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 still didn't catch my target fish. I also tried using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. Instead, I opted for small jigs with a worm attached.
Spoons
Spoons are an excellent tool to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely efficient at catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. They are perfect for catching kingfish which can weigh up to thirty pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.
A spoon should have a long, sturdy body, and not be too long. Spanish bass can be attracted to spoons that are too long or thin. They should be shiny for bright sunlight and matte for cloudy days. A single hook should be used if you are fishing at night. It can result in missed strikes if you use a double hook.
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. There is plenty of action in St. Augustine, Matanzas and elsewhere. These fish are also caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more likely to attract fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. A weedless plastic lure is a better option if you are looking to catch more fish.
Trolling can also be used to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. To avoid the line from getting tangled, a swivel should be placed behind the diving planeer. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. Trolling is best done at seven miles an hours. If you exceed this speed, your catch rate will be low.
Hard-Baits
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Drift baits are made from live shrimp or bait fish. These baits are often chummed in salt water. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.
A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. These baits are very effective in locating Spanish mackerel, both in the Atlantic or Gulf. 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 tough and catch the fish at all depths. Florida's most popular lure is the Get-Cha. These lures have built-in rattles that attract Spanish mackerel as they are reeled in quickly. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be challenging so be ready to face some stiff competition. Prepare for a fight. Learn from experts such as Daniel Flinn. Find out where Spanish mackerel are at sea by visiting local marinas and reading fishing reports. You should also allow 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. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. A long shank hook is best for tying a hook. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.
Spanish mackerel fishermen have a main concern about the taste. You may not like the taste, so it's a good idea to prepare the fish for cooking right after you catch them. Spanish mackerel have a reputation for being very fishy. Therefore, it is important to have the fish ready as soon you can. However, it is best to prepare the fish within 24 hours of its capture.
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. Olive and white are his favorite colors. Look for a color which is close to the natural colors of your area.
Inlets
Inlets around Fort Pierce have been producing good action for Spanish mackerel and other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. You can also find live shrimp in 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. Inlets are ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fishing.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders during early morning and late 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. The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, and inlets. Remember to bring your fishing rods!
These aggressive acrobats love inlets and bridges that are found along the coast. These fish are prolific inshore and offshore, and can be caught by casting and trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can be fished cast or trolled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.
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. You can fish your lure or live bait into the inlet if the water level is low. Look out for active diving birds as well as churned waters. If you spot a school, you've found a Spanish mackerel.
Fort Lauderdale may be the place to go if your goal is to find great fishing spots. 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. For more information on where to fish, visit their website. You can also listen live online by searching "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida" or "Small Inlets."
A great place to look for Spanish mackerel in Florida is near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers may also be able to target other species in the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area up to the Flagler Bridge, flounder, jack crevalle, or sand perch can all be caught. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.
Best times to surf fish for Spanish mackerel
Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They should begin to appear when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. They will continue to appear until the water temperature drops below 70°F. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. Then, you can use the water temperatures to determine the best times to fish for them.
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. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.
Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. The March rains have ended, which has made it easier for the fish to find water. The waters are warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. 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
What amount of money can I spend on fishing equipment?
You don’t have to spend much on fishing gear. There are many options that are affordable. You could, for example, buy a cheap reel and line. You can also buy a reel and reel set.
What can I do to get my children interested in fishing?
Absolutely! Absolutely! Fishing is something that kids love to do. The majority of children who are raised fishing will never stop. You can encourage your child to fish by doing many things. You can show your child how to tie knots, make a fishing pole and teach them good fishing etiquette. They could be shown pictures of fish and told stories about fishing.
How far away should I stand while fishing?
You are more likely to catch fish the further you stand from shore. However, this also increases the chances of getting wet.
How do you clean a fish?
There are many ways to clean a salmon. The easiest way to clean a fish is to remove its head and guts. Then rinse the fish in cold water. Another option is to gut the fish yourself. This involves removing intestines and cleaning inside cavity. Finally, you might ask someone else for assistance in cleaning the fish.
Where can I fish in good places?
You can fish in many places around the globe. Many people love fishing in public parks and private ponds.
What should I wear while fishing?
Protect your skin from the elements with clothes. You can protect yourself from the elements with gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Insect repellent is also a good idea.
What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?
Losing a fish is part of the game. Sometimes, you will catch a fishing rod and then lose the fish. You can keep trying even if you lose the fish. You will eventually catch another one.
Statistics
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
The Best Fishing Spot
It is important to know the type of fish that you are looking for in order to find the best spots for fishing. It's important to decide if deep sea fishing is for you or shallow water. Deep sea fishing requires a boat, which costs money. Shallow water fishing can be done from shore and is therefore free of cost. If you are looking to catch trout, shallow water fishing is your best choice. However, if you're looking for barracuda, you'll have to head out to deeper waters.
There are many different types of fishing spots, depending on your preferences. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. For example, certain places are famous for their bass fishing, while others have a specialization in fly fishing. Some places are well-known for their shark fishing and crabbing.
How much you can afford, how long you are planning to stay, and what your interests are will determine the best way to choose where to go. Do you enjoy camping? You might consider a location near a lake. Are you more into city life? Perhaps you prefer the beaches. Perhaps you even like to go canoeing, sailing or scuba diving.
You can always ask someone who is knowledgeable about fishing if you don't have a lot of knowledge. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You could also try searching online for "fishing spots close to me." This will give many options. It would be great if you could narrow down your list of choices by reading reviews and ratings. Many websites allow you to do so.
After you have chosen a location, you should make it a point to visit it before you go. Ensure you get directions because sometimes it takes longer than expected to get there. Make sure to bring all the necessary items. Make sure to pack your bait, tackle box and sunscreen.
It's also a good idea to research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. Seek out the forecast to see the best times of day. Changes in the weather can cause you to alter your plans.
Now that you know where to go, you can start planning your trip. Next is to decide what to fish.