Artificial Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Bill Rollins 17 April, 2023 6 mins read

I had very limited success using the standard lures when I was fishing for spanish mackerel in Florida. Although they were more effective, I found 1 to 1.5-ounce metal lures to be a better option. However, they didn't catch the fish I was after. I also tried spoons (inlets, worms) and spoons. However, none of these methods worked. Instead, I chose small jigs that had a worm attached.

Spoons

If you are interested in catching Spanish Mackerel in Florida, you should consider using spoons. 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 will be attracted to spoons with long and thin bodies. Shiny spoons are best for sunny days and matte ones for rainy days. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. 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. You can find good action around St. Augustine and 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.

You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. 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. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.

Hard-Baits

You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Drift baits are made from live shrimp or bait fish. These baits are often chummed in salt water. It is advisable to use a large hook to reduce the chance of cutting offs. If you are casting to the reefs, 1/0 is a good all-around size. Florida waters are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!

Spanish mackerel are attracted to flies and spoons that imitate their prey. These baits can be used in both the Atlantic and Gulf to find Spanish mackerel. Another option is to use a spoon, or a hard bait. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, Spoons and Gotcha lures work well. These lures are long-lasting and can be used to catch fish at any depth in the water column. Florida is known for its popular Get-Cha baits. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.

You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. Be ready for a fight and a battle! Daniel Flinn, an expert on the subject, can give you some advice. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. Be sure to allow space for other boats. Daniel Flinn recommends using the bobber as well.

Jigs

Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. 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. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. Live shrimp is a great option if live bait is your preference.

One of the main concerns for Spanish mackerel fishermen is the taste. Even though many anglers dislike eating them, they may enjoy cooking the fish right away. Spanish mackerel can be a bit finicky so it is best to prepare them as soon as you catch them. It is best to cook the fish within 24hrs of it being caught.

While jigs are effective for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, the best bait is a live fish. 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. Consider a color that resembles the local forage.

Inlets

Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided good action for Spanish Mackerel and other species. Fisherman have reported catching Snook, Redfish and Sheepshead 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. They should use long lines that troll along the edge of a school, as running through or across a school of fish will cause the fish to dive, which will only lead to missed bites. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing can be done from inlets.

Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. It can be hard to catch them, but it is worth the effort. Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. Make sure to bring your fishing gear!

These aggressive acrobats love inlets and bridges that are found along the coast. This fish is prolific offshore and inshore, and can easily be caught by casting a tube-tailed lure. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. You can cast it or troll it. It is also possible to fish off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

Inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing are a good option for fishing south Florida's coastal waters. Anglers should be aware that Mackerel feed close to the surface and are a good target. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. 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. For more information on where to fish, visit their website. You can also listen online to the show by searching the keywords "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” and "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. Flounder, jack crevalle, and sand perch are all commonly caught from the Boynton area to the Flagler Bridge. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.

Best time to surf fish Spanish mackerel

When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate to spring and fall. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.

If you want to surf fish for Spanish Mackerel, make sure there is clear water and calm seas. You want to catch these fish as soon as possible, so make sure you are at least two hours off the coast. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. In clear water, cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader. These fish are aggressive and will not slow down if you keep them moving.

Inshore fishing is the best option for surf fishermen who are experienced. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. 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. You can use jigs or tube lures to find red and whiting in surf. Spanish mackerel are known to be a bit more aggressive than the bars.

FAQ

How far should I be from the shore when fishing?

The farther you are from the shore, you're more likely to catch fish. However, it also increases the chance of getting soaked.

Can I fish during the day or night?

However, you need to be sure you are using artificial lighting. Fisherman use artificial lights to lure fish. They work well after the sun sets as fish become more active in the dark.

How can I get started in fishing?

If you are new to fishing, there are several things that you need to know before you go out on the water. It is important to know the differences between different fish species in your local area. To find them, you must also know their favorite places to be found. Once you have established the best areas for fishing, you will need to practice casting. This means that you will need to learn how the lure can be thrown into the air and allowed to sink onto the water's surface. Practice makes perfect!

Which rod should i choose?

Graphite composite is the best rod for fly-fishing. This material is lightweight and strong with great casting capabilities. To learn how to cast better, you will need to practice with graphite rods.

Do you need a bobber to fish?

Yes. A bobber keeps the bait safe from being taken by other fisherman when they are fishing. There are two parts of a bobber, the float or the line. To cast a lure, attach the hook to one end of the line. Then, pull the rod out and release the line. If you don't use a bobber, the lure may sink into the water, which makes it difficult for the fish to bite.

Statistics

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)
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)