Trout Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By David McKinney 22 June, 2023 6 mins read

I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. 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 spoons with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. I instead chose to use small jigs attached with a tiny worm.

Spoons

You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely effective in catching these fish. Spoons can be cast far and covered a lot of water. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.

Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. Shiny spoons are best for sunny days and matte ones for rainy days. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. You should not use a triple hook because it can cause missed strikes.

Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. They are a tasty and enjoyable meal due to their fast swimming speed. You'll find plenty of action around St. Augustine as well as Matanzas. These fish are often caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can also use a weedless, plastic bait to catch more fish.

Trolling for Spanish mackerel is also an option. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. 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

Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. It is advisable to use a large hook to reduce the chance of cutting offs. For casting to the reefs, a 1/0 hook is a good choice. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.

The most effective lure for Spanish mackerel is a flies or spoon that imitates its prey. These baits are very effective in locating Spanish mackerel, both in the Atlantic or Gulf. You can also use a spoon to bait the fish. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

Spoons as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch Spanish mackerel. They are tough and catch the fish at all depths. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures include rattles built in that attract Spanish mackerel and can be quickly reeled into. Rat-L -Traps, MirrOdines and other baits can also be effective.

Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. Be prepared for a fight. You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. Check out fishing reports and local marinas to find out the exact location of Spanish mackerel. Remember to make room 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. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. Live shrimp is a great option if live bait is your preference.

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 known for being a bit fishy, so you should try to have it prepared as soon as possible. It is best to cook the fish within 24hrs of it being caught.

While jigs work well in Florida for Spanish mackerel fish fishing, they are not the best. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. For him, olive and white work best. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.

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. The best way to catch Spanish mackerel is for anglers to use spoons or lures. Live shrimp can be found on the north side of the jetty. Live shrimp are also available during the evening.

Spanish fish anglers will have better luck if they are able to target schools near reefs and inlets. Anglers should use long lines to troll along the edges of schools of fish. Fish will dive if they are running across or through them. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.

Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Spanish mackerel love silverside minnows. Inshore waters are rich with them. While they can be difficult to catch, the reward is well 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 prolific inshore and offshore, and can be caught by casting and trolling a tube lure. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. It can be fished cast, or trolled. It is also possible to fish off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

Fishing south Florida's beaches is easy with the Spanish Mackerel Inlets. Anglers can target Mackerel because they prefer to feed near the surface. You can fish your lure or live bait into the inlet if the water level is low. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. Spanish mackerel can be spotted in schools.

Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. Capt. For example, Capt. You can find more information at their website about where to fish. You can also access the live broadcast online by searching for the words "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” or "Small Inlets".

Another great place to find Spanish mackerel is along the shoreline near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also target other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.

Best time to surf fish Spanish mackerel

What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. You can then use the water temperatures for the best times to fish.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. To increase your chances of catching these species, fish at least two to three hours offshore. Fish closer to shore if you prefer murky waters. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.

The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. There are plenty of fish and they are eating well. The rains that began in March have ceased, making it easier for fish to find the water. The waters are warmer enough to support a few sandpipers during this time. Try jigs and tube lures if you are looking for red or whiting while surfing. Spanish mackerel prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.

FAQ

How big should my tacklebox be?

A large tackle box is necessary because you'll need plenty of space to store all of your fishing gear. The number of items inside a tackle box will determine its size.

How do you clean a squid?

There are many different ways to clean a fish. One way is to remove the head and guts. Then rinse the fish in cold water. The fish can also be gutted by you. This involves removing the intestinal lining and cleaning the interior cavity. Finally, you may ask someone to clean the fish.

Are special licenses necessary to fish?

If you intend to take fish outside of your state or cross county lines, no. Many states allow anglers to fish without any type of license. You can check with your local Fish & Wildlife office to find out what licensing is required.

What should I wear when fishing?

Wear clothing that will protect you from the weather. Sunscreen, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen are all great options. You should also bring insect repellent.

How much are basic fishing tools?

Basic fishing equipment can be purchased for between $100-$200. This includes rod/reel combos and bait as well as a tackle box. A larger boat will cost you between $500-$1000.

How long does it usually take to become a master fisherman

To become a skilled fisherman, it takes many years of practice. To become a better fisherman, you will need to learn new techniques and increase your skill.

What happens if a person is caught fishing illegally

You could face penalties, jail time, or even losing your fishing license. It's important to know the rules before you go fishing.

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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
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)