Jack Crevalle
About the Fish
Jack Crevalle are mostly a schooling species, they feed in packs. They can be schooled in sizes from 6-25 pounds. They have a distinct black blotch on pectoral fins and one on their gill plate. They have silvery sides and bluish green on upper body. They feed on any bait fish as well as shrimp. Peak spawning occurs offshore from March through September. The Florida record is 51 pounds!
Seasons
Jacks are available at their peak months of April and May along the entire Florida Keys reef line. During the winter months they are found primarily on the Gulf of Mexico side of Key West.
Where to Catch Them
In Key West they are caught in the channels that carry the schools of bait and the outer edges of the flats. They school up and swim with the bigger sharks and rays often. They can be encountered anywhere.
How/ Techniques to Catch Them
Jacks Crevalle will be anywhere where there is plenty of eats. Look for them finning as they circle near the surface of the water. They will assault any live bait, and will respond well to plugs and lures.
Equipment Used to catch them
The fly tackle should be an 8 or 9 wt. rod, and at least 150 yards of backing. A 20 pound shock should be fine. They will attack poppers with a vengeance, Deceivers and Clousers. The spinning tackle should be at a 15-20 pound set up with a 20 pound leader.
