Yellow Jack

The yellow jack, also known as the “coolihoo,” prefers warmer waters. They can be found in the eastern U.S. from Massachusetts to Florida. Known for being a tasty fish, yellow jacks can be caught using various methods, including bait casting, drift fishing, saltwater jigging, saltwater trolling, spin casting, still fishing, and top water fishing.

Yellow Jack

Region: Northeast, South
Habitat: Ocean

How to identify Yellow Jack

The yellow jack has a vibrant greenish coloring running from its back down to the bottom flanks, where it transitions into a silver abdomen. Young yellow jacks have five vertical markings that fade as it ages. The fins in the mature fish are yellow, whereas young fish have glassy-looking, gold fins. Yellow jacks have long, slim bodies and can grow as long as three feet. The top of their head is curved, and they have transparent eyelids. One of their distinguishing features is their short upper jaw, which doesn’t reach their eyes.

Where to catch Yellow Jack

Yellow jacks are found in the warm waters of the eastern U.S. They inhabit the waters from Massachusetts down to Brazil, the Bahamas, Bermuda, West Indies, and the Caribbean.

Range: Northeast, South
Yellow Jack Fishing Map

The following are habitats where you can catch Yellow Jack:

How to catch Yellow Jack

Often referred to as “coolihoo,” yellow jacks are highly favored by anglers because they are a tasty, white fish. These fish are often caught unintentionally by anglers fishing for other species. They are small enough to be caught with light gear; however, anglers should be aware that these fish are very fast. For that reason, it’s important to reel in quickly once one is hooked, otherwise, they’ll simply steal the bait. The best methods to use when targeting the yellow jack are bait casting, drift fishing, saltwater jigging, saltwater trolling, spin casting, still fishing, and top water fishing.

The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Yellow Jack:

Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Yellow Jack

Yellow jacks respond well to crankbait, live shrimp, and lures, such as jigs, and plugs.

The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Yellow Jack: