The Jack Crevalle is a long-bodied fish, with a forked tail and slim dorsal fins. Gray-stained scutes line its spine, while strong teeth peek out from beneath its pointed mouth. It is a Pacific predator, hunting along continental shelfs. It is quick, agile and clever enough to hide itself among seagrass beds and reefs.
This makes it a challenging option for anglers, many who use a charter service (like the Sunny One) to track the fish down.Â
Successfully reeling a Jack Crevalle is not a simple task. This is a fast fish with a high survival instinct. Â
With support from a charter service (like the Sunny One) and the right bait, however, anglers can catch this wily breed.Â
Live Bait
The Jack Crevalle is a carnivore. It only, however, attacks creatures that are smaller than itself. This is why options like Shrimp, Whitebait and Squids are ideal. They are tiny enough to tempt the Crevalle from its many hiding places and won’t be seen as threats.
Lures
The Jack Crevalle is among the more indiscriminate breeds. It has few requirements for feeding, bullying its way through small schools. Lures, therefore, should be considered if live bait is not available. Brightly colored Plugs, Bucktail jigs, skirted Grubs and more are ideal. These move well in the water, resembling the Jack’s favorite foods, and attract attention.
Baiting the Jack Crevalle is easy: as long as the options are appropriately sized and responsive. Anglers should not rely on anchored lines or even chumming (these fish will often feast on the pieces and ignore the hooks). Small live bait and well-buoyed lures are instead needed.
Take these on every charter service trip (like those offered by the Sunny One) and catch a Crevalle.
Description: The Sunny One is a 32’ custom Maverick ship. It features a 460 HP Caterpillar engine and United States Coast Guard approved equipment (including Furuno navigators, sounders and chart systems).
Anglers: Up to five anglers can board the Sunny One.
The Dorado is a favorite among anglers. Its ray-finned frame marks it as distinctive; its quick speeds brand it a challenge; and hunting this breed along the coast of Los Suenos is a pastime shared by many. Charter boats, like the R & J Proline, are forever sailing out to deep waters.
Bringing the right bait, however, is what makes those sailing trips successful.
Catching a Dorado requires more than a sturdy line and a patient hand. Instead anglers must choose the best available bait. There are live and artificial options to consider.
Live Bait
The Dorado is a carnivorous breed, prone to eat anything it can find. When trying to bait it, however, brilliantly-scaled fish (like the Ballyhoo, the Mullet or the Flying Fish) are recommended. These are more likely to catch the Dorado’s attention and lure it in.
Artificial Bait
Fresh bait is not always possible to find. The Dorado, however, is not difficult to please. Artificial bait will suffice, as long as it’s colorful. Bucktail jigs, Dolphin trollers and more will attract this fish. Utilize feathers, beads and bright knotting.
A successful Dorado trip requires two things: the right bait and the right charter service (like the R & J Proline). Discover both in Costa Rica.
Description: The R & J Proline is a 34’ Proline ship. It features Twin 320 Cat engines, allowing it to achieve a 30 knots cruising speed. On-board navigational equipment (such as GPS, Fish Finders and more) proves helpful during full or half day excursions.
Anglers: Up to four anglers can board the R & J Proline.
Chumming is understood as a valuable deep-sea technique. Each year countless anglers board their charter ships--like the Dream Raiser--and toss carefully ground bait into the Pacific, hoping to tempt Costa Rica’s many fish to the surface.
And it works -- occasionally too well.
Chumming is the process of using fresh bait to lure fish near lines or netting. Sizable pieces are thrown into the water, releasing a scent trail that is almost impossible for Costa Rican breeds (like Marlins, Jack Crevalles and Mahi-Mahi) to deny.
There is a flaw in this idea.Â
When large pieces of chum are tossed from the sides of charter boats, like the Dream Raiser, they don’t serve as bait. Instead they become entire meals, with fish choosing to feed directly from them rather than snagging lines. Hooks are ignored and the chances for catching a deep-sea breed diminish greatly.
It’s imperative, therefore, that all anglers remember to limit the amount of chum they use. The pieces should be small and scattered throughout the day (rather than dropped into the water at once). A variety of baits should be used as well to target multiple breeds and increase overall numbers.Â
Chumming is a vital part of angling. It simply must be monitored.
Description: The Dream Raiser is a 35’ Cabo Express ship. It features Twin 3208 Cat engines. This provides a 435 HP potential and a cruising speed of 26 knots.Â
Anglers: Up to five anglers can board the Dream Raiser.
Without the proper rod, however, it can also be a disaster--with anglers left struggling with fragile materials and sagging lines, their lures spinning uselessly. The fish that flit along the Pacific prove too much for the unprepared.
Choosing the right rod, therefore, is an essential part of any deep sea expedition (like the ones offered from the Dream I).
A rod is more than just graphite and cross-fibers. Instead it’s an extension of the angler who holds it... which means it must be carefully chosen.
Consider these suggestions:
Deep Sea Designated
Every rod is different. Some are meant for fly fishing; others are perfect for light tackle trips. A deep sea excursion (like the ones provided by the Dream I) demands sturdier options. Choose rods that specify open water stability.
Breed Specialized
There are countless fish to find in the Pacific. Each of these boasts a unique shape and size, as well as strong survival instincts (which may lead to underwater acrobatics, like jumping, flailing or twisting against the line). Choose rods that are tailored for each breed. This helps to reduce reel strain and provides greater endurance against Marlins, Sailfish and more.
Modification Potential
Every angler has his own way of casting. A rod should reflect that. Find options that can be modified. Height, weight, balance and more can be realigned, adapting to an individual’s needs and streamlining the process.
Choosing the right rod is the difference between an unforgettable sport fishing trip and one that must be forgotten.
Speciality: The Dream I specializes in sport-fishing.
 Description: The Dream I is a Luhrs Open Sportfishing 2000 ship. It is 36’ long and hosts a Cummins 450 engine that allows it to achieve a maximum speed of 30 knots. It is led by a captain and first mate.
 Anglers: Up to six anglers can board the Dream I.