Why do people think these are junk fish?

[soflabasser]

1 hour ago, Chris at Tech said:

Nope - unfortunately vacation had to end and we returned to the real world.  I'll be back though!

Sounds good!I recommend coming down this time of year again for the permit and for the tarpon a good time to come is during the mullet run.

[Chris at Tech]

On August 2, 2016 at 11:43 PM, soflabasser said:

Sounds good!I recommend coming down this time of year again for the permit and for the tarpon a good time to come is during the mullet run.

We also saw plenty of tarpon but couldn't coax them to bite. My best shot was on a flat, we finally saw one after I made 100+ empty casts trying to get a cuda on a plug.  I pick up the tarpon rig and make a really good cast...Except apparently I hit a cuda right in the head, and I was broken off before I could even close the bail!

 

Mullet run is also on the bucket list!

[Xirmev]

I think people look down on this fish because they will literally hit anything you throw at them. Personally i dont mind, i love the fight they put up. Even the smaller ones pull like theres no tomorrow. 

 

[hawgenvy]

When you're fishing inshore for snook, redfish, tarpon, etc., and the bite is on, the jacks are a nuisance. If you're out for permit and bonefish, stingrays are junk. If you're offshore to catch mackerel, tuna, sails, the bluefish and barracuda are thumbs down. When you're bassing, pickerel and mudfish are junk.

But when you're not catching crap, it suddenly becomes a hell of a lot of fun fighting that junk to the boat. Especially when it's a big muscular fish like the JC.

So:  When you're heading for the skunk, don't get in a funk, go catch some junk!

 

 

[avidone1]

for some reason my quote function isn't working, but hogenvy hit the nail on the head.

I'm an avid snook angler.  When the snook are located there is often a brief window when they will actively feed.  Getting the bait past the jacks to get the snook can be a real challenge.  The jacks are so aggressive they will tear up the baits before the snook get a shot at them.  Lady fish can do the same thing.  Both are a lot of fun to catch.  The jacks pull like nothing else.  Seriously, I don't think there is a stronger fish, pound for pound, then a jack crevalle.  Lady fish on the other hand, put on an air show that is absolutely amazing.  Seeing a two foot lady fish jump six feet out of the water to throw a lure is pretty amazing.

but neither fish has food value, and a snook is a among the best.   Plus, catching a slot snook. (over 28" but under 32") is a real challenge.

I'll take a snook anyday, buy there have been many a day where ladyfish and/or jacks have saved me from the dreaded skunk and they both pretty enjoyable 'junk'

[soflabasser]

Another fish that people consider a "junk fish " but fights well is the Bonita.Bonita fight much harder pound for pound than jack cravelle and are always willing biters when other fish aren't as willing to bite.They are extremely fun to catch on light tackle using lures.