Jack Crevalle Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Jack crevalle are the pound-for-pound hardest fighting fish in the Gulf of Mexico. These muscular, schooling fish are encountered nearshore and offshore around platforms and open water, putting up spectacular, extended fights on any tackle. Expect battle on the kids and family trips out of Grand Isle.
Up to 40"
Maximum Length
55 lbs
Maximum Weight
20+ yrs
Max Lifespan
Year-Round
Target Season
Jack Crevalle Biology & Identification
Jack crevalle (Caranx hippos) are a thick-bodied, powerful member of the jack family with a blunt, rounded head, deeply forked tail, and distinctive black spot on the edge of the gill plate and at the base of the pectoral fin. They are silvery to green-gold on the back with a yellow flush on the belly and fins. Jack crevalle are highly efficient, muscular fish with a body shape built for sustained, powerful swimming. They are schooling fish found from the surf zone to well offshore, frequenting passes, nearshore platforms, open water over structure, and occasionally deep offshore reefs. In Louisiana, jack crevalle commonly range from 5 to 20 pounds in nearshore waters, with larger fish exceeding 30 pounds encountered offshore.
Targeting Jack Crevalle in Louisiana
Jack crevalle are aggressive, opportunistic feeders that will attack nearly any offering when feeding. Surface popping plugs, spinning jigs, and live baitfish produce explosive topwater strikes from schooling jacks. They can be sight fished when pushing baitfish on the surface — cast ahead of the school and hold on. Light to medium spinning tackle with 20–40 lb braid gives excellent sport. Jack crevalle are not considered prime table fare due to their dark, strong-flavored red meat, but are outstanding catch-and-release fish for sport. They are commonly encountered as bycatch on nearshore platform trips targeting snapper and sheepshead. For kids and new anglers, jack crevalle are outstanding fish — they fight extremely hard relative to their size, making them entertaining catches on any gear.
Target Jack Crevalle Out of Grand Isle & Port Fourchon, LA
Book your offshore fishing charter with American Gulf Fishing Charters. Private boat, federal reef permits, all gear included, up to 6 anglers. Departing from Port Fourchon Marina and Grand Isle, Louisiana.