Bass Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Trey Gordon 26 February, 2023 6 mins read

The usual lures didn't work well for me when I tried spanish mackerel fishing with them in Florida. While I found the 1 to 1.5-ounce jigs to be a better option, they still failed me in catching the fish I was seeking. I also tried spoons with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I opted for small jigs with a worm attached.

Spoons

You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely efficient at catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They are also great for catching kingfish, which can weigh more than thirty pounds. These are some tips on how to use spoons Florida.

Pick a spoon that is long and stocky. It should also not be too short. Spanish bass can be attracted to spoons that are too long or thin. 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. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.

Casting spoons along the coast has been an excellent way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. Their quick swimming makes them a delicious and enjoyable fish. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. If you want to catch more fish, you can use a weedless plastic bait.

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. Another option is a spoon umbrella. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your 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. To reduce cutoffs, it is best to use a large-sized hook. For casting to the reefs, a 1/0 hook is a good choice. Florida waters are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!

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 lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

Spoons and Got-Cha lures are effective for catching Spanish mackerel. They are durable and catch the fish from all depths 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. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.

When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Be prepared for a fight. Learn from experts such as Daniel Flinn. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. Make sure to allow room for other boats. Daniel Flinn recommends using the bobber as well.

Jigs

The first step to catching big Spanish fish is choosing the right jig. These fish have a slim and slender body, which makes it easy to handle. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. You can also use treble hooks with a long leader for best results. Live shrimp makes a great choice if you prefer to use a live bait.

The taste is a major concern for Spanish mackerel fishermen. Although many anglers do not enjoy the taste of Spanish mackerel, it is worth considering cooking the fish the day after you catch it. Spanish mackerel can be a bit finicky so it is best to prepare them as soon as you catch them. However, it is best to prepare the fish within 24 hours of its capture.

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. White and olive are the best colors for him. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce has been producing great action for Spanish mackerel as well as 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 available 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. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.

Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. While they can be difficult to catch, the reward is well worth it. Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. Make sure to bring your fishing gear!

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. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. You can fish it cast or trolled. 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. 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. If you spot a school, you've found a Spanish mackerel.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. For example, Capt. The weekly fishing report of Norm Bekoff on Fox Sports 940 Miami can be viewed online and also broadcast live on Nautical Ventures Facebook page. 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".

A great place to look for Spanish mackerel in Florida is near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers also have the option to catch other species on the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area up to the Flagler Bridge, flounder, jack crevalle, or sand perch can all be caught. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.

When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel?

When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They should show up once the water temperatures have reached 70 degrees. They will not leave the area until it drops to 70 degrees. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.

Choose calm water and clear waters when surfing for Spanish mackerel. Fish at least two hours offshore to maximize your chances of catching these fish. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the 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 experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish in the inshore waters of the Florida Panhandle in April. 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. A tube lure or jig is a good option if you want to catch red or white whiting in the surf. Spanish mackerel prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.

FAQ

What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?

The game involves losing fish. Sometimes you might catch a fish but then lose it. When this happens, just keep trying. You will eventually catch another one.

Which rod do I choose?

Graphite fiberglass composite makes the best fly fishing rod. This material is strong, lightweight, and has excellent casting properties. To be able to cast better with graphite, you need to practice.

Is it necessary to wear special clothing for fishing?

Yes, you need to wear clothing that protects against the elements. While fishing, a waders suits is often worn. Waders cover the legs and feet with waterproof pants. Wader suits may have boots attached. Some wader suits come with boots, while others can be worn without them.

What is the average time it takes to become a professional fisherman?

You need to practice for years before you can become a proficient fisherman. Learning new techniques and improving your skills will help you become a more successful fisherman.

What is the best bait available for freshwater fish?

Live shrimp is the best bait for freshwater fishing. Shrimp are cheap, easy to catch and great tasting!

Statistics

You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)