Science Name: | Caranx hippos |
Other Names: | Cavalla |
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 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.
Where to Find
Crevalle Jacks can be found in both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico,
Inshore and out at sea.
Habitat
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
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.