Top Yellow Jack Fishing Countries

The yellow jack (Carangoides bartholomaei) is a fast-swimming, predatory fish found predominantly in the western Atlantic Ocean, especially around the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southeastern coast of the United States. Recognized by its elongated body and distinctive yellowish coloration, this species is valued both as a game fish and for local consumption. The top countries engaged in yellow jack fishing include the United States (notably Florida), Cuba, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations such as Puerto Rico and Jamaica. While yellow jack is not a primary target of large-scale commercial fisheries, it is commonly caught by artisanal and recreational fishers using hook-and-line, nets, and traps. In these regions, yellow jack contributes to local food security and supports small-scale fishing economies, with catches typically sold fresh in local markets or consumed by the fishers themselves.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.