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Ever Hooked a Jack Fish? Here’s What You Might’ve Caught

This guide breaks down the jack fish species worth chasing—and a few that might surprise you.

June 05, 2025

If you’ve fished saltwater for more than a minute, you’ve probably tangled with a Jack—and maybe didn’t even know which one. The Carangidae family is full of speedsters, bruisers, and bait stealers, from the powerful amberjacks to flashy rainbow runners and feisty blue runners. In this guide, we break down 16 species of Jack fish found in North American waters—what they look like, where they live, and which ones are worth chasing. Whether you’re ID-curious or looking to expand your saltwater targets, this is your full Jack fish field guide.

5 Best Fishing Piers in Jacksonville

Along miles of Atlantic Coast beaches, Jacksonville’s fishing piers offer several sites to throw the ideal line. The best fishing is found near the St. Johns River and along the 1,110 miles of inner Florida shoreline. The availability of several piers in the vicinity gives anglers a variety of options for casting a perfect line and reeling in fish from sunup to sundown.

Feature

16 Types of Jack Fish Every Angler Should Know

The term jack fish refers to a wide variety of fish species that belong to the Carangidae family. They are fast swimming fish that live in enormous schools, dwelling in habitats such as reefs, seagrass beds, bays, sandy flats, estuaries, etc. Though they are mainly marine fish found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, some can also be found in the areas where the water is brackish – a mix of salty and fresh water.

The Big Catch

Here they are—your catches, your stories, your proud moments on the water.
Submitted by you, shared by us. From record-setting lunkers to the ones that got away (but you got the photo!), every fish tells a tale. Big or small, it’s not just about the catch—it’s about the memory, the company, and the thrill of the fight. Thanks for letting us be part of your fishing story.

Jamiipaige put the hammer down on this crab cruncher 🎣

Ed opened snapper season with a 28-pound slab 🎣

Fishmasters

Call in. Clock out. Cast on. 🎣

Fishmasters

Golden hour and a silver catch 🎣

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About Us

At Fishmasters, we live for the tug on the line, the splash of the catch, and the stories told around the campfire. Whether you're casting off a backcountry dock, chasing trophies offshore, or just getting your feet wet, we're your go-to source for fishing tips, gear guides, and destination deep-dives. We blend real-world know-how with a passion for the great outdoors—because fishing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. Let’s make every cast count.