Lake Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Dylan Smith 19/11/2022 6 mins read

I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. I found that 1 to 1.5-ounce metal jigs were a better choice, but they still didn't catch the fish that I was looking for. I tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them worked. Instead, I used small jigs which had a attached worm.

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 ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in 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. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.

Casting spoons into the Florida coast has been a great method to catch Spanish mackerel. They are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. You'll find plenty of action around St. Augustine as well as Matanzas. These fish are often caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. Use a weedless pvc bait if you want to catch more.

You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. You can tie a small spoon to your planer, and then trail it with a 30-pound leader. To avoid the line from getting tangled, a swivel should be placed behind the diving planeer. A spoon umbrella rig is another option. You should not trot at seven miles per hour, as this can result in a poor catch rate.

Hard-Baits

Anglers can utilize live or artificial baits when drifting for Spanish mackerel. Drift baits are made from live shrimp or bait fish. These baits are often chummed in salt 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. Fishing for Spanish mackerel in Florida waters can be a great adventure, so make sure you take advantage of the many possibilities!

Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits are very effective in locating Spanish mackerel, both in the Atlantic or Gulf. You can also use a spoon to bait the fish. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

Spoons, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. They are sturdy and catch the fish from every depth of the water column. Florida is very fond of Get-Cha lures. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Rat-L -Traps, MirrOdines and other baits can also be effective.

When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Be prepared for a fight. Daniel Flinn is an expert. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. Don't forget to leave room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider, also suggests using a Bobber.

Jigs

It is crucial to choose the right jig to catch Spanish. 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. 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 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 work well in Florida for Spanish mackerel fish fishing, they are not the best. Capt Jim's favorite bait is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait, which he says is a great mimic of a small bait fish. For him, olive and white work best. Look for a color which is close to the natural colors of your area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided good action for Spanish Mackerel and other species. While fishing for Spanish mackerel, fishermen have also been reporting catches of Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. Anglers are using spoons or jigs to target Spanish mackerel, while live shrimp are biting on the north jetty. Live shrimp are also a great option during the evening.

Spanish fish are best targeted by anglers who target them near inlets or reefs. The best way to catch fish is to use long lines and troll around the edge of the school. If the fish are moving through the school or across it, they will dive. For winter Spanish mackerel fishing, inlets are the best.

Spanish mackerel can be aggressive feeders at both the dawn and dusk. Spanish mackerel love silverside minnows. Inshore waters are rich with them. It can be hard to catch them, but it is worth the effort. Flats, passes, and inlets are the best places to catch Spanish mackerel. Remember to bring your fishing rods!

These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. These fish are abundant inshore and offshore and can be caught using a tube lure. The Gotcha tube lure is one of the best lures to use. It can be fished cast or trolled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Anglers have a prime opportunity to catch Mackerel as they tend to feed close the surface. Troll your lure or live bait when the water is shallow. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. Spanish mackerels can be found in schools.

If you are looking for a great fishing location, you might want to try Fort Lauderdale. Capt. Capt. You can find more information at their website about where to fish. You can also listen to the show live on the internet by searching for "Spanish Mackerel fishing in South Florida" and "Small Inlets."

A great place to look for Spanish mackerel in Florida is near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also target other species along 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.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night

What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate between spring and autumn. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 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. 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. You want to catch these fish as soon as possible, so make sure you are at least two hours off the coast. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the shore. Cast artificial lures in clear water using a heavy fluorocarbon leader. These aggressive fish require speed.

The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. The rains that had begun in March have stopped, making it easier to find water. The waters are warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. Tube lures and jigs are great options for whiting or redfishing in the surf. Spanish mackerel prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.

FAQ

Are you able to fish without a bobber?

Yes. You use a bobber to prevent the bait from moving when you are fishing. There are two parts to a bobber: the float, and the line. You attach the hook and line to the lure. Once the line is out, let go of it. A bobber is not necessary to cast a lure. The lure could sink into the waters, making it difficult for the fish bite.

What kind of fishing gear do I need?

A rod, reel line, hooks, line, bait, tackle box and some snacks. Casting, setting up a hook and using a bobber are essential skills for catching fish. Most importantly, you must be patient and wait until the right moment to strike!

What are the different types of lures you can use?

There are many types of lures. Some lures can be tailored to specific fish species. Others mimic insects, grasshoppers and frogs. Lures come in various shapes and sizes. Some lures are even shaped like real bugs.

What is the best time to fish?

The ideal time to fish is early morning or late afternoon. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.

Where is the best place for fishing?

You can fish near rivers, lakes, streams and other freshwater bodies. These areas provide fish with plenty of food.

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)
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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)