jack-crevalle
Species Facts

Science Name: Caranx Caninus
Other Names: Toro
Description

Pacific Crevalle Jack are bluish green to greenish gold on the back and silvery or yellowish on the belly. They are compressed, and the deep body has a high rounded profile as well as a large mouth. The tail and anal fin may be yellowish, and the ends of the dorsal and upper tail are occasionally black. There is a prominent black spot on the gill cover and another black spot at the base of each pectoral fin. Young fish usually have about five broad, black bands on the body and one on the head. The soft dorsal and anal fins are almost identical in size, and there are 18 to 21 soft rays in the dorsal fin and 16 to 19 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first arch.

These jacks are popular sportfish and are among the toughest of all inshore fish, although they are not highly valued as table fare. Few fish can out-pull a Pacific Crevalle of equal size. The fight is unspectacular but dogged, the usual pattern being a long first run. Jacks use their flat sides to good advantage when waging a tug-o-war.

If using natural bait, Jacks feed on swimming fish and any small fish hooked through the back, in front of the dorsal fin or in any other way will work-jacks are not particular. You may want to try using 2'-3' of 30#-40# mono as a leader and attach it directly to the line with a double surgeon's knot or to a swivel with an improved clinch knot.

Artificial bait also works extremely well here. Of all the fishes in the sea, jack crevalle are the most cooperative when it comes to fishing with artificials. Anything from a 1/4 oz or larger fast-moving jig in white or yellow with or without a plastic tail, a noisy surface plug, an under-surface swimming plug, or a spoon will work; except for the largest and wisest jacks, it is unnecessary to use anything but artificials. Use a 20#-30# mono leader cut to a size that enables comfortable casting. When a jack comes up behind a lure, always speed it up and work the rod tip in hard jerks; they seem to love the chase and a slow-moving bait just doesn't excite them.

Where to Find
Pacific Crevalle Jacks can be found in the Pacific Ocean, Inshore and out at sea.

Habitat
Pacific Crevalle Jacks are found in salt water out in the open sea anywhere from 1-350 meters deep. Generally in neritic waters over the continental shelf. Crevalles have been known to ascends rivers. Juveniles are abundant in brackish estuaries with muddy bottoms, near sandy beaches and on seagrass beds. They tend to form fast-moving schools, although larger fish may be solitary.

Feeding habits
Crevalles feed mainly on small fish, often forming schools to trap smaller bait fish.

World Record
57 pounds