When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. I found that 1- to 1.5-ounce, metal jigs were a better choice but still didn't catch my target fish. I also tried using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.
Spoons
You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. These spoons are very effective in catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.
When choosing a spoon, choose one that has a long, stocky body and is not too long. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. If you are fishing in twilight, use a single hook rigged on a split ring. Do not use a treble hook, as it can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons into the Florida coast has been a great method to catch Spanish mackerel. They make a great and delicious meal because of their quick swimming. You will find great action in St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. A weedless plastic lure is a better option if you are looking to catch more fish.
Trolling can also be used to catch Spanish mackerel. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. To avoid tangling your line, it is important to have a swivel at the end of the diving planer. An umbrella spoon rig is also an option. You should not trot at seven miles per hour, as this can result in a poor catch rate.
Hard-Baits
When drifting for Spanish mackerel, anglers have the option to use either live or artificial baits. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.
Spanish mackerel love spoons and flies that imitate their prey. These baits are effective for locating Spanish mackerel in both the Gulf and Atlantic. You can also use a spoon or hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits will cover more water, which increases the odds of hooking a Spanish mackerel.
For Spanish mackerel, you can use Spoons or Got-Cha lures. They are sturdy and catch the fish from every depth of the water column. Florida's most popular lure is the Get-Cha. These lures come with built-in rattles, which attract Spanish mackerel. They can be reeled quickly. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be challenging so be ready to face some stiff competition. Be prepared for a fight. Daniel Flinn, an expert on the subject, can give you some advice. Find out where Spanish mackerel are at sea by visiting local marinas and reading fishing reports. You should also allow for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.
Jigs
It is crucial to choose the right jig to catch Spanish. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. A long shank hook is best for tying a hook. You can also use treble hooks with a long leader for best results. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.
Spanish mackerel fishermen have a main concern about the taste. While many anglers don't enjoy eating them, you may want to consider preparing the fish for cooking the same day you catch it. Spanish mackerel are notorious for being a bit fishy. You should prepare it as soon as possible. It is recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.
Although jigs can work well for Spanish mackerel fishing, live bait is the best. Capt Jim loves the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait because it mimics small bait fish. For him, olive and white work best. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.
Inlets
Fort Pierce's Inlets have been producing good Spanish mackerel fishing action and other species. Fisherman are also reporting Snook, Redfish catches, Sheepshead, Black Drum, while fishing Spanish mackerel. For Spanish mackerel fishing, anglers use spoons and jigs. On the north jetty, live shrimp are being caught. Live shrimp are also a great option during the evening.
Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near inlets and reefs. They should use long lines that run along the edge or near the school to get the best results. The fish will dive if the line runs through or across the school. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.
Spanish mackerel can be aggressive feeders at both the dawn and dusk. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. These minnows can be difficult to catch but they are worth it! Flats, passes, and inlets are the best places to catch Spanish mackerel. Don't forget your fishing poles!
These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. These fish are both prolific inshore as offshore. You can catch them by casting and trolling a lure tube. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can either be fished cast or trombled. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.
Inlets in South Florida
If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Anglers have a prime opportunity to catch Mackerel as they tend to feed close the surface. You can fish your lure or live bait into the inlet if the water level is low. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.
If you are looking for a great fishing location, you might want to try Fort Lauderdale. Capt. Capt. Visit their website to find out more about where you can fish. You can also listen online to the show by searching the keywords "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” and "Small Inlets".
Spanish mackerel can also be found along the coast near Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also target other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area to Flagler Bridge, you can catch flounder, jack crevalle and sandperch. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night
When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They will continue to appear until the water temperature drops below 70°F. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. Then, you can use the water temperatures to determine the best times to fish for them.
When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. For the best chances of catching these fish you need to fish at least 2 hours offshore. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. These fish are aggressive and will not slow down if you keep them moving.
Most surf fishermen inexperienced prefer to fish the inshore waters off the Florida Panhandle in April. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. Fish can now find water easier because the rains that started in March have stopped. The waters are still warm enough to support a few pomona. A tube lure or jig is a good option if you want to catch red or white whiting in the surf. Spanish mackerel often swim offshore of bars.
FAQ
What type of gear are you going to need for fishing?
A rod, reel with line, hooks and bait, as well as some snacks. If you want to catch fish, you should know how to cast, rig up a hook, and use a bobber. You must wait for the right moment and be patient.
How do I clean a fish?
There are many ways to clean a salmon. One method is to remove the head. After that, rinse the fish with cold running water. The fish can also be gutted by you. This involves removing the intestines from the fish and cleaning out the cavity. Finally, you can ask someone else to help you clean the fish.
What are the different types of lures you can use?
Yes, there is a wide range of lures. Some lures are designed specifically for certain species of fish. Others are made to imitate insects, worms, frogs, crayfish, grasshoppers, etc. You can find lures in many shapes and sizes. Some lures can even be shaped like real insects.
What's the right fishing rod length?
The type of fish that you are trying to catch is a key factor in the length and style of your fishing rod. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. A 7'5" rod would be better if your goal is largemouth bass.
Statistics
- 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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- For most freshwater species you are most likely to target when first starting out, a reel size of 20 to 30 should be more than enough! (strikeandcatch.com)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
External Links
How To
How to fish in Freshwater
Freshwater fishing refers to the sport of catching freshwater fish, such as fish caught from rivers, lakes, streams, and other freshwater sources. There are many types of fish that can be caught, including bass, carp and crappie, trout as well, walleyes, perch, pike (muskie), eel and many other species. These species can all be caught using several methods. Some popular methods include casting, trolling, jigging, spinnerbaits, flyfishing, baitcasting, and ice fishing.
Finding the right location to catch fish is an important step. This typically means you need to choose a location close to your water supply. Next you must decide what kind of equipment you want to use.
For live bait to work, choose something that looks familiar and appealing to the fish. You can use live bait such as worms and minnows, insects, grasshoppers, bloodworms and leeches.
Artificial lures can be used. These baits are made of plastic, wood feathers rubber metal foam and other materials. Artificial lures come in many shapes and sizes. They mimic natural prey like minnows, crawfish and shiners as well as grubs and other aquatic animals. It is easy to cast lures into the water and it doesn't take much skill. It is easy to set up lures and to retrieve them once they have reached their target.
You might want to learn how to cast if you don’t want live bait or want to try new techniques. Casting is one of the easiest ways to catch fish. It takes very little effort and requires no special skill.
All you need are a rod and reel, line, sinker, floatant and hooks. A simple pole will suffice to cast. Casting is as easy as holding the rod vertically high above the water. Then you slowly lower the tip of the rod until it touches the water. The line will start to come off the reel as soon as it touches the water. When the line reaches its full length, you let go of the rod and watch the lure fall back into the water.
Trolling is another way to catch fish. Trolling, which uses a boat and lures to move through the water, is another method of catching fish.
Fishing is both enjoyable and lucrative. There are many types of fishing, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some techniques are easier than others. However, they require patience and practice.