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 they still didn't catch the fish that I was looking for. I also tried spoons and inlets but they didn't work. I instead chose to use small jigs attached with a tiny worm.
Spoons
Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. They are also great for catching kingfish, which can weigh more than thirty pounds. Here are some tips for using spoons in Florida.
When choosing a spoon, choose one that has a long, stocky body and is not too long. Spanish bass may be attracted by spoons with a long, thin body. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. A single hook should be used if you are fishing at night. You should not use a triple hook because it can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons in coastal waters has been a great way to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida. Their fast swimming action makes them an enjoyable and tasty meal. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish can also be 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.
Trolling is another option to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this, tie a small spoon onto the planer and attach a 30 pound leader to it. To avoid tangling the line, you will need to swivel behind a diving planer. An umbrella spoon rig is also an option. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your catch rate.
Hard-Baits
You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to reefs. Florida waters offer many opportunities for fishing for Spanish mackerel.
A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. These baits work well in the Atlantic as well as the Gulf for Spanish mackerel. Also, you can use a spoon and hard bait. Flat-bottomed fish will be more likely to take your bait, and you'll have a better chance of hooking one.
For Spanish mackerel fishing, Spoons and Gotcha lures work well. They are durable and catch the fish from all depths of 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.
While you are fishing for Spanish mackerel, be prepared for a bit of competition. Be ready for a fight and a battle! Experts like Daniel Flinn can help you. Check out fishing reports and local marinas to find out the exact location of Spanish mackerel. Be sure to allow space for other boats. Daniel Flinn is an insider who also recommends using his bobber.
Jigs
Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. Live shrimp is a great option if live bait is your preference.
One of the main concerns for Spanish mackerel fishermen is the taste. Many anglers don’t like eating them so you might want to cook the fish as soon as you catch it. Spanish mackerel is known for being quite fishy so make sure to get it cooked as soon possible. It is best to cook the fish within 24hrs of it being caught.
Although jigs can work well for Spanish mackerel fishing, live bait is the best. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. For him, olive and white work best. Consider a color that resembles the local forage.
Inlets
Fort Pierce's inlets have seen good fishing for Spanish mackerel, and other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. For Spanish mackerel fishing, anglers use spoons and jigs. On the north jetty, live shrimp are being caught. Live shrimp are also a great option during the evening.
Spanish fish anglers are more likely to succeed if they fish for them in schools close to reefs or inlets. They should use long lines that run along the edge or near the school to get the best results. The fish will dive if the line runs through or across the school. For winter Spanish mackerel fishing, inlets are the best.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders in the early morning and later 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! Flats, passes, and inlets are the best places to catch Spanish mackerel. Bring your fishing poles.
Located along the coast, inlets and bridges can be excellent places to catch these aggressive acrobats. These fish are abundant inshore and offshore and can be caught using a tube lure. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. You can cast it or troll it. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.
Inlets in South Florida
If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. 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. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.
If you are looking for a great fishing location, you might want to try Fort Lauderdale. Capt. Capt. Visit their website to find out more about where you can fish. You can also access the live broadcast online by searching for the words "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” or "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 yellow feathers and trolling spoons have been effective.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times
When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. They should begin to appear when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. They will stick around until water temperatures drop below 70 degrees. 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.
When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. To maximize your chances of catching these fish, you should fish at least two hours offshore. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. Cast artificial lures using heavy fluorocarbon leaders in clear waters. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.
The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. There, the fish are still plentiful and feeding heavily. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish to find water. During this time, the waters are warm enough to support a few pompano. A tube lure or jig is a good option if you want to catch red or white whiting in the surf. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.
FAQ
How much does basic fishing gear cost?
Basic fishing equipment is around $100-$200 for rod/reel combination, bait, tackle box, and so on. A larger boat will cost you between $500-$1000.
What happens if I get caught fishing illegally?
Fines, jail time and even the loss of your fishing licence could be your options. Before you start fishing, it is important to be familiar with the rules.
How long does it take to become an expert fisherman?
You need to practice for years before you can become a proficient fisherman. Being a successful fisherman will require you to master new techniques and enhance your skills.
How big should my tackle box be?
A large tackle chest is required to keep all your fishing gear. Tackle boxes range in size depending on the number of items stored inside.
Is it possible to fish during the day?
You can fish at any time of the day. Fishing is only allowed during periods when it is prohibited.
How can I bait my hooks
Attach a piece of meat to your hook to bait it. Attach the meat to the eye of the hook.
Is it safe for me to eat fish that has been caught by another person?
Always ask your seller where you bought your fish. If there is no expiration date on the fish, it is probably safe to eat. But, don't eat the fish if it smells or looks old.
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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- 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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
External Links
How To
The Best Fishing Spot
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. Decide whether you want to fish deep or shallow waters. Deep sea fishing requires a boat. This is expensive. It's possible to fish from the shore for shallow water, which is free. If you are looking to catch trout, shallow water fishing is your best choice. However, if your goal is to catch barracuda you will have to venture out into deeper waters.
Depending on what you prefer, there are many options for fishing spots. Some places offer only one type of fishing while others have several options. Some places are famous for their fly fishing, while others are better at bass fishing. Some places are well-known for their shark fishing and crabbing.
The best way to figure out where to go depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, and what you like doing. Do you enjoy camping? Then you might want to check out a place near a lake. Do you prefer city life? Maybe you prefer the ocean. You might also enjoy scuba diving or kayaking.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You could even try searching online for "fishing spots near me." This will give you many options. You might be able to narrow down your choices by looking at reviews and ratings. This is possible on a variety of websites.
Once you have decided on a particular location, be sure to go there before you leave. Ensure you get directions because sometimes it takes longer than expected to get there. It is important to take everything you might need. Remember to bring your bait, tackle box, sunscreen, and sunblock!
It's a good idea also to check the weather conditions at the spot. The forecast can help you determine the best time to go. If the weather is changing, it's a good idea to make changes to your plans.
You now have the information you need to plan your trip. Next, decide what fish you want to catch.