Bigeye Jacks

Bigeye jacks are medium-sized predatory fish that form large schools on tropical and subtropical reefs, providing sport fishers with ample targets for bait or lure fishing.

Observations at Tubbataha has shown that species is often present in massive aggregations known as spawning aggregations – these gatherings occur at certain sites and times solely for reproduction.

Early Life and Education

Bigeye trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus), also referred to as the Pacific crevalle jack, great trevally or six-banded trevally is a large marine fish belonging to the Caranx genus that can be found throughout Indian and Pacific oceans from South Africa to California and Australia.

Fish are an easy target for anglers using bait or lures ranging from natural baits such as cut fish to artificial plastic fish/squid imitations, spoons and plugs. Commercial fishermen also utilize gill nets, purse seines, hook and line fishing and traditional methods; as do artisanal fishers using traditional techniques. It makes an attractive sportfish and tablefish.

Research has demonstrated that species regularly congregate to particular reefs to spawn. Oil and gas jackets have proven successful at drawing species to sites where they can reproduce safely, providing essential protection to reproduction processes.

Professional Career

Bigeye jacks can be caught by trolling or casting live or cut natural bait such as herring, mullet, garfish, anchovies and squid along with artificial lures such as spoons, plugs, plastic fish/squid imitations or flies. Bigeye jacks are known for being aggressive feeders and can often be found feeding aggressively near shore or harbors. Their pinkish flesh isn’t usually consumed directly but instead used for strip bait and chum.

Personal Life

Bigeye jacks (Caranx sexfasciatus) are opportunistic predators that feed on crustaceans, fish and squid. They often gather in large stationary or slow moving schools over coastal and oceanic reefs during the day; however, after dusk they disperse.

The sexfasciatus variety of bigeye jack is one of seventeen species worldwide that fall into the category known as trevallies or jacks, making for an abundant presence from East Africa to America’s western coastline.

Bigeye jackfish are powerful fighters that will attack any bait presented either trolling or casting with plugs, spoons, plastic fish and feathers. Bigeye jacks possess an enormous appetite that allows them to devour shrimp, invertebrates and both dead and living fish alike; making them staple food sources for sea lions while serving as an important protein source for humans alike.