Ocean Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Dylan Smith 23/04/2022 6 mins read

I had very limited success using the standard lures when I was fishing for spanish mackerel 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 (inlets, worms) and spoons. However, none of these methods worked. Instead, I used small jigs which had a attached worm.

Spoons

Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are extremely efficient at catching these fish. Spoons are easy to cast and can wiggle by themselves. They are also great for catching kingfish, which can weigh more than thirty pounds. These are some tips on how to use spoons Florida.

Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass will be attracted to spoons with long and thin bodies. They should be shiny for bright sunlight and matte for cloudy days. A single hook should be used if you are fishing at night. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.

Casting spoons into the Florida coast has been a great method to catch Spanish mackerel. Their quick swimming makes them a delicious and enjoyable fish. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish are also caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more likely to attract fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.

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. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. Trolling at speeds of seven miles an hour is a good idea, since this can lead to a lower catch rate.

Hard-Baits

You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and shrimp are good drift baits. It is advisable to use a large hook to reduce the chance of cutting offs. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!

The most effective lure for Spanish mackerel is a flies or spoon that imitates its prey. These baits can be used to locate Spanish mackerel both in the Atlantic and Gulf. Another option is to use a spoon, or a hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits cover more water which increases your chances of hooking a 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. 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 and MirrOdines are also highly effective.

Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. Prepare for a fight. Daniel Flinn is an expert. By visiting local marinas or reading fishing reports, you can find out the location of Spanish mackerel. Remember to make room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider, also suggests using a Bobber.

Jigs

A key step towards catching Spanish is selecting the right bait. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. A long shank hook is best for tying a hook. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. 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 mackerel within 24 hours after it has been caught.

While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim's favorite bait, according to him, is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. This bait mimics a small baitfish. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's inlets have seen good fishing for Spanish mackerel, and other species. While fishing for Spanish mackerel, fishermen have also been reporting catches of Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. 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. For winter Spanish mackerel fishing, inlets are the best.

Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Silverside minnows are abundant in the waters offshore, which Spanish mackerel enjoy eating. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! You can find Spanish mackerel in Florida's best spots, including flats, passes and inlets. Remember to bring your fishing rods!

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 is one of our favorite lures. You can cast it or troll it. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.

Inlets in South Florida

The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Anglers can target Mackerel because they prefer to feed near the surface. When the water is shallow, troll your lure or live bait in the inlet. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. If you spot a school, you've found a Spanish mackerel.

Fort Lauderdale might be a good choice if you are looking to find a great spot for fishing. Capt. For example, Capt. Visit their website for more information about where to 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 may also be able to target other species in 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.

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

Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate in spring and 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 allows you to check the water temperatures in the U.S. coasts. You can then use the water temperatures for the best times to fish.

When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. To increase your chances of catching these species, fish at least two to three hours offshore. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. Cast artificial lures using heavy fluorocarbon leaders in clear waters. 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. The fish are abundant and still feeding 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. If you're in search of red or whiting in the surf, try a tube lure or jigs. Spanish mackerel prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.

FAQ

How long does it take to catch fish?

It depends on the size and skill level of your fisherman. The time it takes to catch a fish is anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. You have a better chance of landing a large fish if you wait longer.

To fish, you will need a Bobber

Yes. A bobber helps keep the bait in place when you fish. There are two parts to a bobber: the float, and the line. Casting a lure requires that you attach the hook at the end of your line. Next, you need to cast the line out and let go. The lure can sink in the water if the bobber isn't used.

How long does a skilled fisherman take?

You need to practice for years before you can become a proficient fisherman. Learn new techniques, improve your skills and become a more skilled fisherman.

How much can I afford to buy fishing gear?

Fishing gear doesn't need to cost a lot. You can find many affordable options. You can buy a cheap line, hook, and reel. Or you could invest in a quality rod and reel set.

Statistics

You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
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)
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)