Casting spoons and got-cha baits for Spanish mackerel fishing is easy if you know a few basics. Bucktails, for example, come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 1/16 ounce to a half-ounce. You can adjust bucktail size to match the size you are after.
Casting spoons
Spanish bass are a good choice when selecting a rig. Casting spoons should be flat and have no cupping. They also need to be short in length. Spanish bass prefer small baitfish and so a shiny, glossy finish is great for sunny days. For cloudy days, a matte finish will work well. Your Spanish bass fishing rig should be rigged with one hook and a split-ring. A treble hook will cause missed strikes and a hiccup, so don't use it.
Although a metal spoon is capable of catching a wide variety of fishes, the main species to be targeted are Bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Generally, these species are attracted to lures with a fast retrieve. A jigging spool will produce a fluttering action which fish enjoy. A jigging teaspoon is also a good option if you fish on a river or lake.
Spanish mackerel don't have very strong teeth and are attracted to light lures. Casting spoons made of light wire will help prevent the lures from coming apart during a fight. Spanish mackerel is small but can still be hooked using a triple hook. The light wire will protect your hand from the razor sharp teeth. Your cast will be more effective if you have a smaller bait.
Got-Cha lures
A classic Gotcha lure is an excellent choice for catching Spanish mackerel schools. The treblehook bait will sink quickly and can be quickly retrieved. The rod tip can be jerked underwater to create a deadly darting action. Spanish fish love the action. Before you jig the lure, be sure it sinks to the bottom. For the best chances of hooking a Spanish Mackerel, make sure to reach the bottom of the water column using the lure.
You need to use Got-Cha lures in Spanish makerel fishing rigs. Long leaders can result in a loss of fish. Spanish mackerel will not like a leader that is longer than a medium length. A shorter leader is better if you fish in streams or rivers.
Charter boat captains know the value of a diamond jig. These jigs are lightweight and extremely useful when Spanish mackerel eat glass minnows in transparent water. They are enticed to strike with their flashy jigs. Although diamond jigs can be rolled, larger versions are better for vertical jigging than structure.
Monofilament line
Although braided lines can be used on Spanish mackerel fishing rods, many anglers prefer monofilament line. Monofilament is a flexible line that doesn't pull the hook when the fish bites. This is because these fish can live in open waters and are unlikely to bite a leader of 20 pounds. Choosing a leader is a balancing act that depends on the type of Spanish mackerel you want to catch.
Monofilament line is more expensive but fluorocarbon lines are a better choice than monofilament. Because it is undetectable submerged, fluorocarbon is better for baits or live trap angling. Mono is less likely to snap or fray when the fish bites, and it holds knots well. Mono is cheaper and more flexible than fluoro.
Spanish mackerel can often be caught using live bait. You can use shrimp or baitfish, but live sardines are the best. Spanish mackerel will more readily take live bait if the bait is flashy or fast-moving. A trolling spoon is designed to be trolled at high speeds and covers a wide area. Trolling is an ideal method of trolling when Spanish mackerel have stopped working on the surface.
Braided Line
You will catch more fish and have more bites if you choose the right leader. When you're targeting Spanish, any mistake you make will be magnified. Because it is light and doesn't feel bulky, a light graphite wire between 8-10 feet is the best. It can reach Spanish schools and will not feel too heavy. If you are casting over long distances, heavier wire is possible but not recommended.
A gotcha lure is a must-have when Spanish mackerel are in the area. The lure sinks quickly after being cast. A jerking of the tip can cause a deadly darting action below the water. The lure is so deadly that Spanish fish will not hesitate to attack it. Once you have removed your lure, drop it to the bottom. Then look for fish in the water column.
For fishing in Florida, you'll need a 8 to nine-weight fly rod with an excellent drag system. A floating line will be most effective for fishing at the surface. An intermediate sinker is better for deeper flats. A wire leader could cause vision problems for the fish. Monofilament leaders work well for surface fishing. However, Spanish mackerel can snag wire leaders.
Speck rigs
There are many ways you can use Speck rigs to catch Spanish makers. A speck rod can catch some the most impressive Spanish, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Pete suggests trolling a lure made of specks well behind your boat. The line should be longer than the boat so the motor does not disturb the lure. Another option is to use a free-spool small menhaden (known as peanut bunker, or pogy).
Speck rigs can be fished from a pier or the beach. For the best results, cast quarters at 45 degrees to maximize the rig's potential. The "Water Walker" fishing rod can be used if you fish from the pier. It replaces the inline sinker with an adjustable popping cork. The rig flips and allows fish imitations of baitfish. Love Lures Speck Rigs is another popular Speck rig. It has two dropper loop jigs and a fluorocarbon lead of 20 to 30 pounds.
