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Horse Eye Jack

Horse Eye Jack

horse eye jack game fish coiba island

 

You will wonder… what the heck have I got on now? When Horse Eye Jack takes the bait

Powerful Fish

 
Bahia Honda’s Nearshore Powerhouse
 Horse-eye Jack (Caranx latus), a dynamic game fish in the Carangidae family, is a prized catch for anglers in Panama’s Pacific waters near Bahia Honda. 
Horse-eye Jacks are pelagic, nearshore fish, inhabiting open waters from the surface to 140 meters (460 feet), typically found in 0–20 meters (0–66 feet) near Bahia Honda’s reefs, drop-offs, and offshore structures like Hannibal Bank. Juveniles school in shallow waters along sandy or muddy bottoms, while adults roam deeper reefs or channels.
They feed near the surface at dawn/dusk, diving deeper (50–100 meters) midday. Anglers target them in 20–100 feet using trolling or casting near coastal reefs.
Horse-eye Jacks range in the eastern Pacific from Mexico to Peru, with unconfirmed presence in Panama due to taxonomic confusion with the bigeye trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus). They undertake short-range migrations, moving between nearshore reefs and offshore waters based on food availability.
In Bahia Honda, they peak during periods of high baitfish abundance, often near Coiba Island, with schools following anchovies or sardines.
Tag-and-recapture studies suggest they don’t stay on one reef long, indicating nomadic behavior across coastal habitats.
El Niño may push them northward, while La Niña concentrates them near Central America.
Horse-eye Jacks grow moderately fast, with a lifespan of 10–15 years. They reach maturity at 34–37 cm (13–15 inches), around 2–3 years.

Growth estimates include:

  • Year 1: 20–30 cm (8–12 inches), 0.5–1 kg (1–2 pounds).
  • Year 2–3: 40–60 cm (16–24 inches), 2–5 kg (4–11 pounds).
  • Year 5–7: 60–80 cm (24–31 inches), 6–10 kg (13–22 pounds).
  • Maximum: Up to 101 cm (40 inches), 13.4 kg (30 pounds); Bahia Honda catches typically range 4–15 pounds.

The IGFA record is 14.51 kg (32 pounds), caught in the Gulf of Mexico (2012).Population StatusThe IUCN lists Horse-eye Jacks as Least Concern (2018), with stable populations due to moderate resilience (population doubling time: 1.4–4.4 years). However, some sources note high vulnerability to fishing pressure, suggesting regional declines from overfishing.

Panama’s Coiba National Park supports healthy stocks, but heavy recreational and minor commercial fishing requires sustainable practices like catch-and-release to prevent depletion.Diet in PanamaNear Bahia Honda, Horse-eye Jacks are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on:

  • Fish (70–80%): Small fish like anchovies, sardines, and juvenile jacks, abundant in coastal waters.
  • Crustaceans (15–25%): Shrimp and crabs, targeted near reefs.
  • Cephalopods (<5%): Squid, eaten opportunistically.

They hunt in schools, ambushing baitfish near the surface or reefs, making them ideal for casting or trolling.Central American Commercial CatchHorse-eye Jacks are a minor commercial species in Central America, caught as bycatch in purse seine and trap fisheries targeting tuna or other jacks.

In Panama, artisanal fisheries near Bahia Honda retain small amounts, but the focus is on sportfishing. Costa Rica restricts commercial harvest, prioritizing recreational catches. Data on specific landings is scarce, but their minor commercial value reduces pressure compared to tuna.
The IATTC promotes bycatch reduction with sustainable gear.
 

Note: Horse-eye Jacks carry ciguatera toxins, making consumption risky, so commercial use is limited.Panama-Specific Facts

  1. Bahia Honda Hotspot: Access to Hannibal Bank and Coiba Island yields 4–15 pound Horse-eye Jacks, ideal for light tackle.
  2. Schooling Spectacle: Schools of 10–50 fish create exciting multi-hookup opportunities near coastal reefs.
  3. Coiba Sanctuary: Coiba National Park protects habitats, ensuring robust populations.
  4. Baitfish Magnet: Often used as bait for larger species like blue marlin or sailfish in Panama’s waters.
  5. Sportfishing Draw: Their fast, powerful fights boost Bahia Honda’s tourism economy.

Remarkable Facts

  1. Big Eyes: Large, prominent eyes with adipose eyelids aid vision in murky waters.
  2. Speedy Swimmers: Reach 30–40 mph, delivering hard strikes and runs.
  3. Yellow Tail: Bright yellow caudal fin distinguishes them from crevalle jacks.
  4. World Record: 32 pounds (Gulf of Mexico, 2012); Panama offers similar potential.
  5. Diver Curious: Juveniles may follow divers, attracted to bubbles, adding intrigue to snorkeling trips.Why Fish from Bahia Honda?Bahia Honda’s nearshore reefs and access to Coiba Island make it a Horse-eye Jack haven. Their schooling behavior and spirited fights are perfect for light tackle anglers using jigs, spoons, or live bait like mullet. The thrill of multiple hookups and their role as bait for trophy fish enhance the experience.
  6. Conservation NoteHorse-eye Jacks are vulnerable to overfishing and carry ciguatera toxins, so avoid consumption and practice catch-and-release, especially for larger fish, to sustain populations. Bahia Honda’s proximity to Coiba supports conservation efforts.