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Crevalle Jack: ‘Trash fish’ or treasure?

By: Amanda Jefferson / Published: Feb 19, 2021

Ever heard the phrase, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? Believe it or not, this expression actually applies to several species of fish. One such species is the strong-swimming, deep-bodied Crevalle Jack (Caranx hippos), a member of the globally-occurring family “Carangidae.”

This particular species of jack inhabits both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico, and is common in our inshore, nearshore and offshore waters. Crevalle Jack are voracious, piscivorous (fish-eating) predators. As such, they are fast swimmers, fueled by substantial amounts of red muscle. This produces what most U.S. fishermen deem a relatively unpleasant taste – hence the moniker “trash fish.”

Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Marine Fisheries Specialist Matthew Jargowsky proudly displays a large Crevalle Jack caught near Fort Morgan, Alabama.
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Marine Fisheries Specialist Matthew Jargowsky proudly displays a large Crevalle Jack caught near Fort Morgan, Alabama.

Despite this, Crevalle Jack actually comprise important commercial fisheries in Central and South America and are often sought in the United States by sportfishers. Crevalle Jack are prime gamefish for two reasons: 1) their large size – they commonly grow to more than 30 pounds and the International Game Fish Association all-tackle world record is 66 pounds (set in Angola in 2010) – and 2) their strong fighting ability. In fact, according to Dr. Bob Shipp, Professor Emeritus at the University of South Alabama, “There is no tougher game to be had in shallow, coastal waters with light tackle than this species.”

Over the past three decades, annual recreational catch of Crevalle Jack in the Gulf of Mexico has fluctuated between 2 and 10 million fish. Yet, the high percentage of individuals released after capture – approximately 90% – speaks to their popularity as sportfish and, by the same token, to their unpopularity as food fish here in the Gulf region.

If you’re interested in trying your hand at fighting Crevalle Jack, here are a few tips:

  • Crevalle Jack tend to school, so look for surface-water turbulence potentially representing a school of feeding Crevalle Jack.
  • The species also has an interesting tendency – particularly in Mississippi and Alabama waters – to congregate behind shrimp boats and feed from actively trawling nets, as well as on trawl discards. So, if you can locate a shrimp boat, you may be able to find Crevalle Jack nearby.
  • Given their aggressive nature, Crevalle Jack like to hit a moving bait, so it’s best to use large live bait or fast-retrieving artificial lures such as jigs, spoons or topwater plugs.
  • Keep in mind that they like to hit your bait or lure hard and run with it, so be sure to have a minimum of 200 yards of at least 30-pound test line on your reel.

Armed with these tips, you’ll be all set to land your own Crevalle Jack!

Last but not least, if you’re brave enough to add this species to your dinner menu (I know some of you readers will try anything), click here for a fantastic 1985 Sea Grant brochure containing detailed information about filleting and cooking Crevalle Jack. Spoiler alert: there’s even a recipe for Crevalle Jack Lasagne!

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