Dominica · Dominica Coast
JACKS FISHING
IN SCOTTS HEAD
Scotts Head 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 Scotts Head
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 — Scotts Head
Month-by-month availability for jacks in Scotts Head, DM.
How to Catch Jacks in Scotts Head
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 Scotts Head
Top spots where local captains target jacks and other nearshore species.
Scotts Head Pinnacle Reef
The volcanic pinnacle at Scotts Head drops steeply on its seaward sides, creating wall habitat in 20-100+ feet of water that holds grouper, barracuda, amberjack, and large jacks. The pinnacle's position at the Caribbean-Atlantic convergence creates powerful currents that sweep baitfish and nutrients past the structure.
Soufrière Volcanic Reef
The reef along the Soufrière coast features volcanic rock formations and coral in 20-60 feet of water, with underwater hot springs creating mineral-rich conditions that support a dense food chain. Grouper, yellowtail snapper, and queen triggerfish thrive in the warm, nutrient-rich waters.
Grand Bay Reef
The reef off Grand Bay features coral formations on volcanic substrate in 15-50 feet of water that hold lane snapper, hogfish, and barracuda. The reef's position on the south coast provides fishable conditions most of the year, with both Caribbean and Atlantic influences.
L'Abyme Deep Ledge
A volcanic ledge south of L'Abyme drops into deep water where grouper, queen snapper, and amberjack hold along the dramatic structure. The ledge marks the transition from Dominica's narrow southern shelf to the deep Caribbean basin.
Other Species in Scotts Head
More fish you can target while visiting Scotts Head.
Jacks Fishing in Scotts Head — FAQ
Jacks fishing in Scotts Head is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Jacks fishing charters in Scotts Head 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 Scotts Head, your captain provides all required Dominica fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Jacks regulations in Dominica 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 Scotts Head, you may also catch Yellowfin Tuna, Caribbean Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Blue Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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