Antigua & Barbuda · Antigua Coast
JACKS FISHING
IN ENGLISH HARBOUR
English Harbour is a solid destination for jacks fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, April. Book a charter and target jacks with local experts.
About Jacks Fishing in English Harbour
The jack family includes horse-eye jacks, bar jacks, blue runners, and the powerful crevalle jack — all found in abundance throughout the Caribbean. Jacks are aggressive feeders that hunt in schools around reefs, wrecks, and shorelines. They are pound-for-pound among the hardest-fighting fish in the sea and are excellent targets for light-tackle, fly, and shore fishing anglers.
The jack family (Carangidae) includes some of the hardest-fighting fish in the Caribbean — powerful, blunt-headed predators that wage war using sheer brute strength and bulldogging stamina. The Caribbean's primary jack species include Crevalle Jack (Caranx hippos), Horse-eye Jack (Caranx latus), Bar Jack (Caranx ruber), Blue Runner (Caranx crysos), and the almighty Almaco Jack (Seriola rivoliana). Found from shallow flats and mangroves to deep reefs and offshore structure, jacks are aggressive feeders that attack lures, flies, and live bait with reckless abandon. Pound for pound, they are among the strongest fighters in the ocean, and a large crevalle jack on light tackle will test any angler's endurance.
Scientific name: Caranx spp.
Jacks Seasonal Calendar — English Harbour
Month-by-month availability for jacks in English Harbour, AG.
How to Catch Jacks in English Harbour
Techniques & Bait
Topwater plugs, poppers, and stickbaits retrieved aggressively on the surface produce explosive strikes from crevalle and horse-eye jacks. Large Yo-Zuri poppers, Shimano Orca, and Heddon Super Spooks worked with loud pops and splashes trigger the aggressive feeding instinct. Vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs (150-300g) on deep reefs and wrecks targets almaco jacks and amberjack. Live bait — pilchards, blue runners, or goggle-eyes — freelined or on a fishfinder rig near reef structure or in passes is deadly for all jack species. Fly anglers use large Deceivers, Crease Flies, and EP baitfish patterns on 9-12 weight rods.
Recommended Tackle
Inshore jacks: medium-heavy spinning rod (7 ft), 4000-5000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader. Large crevalle or horse-eye jacks: heavy spinning or conventional, 40-65 lb braid, 50-80 lb leader. Deep reef jacks (almaco, amberjack): heavy jigging rod, conventional reel, 65-80 lb braid, 80-100 lb leader. Jacks fight hard toward structure — you need the backbone to turn them before they reach the reef and cut you off.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in English Harbour
Top spots where local captains target jacks and other nearshore species.
Shirley Heights Reef
The reef system below Shirley Heights on English Harbour's eastern shore drops from shallow coral to 40-70 feet, holding grouper, yellowtail snapper, and large barracuda along the reef wall. The reef's exposure to Atlantic currents brings nutrients that support a dense food chain.
Windward Bay Reef
Windward Bay east of English Harbour features a reef system in 20-60 feet of water that holds mutton snapper, lane snapper, and triggerfish over coral structure. The bay's windward position means the reef is flushed with clean Atlantic water carrying plankton and baitfish.
Mamora Bay Ledge
A rocky ledge extending from Mamora Bay drops into 50-80 feet of water where grouper, amberjack, and queen snapper hold along the structure. The ledge is within easy range of English Harbour and produces consistent bottom fishing year-round.
Green Island Reef
Green Island off Antigua's southeast coast near English Harbour is surrounded by extensive reef that holds an impressive diversity of snapper, grouper, and jacks. The island's reef system extends well offshore and provides productive nearshore fishing grounds.
Other Species in English Harbour
More fish you can target while visiting English Harbour.
Jacks Fishing in English Harbour — FAQ
Jacks fishing in English Harbour is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Jacks fishing charters in English Harbour are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Topwater plugs, poppers, and stickbaits retrieved aggressively on the surface produce explosive strikes from crevalle and horse-eye jacks. Large Yo-Zuri poppers, Shimano Orca, and Heddon Super Spooks worked with loud pops and splashes trigger the aggressive feeding instinct. Vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs (150-300g) on deep reefs and wrecks targets almaco jacks and amberjack. Live bait — pilchards, blue runners, or goggle-eyes — freelined or on a fishfinder rig near reef structure or in passes is deadly for all jack species. Fly anglers use large Deceivers, Crease Flies, and EP baitfish patterns on 9-12 weight rods.
No — when you book a charter in English Harbour, your captain provides all required Antigua & Barbuda fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Jacks regulations in Antigua & Barbuda include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Jacks in English Harbour, you may also catch Bonefish, Yellowfin Tuna, Caribbean Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Blue Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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