fishing license

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By David McKinney 12 February, 2023 6 mins read

I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish in Florida. I found that 1 to 1.5-ounce metal jigs were a better choice, but they still didn't catch the fish that I was looking for. I tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them worked. Instead, I chose small jigs that had a worm attached.

Spoons

Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons can move freely on their own and you can cast them far, covering a lot water. They are perfect for catching kingfish which can weigh up to thirty pounds. Here are some tips about how to use spoons Florida.

Pick a spoon that is long and stocky. It should also not be too short. Spanish bass may be attracted by spoons with a long, thin body. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.

Casting spoons on the coast waters is a great and easy way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. There is plenty of action in St. Augustine, Matanzas and elsewhere. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.

You can also try trolling 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 the line, you will need to swivel behind a diving planer. A spoon umbrella rig is another option. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your catch rate.

Hard-Baits

For Spanish mackerel drifting, anglers can use live and artificial baits. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. A large size hook is recommended for reducing the risk of cutoffs. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters can provide great opportunities to fish for Spanish mackerel.

Spanish mackerel are attracted to flies and spoons that imitate their prey. These baits are effective for locating Spanish mackerel in both the Gulf and Atlantic. 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, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. They are strong and can catch fish from all depths of water. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures come with built-in rattles, which attract Spanish mackerel. They can be reeled quickly. Rat-L -Traps, MirrOdines and other baits can also be effective.

When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Prepare for battle and fight! You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. Don't forget to leave room for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.

Jigs

For big Spanish catches, it is important to select the right type of jig. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. A long shank hook is best for tying a hook. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.

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 recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.

While jigs work well in Florida for Spanish mackerel fish fishing, they are not the best. Capt Jim says that the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait is his favorite bait. It mimics small bait fish well. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's inlets have seen good fishing for Spanish mackerel, and other species. Fisherman are also reporting Snook, Redfish catches, Sheepshead, Black Drum, while fishing Spanish mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. 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. 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. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.

Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Spanish mackerel love silverside minnows. Inshore waters are rich with them. Although they can be difficult to catch, you will be rewarded! The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, and inlets. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!

Inlets and bridges along the coast can be great places to capture these aggressive acrobats. These fish can be caught inshore or offshore by trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can be fished cast or trolled. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.

Inlets of South Florida

Inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing are a good option for fishing south Florida's coastal waters. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. When the water is shallow, troll your lure or live bait in the inlet. You should look for active diving birds and churned water. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.

Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. Capt. Capt. Visit their website to find out more about where you can fish. You can also watch the show online by searching for "Spanish Mackerel Fishing in South Florida" as well as "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. From the Boynton to Flagler Bridge area, fish such as flounder, Jack Crevalle, and Sand Perch are all common. Fishing with yellow feathers and trolling spoons have been effective.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times

What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. The NOAA website gives information about water temperatures for U.S. coastal areas. You can then use these water temperatures to determine when is the best time to fish.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. To maximize your chances of catching these fish, you should fish at least two hours offshore. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. These aggressive fish require speed.

Inshore fishing is the best option for surf fishermen who are experienced. The fish are abundant and still feeding well. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish to find 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 inshore tend to avoid bars.

FAQ

Is fishing safe?

Fishing is very safe. Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy nature. It is possible to fish safely as long you do not break any safety rules.

Which rod should I choose?"

Graphite composite is the best rod for fly-fishing. This material is strong, lightweight and has great casting properties. To cast better, you must practice with graphite rods.

Is it safe to eat fish caught by someone else?

No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. The fish is safe to eat if it doesn't have an expiration. You shouldn't eat fish that smells or looks old.

How do I start fishing?

Before you get out on the water, you will need to be familiar with the basics of fishing. First, learn about the different kinds of fish in your area. You also need to know where they like to hang out to find them. You must learn how to cast once you have found the best spots for fish. This involves learning how to throw a lure up into the air and allow it to fall down onto the water. Practice makes perfect!

Are there any restrictions on when I can fish?

However, you need to be sure you are using artificial lighting. Fisherman use artificial lights to lure fish. These lights work best after the sun sets because fish are more active at night.

Statistics

Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
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)