Damn Good Jack Crevalle Fishing Charters

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Jack Crevalle Fishing Charters

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in San José del Cabo

Tiara Boat 35Ft Sportfishing

91% (11) Managed by Jaime
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Biloxi

3 Night All Inclusive Package

NEW Guided by Bobby
16 ft 1 - 8 People From $10,400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Galveston

Full Day Getaway (Weekend Rate)

100% (20) Managed by Houston
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty Fishing in Galveston

Bay/Jetty Fun! - 33'

97% (34) Managed by Jeff
33 ft 1 - 12 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Naples

4 Hour Trip - 20' Pathfinder

100% (10) Guided by Brian
20 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Tampa

Tampa Inshore Adventures

100% (52) Guided by Wade
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
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Everything to Know About Booking a jack crevalle fishing charter

What are the best jack crevalle fishing charters?

The best jack crevalle fishing charters are:

What is a Jack Crevalle?

The crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) is a large marine fish within the jack family, described and named in 1766 by the Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus. You may recognize them from another name like the common jack, blacktailed trevally, couvalli jack, black cavalli, or yellow cavalli. Jack crevalles are found in tropical and temperate waters in the Atlantic Ocean from Canada, to Uruguay, to Portugal. The young fish migrate from the eastern Atlantic to tropical waters before winter.

The coloring of a jack crevalle can range from a brassy green, to bluish-black dorsally, becoming silvery white or golden ventrally. There is a dark spot on the pectoral fin and another near the face, on the operculum. Juveniles will have five dark, vertical bands on their side, which fade into adulthood.

As their latin name suggests, jack crevalles can be compared to marine horses. They are said to have quite the attitude, and pack a punch when it comes time to reel them in. Voracious eaters, they will kill nearly anything smaller that’s in the way and are known as bullies of the sea. A strong fight is in store if you get one on the line, as jack crevalles are some of the toughest pound for pound.

How big do Jack Crevalle get?

As one of the largest fish in their genus, jack crevalles can grow up to over 40 inches and weigh over 55 pounds. However, an average size is closer to 23 inches long, and are considered mature at 21 inches for males, and 25 inches for females.

There are unverified reports of jack crevalle reaching lengths of over 60 inches, although I think we’ve all caught fish that somehow got bigger and bigger by the time we reach shore.

What's the biggest Jack Crevalle ever caught?

The current world record jack crevalle weighs in at 54 pounds and 7 ounces. It was caught in Gabon, Africa on June 14th, 1991. However, there are claims of bigger that have been caught. Florida Fish and Wildlife lists the Florida state record at 57 pounds, caught in Jupiter, Florida.

Where is the best place to catch Jack Crevalle?

Jack crevalle are found in the Atlantic Ocean, ranging extensively along both the eastern American coastline and the western African and European coastlines. One of the best places to go for crevalle jack is the Gulf of Mexico around the oil rigs. Take a trip out of anywhere along the coast and you’ll find them, peak season being from May until August.

Adults that move offshore are usually found around 100 meters deep in continental shelf waters. There, they live on outer shelf edges, sill reefs, and deep reefs. They can also be found nearshore by reefs and even inshore areas. Depending on the depth and maturity of the fish, they will move in large schools or roam in solitude.

When should I catch Jack Crevalle?

Jack Crevalles can generally be caught year round inshore. They use coastal estuaries to spawn and grow in, as well congregating there during times of cooler water temperatures. The best time to catch a larger jack inshore is in the fall.

These fish in general are highly migrational. On the Atlantic Coast, they will move further north in the summer, towards Port Orange, Florida, and back down towards Palm Beach in the winter. On the Gulf Coast, you’ll have luck year round from the Panhandle to the Keys.

How do you catch Jack Crevalle?

When jacks are hunting, they will drive baitfish to the surface to feed, which attracts birds to the area. This will give you a hint on where to head out once you hit the water. You can catch them with both artificial and live bait, whether you’re trolling, spinning, fly-fishing, or surfcasting. The more natural and active whichever bait you’re using looks, the more likely they will bite.

Though they aren’t as selective as other fish, they are specially noted for their ferocious fights. Due to this, you’ll need to scale your tackle to the size you’re targeting. A 20 to 40 pound monofilament leader is recommended. Jacks will often compete with each other for bait, so be sure not to set the hook until you’re sure they’ve got a good bite, then hang on tight and get ready for a battle!

Are Jack Crevalle good to eat? What are the best Jack Crevalle recipes?

Jack Crevalles are notorious for the fight they put up while fishing, but unfortunately do not make great table fare. If you do choose to keep them for the meat, it is recommended to bleed them upon capture, and that smaller fish tend to taste better.

Though, some will argue that if prepared correctly, they are a delicacy! After bleeding, be sure to soak the fillets in either milk, buttermilk, or beer for several days to remove the fishier taste. Then fry or grill them up, and serve!

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time! Jake was very fun and was great with our group of 6 which included my grandsons that are 9 & 12. Highly recommend and will fish with him again when we make it back to FL!

    Susan E. | June 11, 2025

    Trip: Bay Charter - 23' Skeeter

  • ★★★★★
    Fun time! Cap’n Nick worked hard to get us as many fish as we could.

    Marcus K. | June 5, 2025

    Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing - 22’ Aguasport

  • ★★★★★
    Gary made our day! We caught 9 trout and our autistic daughter was treated with patience and kindness. We picked Gary because he indicated having disabilities was “no problem” and he meant it! We saw dolphins, sea turtles, bird island, a mangrove warbler, and the fish were practically jumping on the boat. Captain Gary knows his stuff and was a great tour guide of the Gulf. You won’t be disappointed!

    Lin A. | June 5, 2025

    Trip: 3 Hr. Trip Any time during daylight

  • ★★★★★
    Sharks were hot! Captain bubba is very experienced and was a really great time!

    Justin S. | June 5, 2025

    Trip: Ultimate Combo Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing day catching fish with Captain Jon-Paul! My wife and I poured over reviews in search of the best fit for us during our long planned vacation to the Keys, and we are so happy we found Jon-Paul. He was extremely knowledgeable about this fishery and overly willing to make sure we had a great time. We caught over 10 different species with the highlights being two Permit, Mangrove Snapper, and Speckled Trout.

    Jason B. | May 31, 2025

    Trip: Bank and Bight Backcountry

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