Crevalle Jack
Jurel común
Caranx hippos · Carangidae
- Category
- Yellowtail & Jacks
- Found in
- Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
About Crevalle Jack in Mexico
How to recognize it
The Atlantic crevalle jack has a blunt, steep head, a deep body, and a yellow-tinged tail. Two marks pin it down: a black spot on the gill cover and another dark blotch at the base of the pectoral fin. A row of hard scutes runs along the tail. Fish range from schoolies of a few pounds up to bruisers of 20 pounds or more.
Where and when in Mexico
This species, jurel común, lives on Mexico's Gulf and Caribbean coasts. It is distinct from the Pacific crevalle jack found off Baja and the mainland Pacific coast. Crevalle roam bays, river mouths, passes and nearshore reefs from Tampico and Veracruz south through Campeche and around the Yucatán, and into the Mexican Caribbean, including Chetumal Bay and the flats of Ascension Bay. They are present year-round in many areas, with schools moving in response to bait and water temperature. Mexico Fish Reports' landings have no counts for this species.
How it's fished
Anglers find crevalle by watching for surface blitzes and diving birds, then casting poppers, spoons, bucktails or swimbaits. Live mullet or sardines drifted near jetties and mouths of rivers also work. On the Caribbean flats, guides sometimes pitch flies to schools that cruise by while looking for bonefish or permit.
Good to know
Crevalle pull extremely hard and rarely quit, so medium tackle is a good idea. The meat is dark and strong-tasting; most anglers release them.
Fishing rules in Mexico
- General limit: 10 fish per angler per day, max 5 of one species
Source: NOM-017-PESC-1994 §4.9.1 (2013 mod.). Rules change; confirm current limits, seasons and permits with CONAPESCA before you fish.
