Giant trevally are typically shy. It is important to note that they can be unpredictable and may become aggressive when they feel threatened.
The giant trevally is the largest member of the genus Caranx (Trevally), with a recorded maximum length of 170 cm. As its name suggests, the giant trevally is a large fish with an aggressive predatory streak.
Giant trevallies are aggressive carnivores that hunt a variety of prey. They occasionally pick off prey escaping from other predators like monk seals or use sharks to ambush smaller fish. The giant trevally exhibits incredible hunting skills by launching itself out of the water to catch its prey, sometimes even seabirds mid-flight. This aerial hunting technique is a rare behavior among fish species.
If a perfect saltwater fly fishing species were created, a giant trevally could top the list. Stalking, casting to, fighting and landing one of these fish is an angling accomplishment.
The giant trevally is distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. In Australia, they are most commonly encountered by anglers fishing on or adjacent to coral or rocky reefs.
Giant trevally or “GTs” live in shallow waters, although the adults also love deeper reefs. Probably the most exciting technique to catch giant trevally is popping and spinning other topwater lures close to the shore. The important thing is to work the lures with a lot of action to get the attention of the GT’s.
Bigeye trevally normally live inshore, but they’re just as at home around offshore seamounts. Bigeye trevally put up a serious fight, grabbing at any lure or bait that comes their way.
Giant trevally is a powerful predator that lives in warm tropical waters. It moves fast and can be aggressive when hunting. Knowing the deep-water currents and its habitat gives anglers an edge. Studying feeding habits, migrations, and breeding cycles helps anglers find the best spots.
Are giant trevally good eating?
Giant trevally, also known as ulua, has firm, dense, slightly oily meat. Grilled, pan-fried or BBQ’d lightly, giant trevally is a pleasant eating fish. Overcooking makes the meat dry. The giant trevally is a powerful apex predator which hunts individually or in schools. Its prey includes cephalopods, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Anglers consider smaller giant trevally good eating. The flesh of fish up to 6 kg tastes white, firm and slightly dry with a pleasant flavor. The flesh of larger fish tends to be very dry. Eat trevally on the day of capture for best quality.
Although a good sport fish, giant trevally over 100 lbs are best released. Large, old fish may contain worms. Despite living up to 24 years, giant trevally has low mercury risk.
The best way to catch giant trevally is trolling or casting poppers, metals and stickbaits near coral or rocky reefs. In Australia, prime locations include the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Giant trevally grow up to 170 cm and 80 kg. They mature at 95-96 cm and 5 years old.
Where do giant trevally live?
The giant trevally lives in the Indo-Pacific region, including 80 countries from South Africa to Hawaii. It favors tropical, brackish waters between 33-617 feet deep, often lurking around reefs, tidal flats, lagoons, and channels. Mature individuals migrate offshore searching deeper waters. This large marine fish reaches 80 kg and 170 cm long. It is a powerful apex predator, hunting individually and in schools. Anglers highly prize it for its strength and endurance when hooked. Its color ranges from silver to black, sometimes with silvery-white upper body patterns.
Is a jack crevalle a giant trevally?
Yes, the jack crevalle is a member of the trevally family. It is also known as the common jack or yellow cavalli. The giant trevally is a large, marine fish. It is the largest of all the trevally fishes.
The jacks, or trevally, are a family of strong-swimming predators seen at drop-offs or near reefs. Usually silvery, most have streamlined bodies with varying shapes and forked tails.
Other names for jack crevalle are common jack, black-tailed trevally, couvalli jack, black cavalli, jack crevale.
The crevalle jack’s range is the coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to Uruguay. They also are in the Gulf of Mexico, along the Texas coast and Florida. Yes, jack crevalle are fine to eat if prepared correctly. But they are tough and strong tasting.
The giant trevally, also known as lowly trevally, barrier trevally, or giant kingfish, is a large marine fish in the jack family. In the Philippines, it is called talakitok.
Jack crevalle is related to other gamefish like the jack mackerel and giant trevally. Jack crevalle are three to five pounds, one to two feet long. The females are larger. They have a blunt profile with a sloping head. Two dorsal fins, the second with a matching fin underneath. Green-gold to blue-green on top, bright yellow below. Two black spots on each gill cover and pectoral fin. The throat has no scales, just skin.
Amberjack and jack crevalle are two distinct species. Amberjack are slimmer with a torpedo shape. Jack crevalle are much wider.
The giant trevally grows to 5.5 feet and 170 pounds. It has a silver body with shades of green, blue or black on the back. White underbelly. Highly sought by anglers for strong fight and size.
Voracious predators, crevalle jacks feed on shrimp, invertebrates and smaller fish. They will corner baitfish at surface, creating a commotion seen from far away. Or chase prey onto beaches and against seawalls. Fish often grunt or croak when caught.