Crevalle Jack fishing in Florida

Crevalle jacks are some of the hardest-pulling fish a Florida shore angler can hook. They roam both coasts, holding around inlets, passes, bridges, jetties, pier ends and river mouths, and schools blitz the surf during the fall mullet run and chase bait across the flats in warmer months. Moving water is key, particularly an outgoing tide that pulls bait out of inlets, and busting bait or diving birds give them away. Throw a popper, walking topwater, spoon or bucktail into the commotion and retrieve fast, or freeline a live finger mullet or pinfish. Tackle should be stout: 20 to 30 lb braid, 30 to 50 lb leader and strong 2/0 to 5/0 hooks, with a drag set to stop a fish that turns sideways and uses the current. Expect long, deep, circling fights, so keep the fish away from pilings and rocks. Jacks are poor table fare for most anglers and are usually released, so revive them well before letting go. Check current FWC rules before keeping one.