Pacific Crevalle Jack

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Baja California and the Gulf of California south to Peru. A schooling, open-water and nearshore species found along sandy beaches, in estuaries, and over rocky reefs. Closely related to the Atlantic Crevalle Jack but a distinct Pacific species.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–82°F. A warm-water species that follows baitfish schools in nearshore Pacific waters. Highly aggressive and found in large, fast-moving schools that trap bait against the surface.

Size & Weight: Typically 3–15 lbs. Trophy fish reach 30+ lbs. An incredibly tough fighter that runs hard and long — far stronger than its size suggests. Known as one of the hardest-fighting inshore fish in the Pacific.

Best Lures: Virtually any lure thrown into a feeding school will produce strikes. Topwater poppers and stick baits produce explosive surface action. Chrome spoons and flashy jigs work at any depth. Swimbaits produce consistent results. They will hit nearly anything when in a feeding frenzy.

Best Baits: Live anchovies and sardines are top baits. Live shrimp produce consistent results. Cut mullet and other oily fish work well. Even artificial flies produce catches during surface feeding events.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Baja California and the Gulf of California south to Peru. A schooling, open-water and nearshore species found along sandy beaches, in estuaries, and over rocky reefs. Closely related to the Atlantic Crevalle Jack but a distinct Pacific species.

68°F–82°F. A warm-water species that follows baitfish schools in nearshore Pacific waters. Highly aggressive and found in large, fast-moving schools that trap bait against the surface.

Best Lures: Virtually any lure thrown into a feeding school will produce strikes. Topwater poppers and stick baits produce explosive surface action. Chrome spoons and flashy jigs work at any depth. Swimbaits produce consistent results. They will hit nearly anything when in a feeding frenzy. Best Baits: Live anchovies and sardines are top baits. Live shrimp produce consistent results. Cut mullet and other oily fish work well. Even artificial flies produce catches during surface feeding events.

Typically 3–15 lbs. Trophy fish reach 30+ lbs. An incredibly tough fighter that runs hard and long — far stronger than its size suggests. Known as one of the hardest-fighting inshore fish in the Pacific.