Black Skipjack

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Southern California south through Baja California and Mexico to Peru. Most abundant in Mexican Pacific waters and the Gulf of California. Rarely encountered north of Baja California. A warm-water tropical species of the Eastern Pacific.

Preferred Water Temperature: 72°F–84°F. A warm-water specialist that stays in tropical to subtropical surface waters. Found near offshore structure, FADs (fish aggregating devices), and areas of upwelling that concentrate baitfish.

Size & Weight: Typically 2–6 lbs. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. An excellent light tackle sport fish and a highly prized live bait for larger pelagics including Sailfish, Striped Marlin, and Wahoo.

Best Lures: Small feather jigs and metal jigs (1–2 oz) produce fast action. Chrome spoons work well in surface schools. Small trolled plugs produce when running between spots. Light spinning tackle with small metal lures is the most effective approach.

Best Baits: Small live anchovies are the top bait. Cut pieces of sardine or mackerel work well. Small squid produce consistent action. Black Skipjack are highly prized as live or dead bait for large pelagic species in Mexican and Central American waters.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Southern California south through Baja California and Mexico to Peru. Most abundant in Mexican Pacific waters and the Gulf of California. Rarely encountered north of Baja California. A warm-water tropical species of the Eastern Pacific.

72°F–84°F. A warm-water specialist that stays in tropical to subtropical surface waters. Found near offshore structure, FADs (fish aggregating devices), and areas of upwelling that concentrate baitfish.

Best Lures: Small feather jigs and metal jigs (1–2 oz) produce fast action. Chrome spoons work well in surface schools. Small trolled plugs produce when running between spots. Light spinning tackle with small metal lures is the most effective approach. Best Baits: Small live anchovies are the top bait. Cut pieces of sardine or mackerel work well. Small squid produce consistent action. Black Skipjack are highly prized as live or dead bait for large pelagic species in Mexican and Central American waters.

Typically 2–6 lbs. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. An excellent light tackle sport fish and a highly prized live bait for larger pelagics including Sailfish, Striped Marlin, and Wahoo.