Artificial Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing.

By Trey Gordon 15 June, 2023 6 mins read

There are many things to consider when Spanish mackerel fishing on the SC coast. Inshore waters are best for targeting the fish. It is also important to pay attention to the location of strikes so that you can change your tactics if necessary. You will need a live bait, Monofilament line, and other important fishing supplies. These are some tips that will help you get started.

Inshore waters

If you're a fly fisherman, inshore Spanish mackerel fishing waters may be your best bet. These aggressive aerial acrobats often frequent the shorelines of the United States and are often found close to oyster bars. Fishing for them can be done in open water with troll or deep-water lures. The Gotcha tube is a popular lure that works in both shallow and deeper waters.

You can also try drifting with live bait on piers and jetties. Both structures are great for Spanish mackerel fishing. However, piers are better for fishing with live bait than jetties because they're closer to the water. Fishing with spoons and plugs can be tricky when tides are running hard, but you can cast your hook parallel to the piers and out toward the breaking fish. You can also drift and trolling larger wrecks if you aren't confident with your casting.

Inshore spanish mackerel fishing may also be good for surfers. While the Spanish mackerel fishing areas are excellent for surf fishing, many anglers prefer to fish out of a boat. There are also a few bridges and piers that offer great angling opportunities. The fish will move in the area searching for bait fish. Depending on the location, you can use jigs, spoons, swimbaits, or live bait to catch these tasty fish.

Best time to fish

Three main times are the best to fish Spanish mackerel waters in the southern U.S. waters. The spring migration is in late April, when the fish are spawning. Fall and winter are when the fish migrate to south Florida overwintering areas. Both times of year have their own specific fishing nuances, but the spring migration and fall migration have the most fish available.

Throughout the year, the waters off the southern coast of the U.S. are full of Spanish mackerel. These species are most abundant when water temperatures rise in April. Then they start to diminish by early October, when temperatures drop to the 60s. Local fishing reports will help you know when to fish Spanish mackerel. If you live close to a beach, Spanish mackerel can be caught trolling dead cigar minnows and slowly trolling live bait.

Trolling is the most common method of catching Spanish mackerel. The most effective way to catch Spanish mackerel is to use either a diving spoon or a spoon. The lure should rotate at speeds of 5-7 knots. This is equivalent to trolling at five miles per hour. This speed will reduce your chances of catching bluefish.

Live bait

Live bait is a great option if you are interested in Spanish mackerel fishing. This is a common bait to fish in the Florida Keys. Live bait is not the only option. You can also use small spoons or jerkybaits. You can use any kind of bait they like. Spanish mackerel are a delicious treat and a great choice for smoked fish.

You should properly rig your livebait for Spanish mackerel fishing by using treble hooks along with a long shank hook. Long-shank hooks are best to prevent Spanish mackerel biting your line. Alternatively, you can use treble hooks and a long-shank leader. The live shrimp is another option that will please.

Anglers can use bare hook heads for Spanish mackerel fishing. Or, they can thread them over corks to drift. The bait should be positioned so that the hook point is coming out the back of the shrimp. This method can also be used to capture Spanish mackerel.

You want to make sure you use artificial lures quickly to get the best results. Spanish fish love fast-moving targets, and jerking lures may not get them to bite if you are slow-moving. Slow-moving artificial lures may trigger bites. Therefore, it is important to use fast live bait when Spanish mackerel fishing.

Monofilament line

For Spanish mackerel fishing, braided lines are preferred. Monofilament line however is the best choice. This line is strong and stretchy, making it easier to reel in the fish without tangling it. Spanish mackerel choose monofilament over fluorocarbon because of its texture. You have a better chance to catch Spanish mackerel if you use a monofilament line that is 15 pounds.

Spanish mackerel can be caught easily, but there are some things to keep in mind. You should use light tackle. Use light tackle and medium-to high-heavy reels for this type of fishing. A lighter line may be more effective if you're catching larger fish. Make sure to have enough bait to attract Spanish mackerel.

Spanish mackerel can be caught with many baits as they are aggressive feeders. Anglers can identify Spanish mackerel spots by trolling for them or looking out for them diving on baitfish schools. These birds are an indicator of a Spanish Mackerel school and cause the baitfish schools to rise to surface. You can also use light spinning tackle for catching Spanish mackerel. A monofilament leader should be used because a 20-pound fish can be ripped apart by a pioneer.

Drifting

When looking for schools of Spanish mackerel in coastal South Carolina waters, drifting can be an effective technique. Drifting can be done in inlets, passes, or flats. Artificial lures can include jigs, spoons, and artificial lures. The lures should be fast moving to attract the fish, so use an aggressive retrieve. This is useful when the mackerel have stopped working the surface. These mackerel are attracted to structures and gamefish so you can also make the most of them.

Trolling is one method of catching Spanish mackerel. You can lure the fish by drifting behind your boat with a flashy and fast-moving lure. The best trolling lures can be quickly trolled and cover large areas with just one hook. Trolling is a great technique when Spanish mackerel aren’t active. It's also a good technique if you want to target sporadic Spanish mackerel.

When drifting for Spanish mackerel, be sure to use bait that attracts the fish. They will often eat in a chum-slick and will be attracted by your cut bait or livebait. This method is especially effective on hard bottom areas and structures. And if you're not using a baitfish chum rig, try drifting with a chunk of cut bait.

Poaching

Continue reading to learn more about how you can stop Spanish mackerel poaching. The rules for catching this species vary from state to state. The Spanish Mackerel Technical Committee and the South Atlantic State/Federal Fishery Management Board have developed an action plan to prevent the overfishing of this delicate fish. Continue reading to find out more about the plan, and how it will impact your fishing operations.

Fishers can use bait in peak season to lure mackerel into the boats. The fat on the fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Traditional wisdom says that the best time to capture mackerel is between February and July when it migrates south in the winter. Because of its sensitive to eucalyptus oils, poaching Spanish mackerel should be avoided.

Spanish mackerel management's main objective is to keep the stock near-MSY levels. Management measures should be adjusted if year classes become smaller or more frequent than normal. It is also crucial to analyze the relationship between larval abundant and subsequent year classes strength and to initiate spatial sampling of spawning zones. To determine future year class strength, it is important to analyze shrimp trawl data.

Once the mackerel is cooked, the next step is to prepare the salsa. To make the salsa, you need to cut tomatoes, cucumber and garlic into half-inch slices and scraped with a spoon. After this, chop the remaining ingredients finely. Season the salsa with salt and oil. Cover the mackerel with plastic wrap once it is cooked. Let it cool. This will allow the salsa to be tender and juicy while the mackerel stays moist.

FAQ

What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?

Part of the game is losing a fish. Sometimes you may catch a fish, then lose it. If this happens, keep trying. You will eventually catch another fish.

How do I bait my hooks with bait?

Tie a piece meat on the hook to bait it. Next, tie the meat around your hook's eye.

What type of fishing permit do I require?

If you plan to fish in state waters (i.e., lakes, rivers, and bays), you must purchase a fishing license. A valid fishing license is required by state law for anglers before they can fish. If you plan to fish within federal waters (e.g. Great Lakes, oceans), a license is required. A fishing license is not necessary. You must check with your local authorities if you plan on taking any fish home.

Which bait is best for freshwater fishing?

Freshwater fishing requires live shrimp as the best bait. Shrimp are easy to catch and delicious!

Are there special clothes I should wear when fishing?

Yes, you definitely need some type of clothing that protects you from the elements. A waders suit is usually worn while fishing. Waders cover the legs and feet with waterproof pants. Wader suits can have boots attached. Other waders suits can be worn with no boots.

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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.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)