Trolling around structures is one of most popular ways to catch these fish. Kingfish can be found at the shore and near buoys. Baits that work well are alewives, small menhaden, live shrimp and alewives. When targeting them near structure, use a speck rig with live shrimp or fresh shrimp. While trolls are the most popular method for catching Spanish mackerel, other types of lures can be used.
Drifting
It is important to learn the ropes of Spanish mackerel drifting. You will need a leader of 30 feet to get started. You can either hand line it or attach it to your boat. But, be sure to watch for strikes. You'll notice that your lures speed changes when you make 90-degree turn. The speed of the lines going inside the turn will decrease, and the speed of those going outside the turn will increase. Match the speed of the lines that are catching more fish.
Drifting baits work well with either artificial or live bait. You have many options. For drifting, split shot is also a good choice. To lower the risk of cutoffs you will need to use a long-shanked line. It will work well with a 1/0 hook. You can cover a lot of ground with a 1/0 Hook. Drifting works well in both offshore or inshore waters.
To attract Spanish mackerel, artificial reefs are also a good idea. These fish can often be found at the bottom of the Bay, near tunnel tubes. Cut bait or baited pops can be used if you are fishing from a pier. Drifting live bait is the best method to catch these species. In summer, you might also want to fish off Virginia's coast. If the current is running hard, the fish will most likely be aggressive and attack metal spoons.
Live bait
The proper rig is essential if you intend to use live bait for Spanish mackerel fishing. Spanish mackerel fishing equipment is basically the same as for king mackerel. Instead of using a single hook, you'll use two smaller bucktails and a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails may be small or big depending on the size your baitfish.
Live bait can be either a shrimp or a small silvery fish. If you prefer, you can cast it into a school of breaking fish or drift it across an open ocean. You can also use chumming to catch a strike, whether you are fishing offshore or inshore. Live bait is generally the best method to catch Spanish mackerel. These fish are easy to clean, too, and you can find them at your local bait shop.
When drifting for Spanish mackerel, you can use live or artificial bait. Drifting is best when using live shrimp or bait fish. Split shot can be used to attract more Spanish mackerel. Long-shanked hooks work best with this type of fish. This reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 is an excellent choice for all-around fishing.
FAQ
Where can I get good fishing guides?"
There are many services that fishing guides can offer. They can advise you on the best areas to fish, give tips on catching particular types of fish, and even teach how to use different types fishing equipment.
What happens if I am caught illegally fishing?
You may face fines, jail time, and even loss of your fishing license. Before you go fishing, it's important that you know the rules.
What is the correct length fishing rod?
The right fishing rod length depends on what kind of fish you want to catch. If you're going for smallmouth bass, a 6'6" rod would be ideal. However, if you're looking for largemouth bass, a 7'5" rod might work better.
How can I tell if my lure is working?
Watch for movement when you throw your lure in the water. If you see movement, then your lure is working properly.
What are the different types of lures you can use?
Yes, there are many kinds of lures. Some lures can be tailored to specific fish species. Others are made to imitate insects, worms, frogs, crayfish, grasshoppers, etc. You can find lures in many shapes and sizes. Some lures are even designed to look like real bugs.
Statistics
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- To substantiate this theory, Knight attempted a systematic inquiry by considering the timing of 200 'record' catches, more than 90 percent were made during a new moon (when no moon is visible). (myfwc.com)
- Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Location
It is important to know the type of fish that you are looking for in order to find the best spots for fishing. It's important to decide if deep sea fishing is for you or shallow water. Deep sea fishing requires a boat. This is expensive. Shallow water fishing requires no boat and can be done from shore. If you're interested in catching trout, you'd probably choose shallow water fishing. You'll need to travel to deeper water if you are looking for barracuda.
There are many fishing spots to choose from, depending on which type you prefer. Some spots offer one type of fishing, while others offer several. For example, some places are known for their bass fishing while others specialize in fly fishing. Some places are well-known for their shark fishing and crabbing.
The best way for you to decide where to go is to consider your budget, what you want to do, and how long it will take. Do you enjoy camping? If so, you might be interested in a spot near a lake. Do you prefer city life? You might prefer the beach. Maybe you enjoy the beach, kayaking, canoeing or sailing.
You can always ask someone who is knowledgeable about fishing if you don't have a lot of knowledge. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You could even try searching online for "fishing spots near me." This will give you lots of ideas. It would be fantastic if you could narrow down the choices by reviewing ratings and reviews. You can do this on many websites.
After you have chosen a location, you should make it a point to visit it before you go. Ensure you get directions because sometimes it takes longer than expected to get there. It is important to take everything you might need. Don't forget your tackle box, bait, and sunscreen!
Research the weather conditions at your fishing spot is also an excellent idea. Seek out the forecast to see the best times of day. Changes in the weather can cause you to alter your plans.
You now have the information you need to plan your trip. The next step is deciding what you're going to use to fish.