Jack Crevalle run in schools, usually with fish of similar size. The Jack Crevalle use a teamwork method of cornering baitfish either against an object like a reef or upward against the surface and attacking. This activity is often seen in slashing, vicious attacks that send prey airborne in their attempts to escape the Jacks. Giant Jack Crevalle can be found Nearshore and as far as 4 to 5 miles off of the beaches. Some of the smaller Jacks 8 to 12 lbs, school and feed around inlets and their jetties. The Jack Crevalle can be found in brackish water, by shore reefs, harbors, and in protected bays.
For catching big Jack Crevalle live bait fishing using large 9 to 12 inch mullet is always a productive approach. For offshore Jack fishing chumming the waters with chunks of fish or shrimp can work as Jacks will be attracted to the smell of chum in the water. Use a two to three foot leader of 30 to 40 pound mono, a barrel swivel, and a 5/0 to 7/0 hook. For Jack Crevalle that are inshore in the 5 to 12 pound range live bait is also the best but in a smaller size. Sardines, anchovies, mullet, or any local baitfish that is available live can be used. Any of these baits can be nose hooked. Shrimp will also work well for Jack.
Lures are another effective approach for Jack Crevalle. They will hit almost any kind of top water plug, bucktail jig, plastic grub, or spoon. Jigs are best because they're versatile and can be cast a good distance. Cast them toward the school of jacks and begin retrieving at a fast pace. Some anglers prefer to employ a retrieve known as the Florida whip, in which they pull the rod upward quickly in a jigging motion as they retrieve the jig at a fast pace. Those who favor spoons should simply cast to the school, then begin a rapid retrieve.
Regardless of whether you choose bait or lures, your reel should be loaded with at least 200 yards of at least 20 pound test line for the big Jacks. For the 5 to 10 pound Jack use medium spinning gear and 8 to 12 pound test monofilament.