fishing tackle

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rigs

By Dylan Smith 19/04/2022 7 mins read

When it comes to casting spoons or got-cha lures for Spanish mackerel fishing, there are a few things you should know about these rigs. 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 is a great choice when choosing a rig. Casting spoons should have a large, flat body with no cupping, and a short overall length. Spanish bass feed on small baitfish, so a shiny finish is ideal for bright sunlight and a matte finish for cloudy days. Your Spanish bass fishing rig should be rigged with one hook and a split-ring. Don't use a treble hook, as this will increase the chances of missed strikes and a hiccup.

A metal casting bowl can catch a variety, but the primary species to aim for are Bluefish or Spanish mackerel. These species prefer lures that can be quickly retrieved. A jigging bowl will create a fluttering action fish love. A jigging teaspoon is also a good option if you fish on a river or lake.

Spanish mackerel can't eat hard food and prefer light lures. Casting spoons with a lightweight wire will prevent the lures breaking during a fight. A treble hook can be used to hook Spanish mackerel, despite their small size. The light wire will protect your hand from the razor sharp teeth. The more effective the cast, the smaller the bait.

Got-Cha lures

The classic Got-Cha lure makes a great choice if you want to catch Spanish mackerel schools. This treble hook bait can be quickly retrieved as it sinks quickly at the end. The rod tip can be jerked underwater to create a deadly darting action. Spanish fish love the action. Be sure to let the lure sink to the bottom before jigging it. To increase your chances at hooking a Spanish mackerel, aim to probe the whole water column with the lure.

Choose a leader that suits the needs of your Spanish makerel fishing setup when you use Got-Cha Lures. A long leader can cause you to lose many fish. You may not attract many Spanish mackerel if you use a long leader. Fishing in streams and rivers requires a shorter leader.

Many charter boat captains have a secret weapon: the diamond jig. Lightweight, these jigs are incredibly effective when Spanish mackerel are feeding on glass minnows in clear water. They are enticed to strike with their flashy jigs. Diamond jigs should be trod but larger ones are best for vertical jigging.

Monofilament line

Many anglers prefer monofilament to braided line for Spanish mackerel fishing. Monofilament line is flexible and will not pull on the hook if the fish bites. Because these fish live in open water, they are not likely to bite a 20-pound leader. The type and size of Spanish mackerel to be caught will play a major role in selecting a leader.

Monofilament has monofilament as a cheaper option, but fluorocarbon is still a good choice. Fluorocarbon lines are better for live trap and bait angling as they can't be detected submerged. Mono is less likely than fluorocarbon to snap or fray when a fish bites it. It also holds knots very well. Mono is more forgiving and cheaper than fluoro.

Spanish mackerel are caught with live bait. Generally, you can use baitfish or shrimp, but a live sardine is the most effective. Spanish mackerel will appreciate live bait that's flashy, fast-moving and attractive. Trolling spoons are designed to be troled at high speeds over a large 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. Every mistake you make when you are targeting Spanish fish 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. Although you can use heavier wire if you're casting long distances, it's not necessary.

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 retrieved the lure from water, place it in the bottom of the pool and check for any fish.

For Florida fishing, you will need a fly rod with a drag system and weighing between 8 and 9 pounds. For fishing on the surface, a floating line will work best. A sinker or intermediate sinker will work well in deeper flats. A wire leader will interfere with the fish's vision. Monofilament leader are best for surface fishing. Spanish mackerel, however, will not be able to see a wire leader.

Speck rigs

There are many different ways to use Speck rigs with Spanish makers. You can catch some amazing Spanish regardless of whether you are a novice fisherman or a veteran. Pete recommends that you trolling a speck lure far behind the boat. The longer the line, the further behind the boat the lure should be trolled, so that the bait is not disturbed by the boat's motor. Another technique is to use a free-spool of small menhaden, known as peanut bunker or pogy.

Speck rigs are fished from a beach or pier. Quarter casts of 45° are recommended in order to get the most from the speck-rig. If you are fishing from the pier, you can use the "Water Walker" fishing rig, which replaces the in-line sinker with a weighted popping cork. It allows fish to imitate baitfish by flipping the rig. Love Lures Speck Rigs is another popular Speck rig. It consists of two jigs on dropper loops and a fluorocarbon leader of 20 or 30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is one of the best ways to catch these fish. Kingfish are found close to buoys and beaches. Excellent baits include alewives and small menhaden. A speck rig containing fresh or live shrimp is a good option for targeting them close to structure. You can use other lures to catch Spanish mackerel as well, but trolls is the most common method.

Drifting

To begin drifting for Spanish mackerel, you need to know the tricks of the trade. A leader measuring 30 feet is required to begin. It is possible to hand-line it to your boat. However, it is important that you pay attention to where strikes are coming. As you make 90-degree turns, your lures' speed will change. The speed of your lines will vary depending on which side you're turning. Match the speed of the lines that are catching more fish.

Live or artificial bait are effective drifting baits. Live shrimp, bait fish, or a dead bait are all excellent choices. Drifting can also benefit from split shot. To lower the risk of cutoffs you will need to use a long-shanked line. An 1/0 hook is ideal. A 1/0 sized hook is ideal for covering large areas. Drifting in offshore and onshore waters is an efficient technique.

Artificial reefs can be used to attract Spanish Mackerel. These fish can also be found near the bottom, close to tunnel tubes. For piers, you can use baited and cut bait. Drifting live bait is the best way to fish for these species. In summer, you might also want to fish off Virginia's coast. If the current is strong, the fish may attack metal spoons or be aggressive if they are.

Live bait

If you're planning to use live bait to catch Spanish mackerel, you'll want to make sure to create the proper rig. Spanish mackerel fishing rigs are basically the same as king mackerel fishing rigs. Instead of using a single hook you'll be using two smaller bucktails along with one No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails vary in size depending on the size of your baitfish.

Live bait can be either a shrimp or a small silvery fish. You can also cast it in a school of fish breaking or drag it across open ocean. To get a strike, you can also use chumming inshore and offshore. Spanish mackerel can be caught using live bait. These fish are easy enough to clean. You can also find them at your local shop.

If you are drifting for Spanish marlin, live or artificial bait is also an option. Drifting is possible with bait fish and live shrimp. Split shot, however, can attract more Spanish Mackerel. Long-shanked hooks are the best choice for this species of fish. They reduce cutoffs. For all-purpose use, the 1/0 size is a great choice.

FAQ

How often should my lures be changed?

Lures should be changed every few days. After too much exposure to the sun, lures will lose their effectiveness.

What are the different types of lures you can use?

Yes, there are many different types of lures. Some lures are made specifically for specific species of fish. Some lures mimic insects, frogs or crayfish while others are designed to mimic grasshoppers, worms, and other frogs. Lures come in various shapes and sizes. Some lures look like real bugs.

Do I need special licenses to fish?

If you are planning to take fish out-of-state or across county lines, then no. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. You can check with your local Fish & Wildlife office to find out what licensing is required.

What should I wear for fishing?

Protect your skin from the elements with clothes. It's a good idea to have gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Insect repellent is also a good idea.

Which rod should I choose?

Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This material has exceptional casting qualities and is strong. You must practice using a graphite rod to learn how to cast better.

Are there special clothes I should wear when fishing?

Yes, you will need some clothing to protect yourself from the elements. While fishing, you will often wear a waders costume. Waders are waterproof pants which cover the legs as well as the feet. Wader suits may have boots attached. Other waders suits can be worn with no boots.

Is it possible to fish during the day?

Yes, you can fish anytime of the day. Only times that fishing is banned are when you can fish.

Statistics

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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
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)