Artificial Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Ken Roberts 7 February, 2023 6 mins read

I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. While I found the 1 to 1.5-ounce jigs to be a better option, they still failed me in catching the fish I was seeking. I also tried using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.

Spoons

If you are interested in catching Spanish Mackerel in Florida, you should consider using spoons. They are extremely efficient at catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They are ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 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. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. Do not use a treble hook, as it can cause missed strikes.

Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. Their fast swimming action makes them an enjoyable and tasty meal. There is plenty of action in St. Augustine, Matanzas and elsewhere. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons are more likely to attract 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. An umbrella spoon rig is also an option. 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. Bait fish, live shrimp, and live shrimp make good drift baits. It is advisable to use a large hook to reduce the chance of cutting offs. 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!

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 baits cover more water which increases your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, Spoons and Gotcha lures work well. They are sturdy and catch the fish from every depth of the water column. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures include rattles built in that attract Spanish mackerel and can be quickly reeled into. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.

When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Be prepared for a fight. Daniel Flinn is an expert. By visiting local marinas or reading fishing reports, you can find out the location of Spanish mackerel. Don't forget to leave room for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.

Jigs

Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. This fish is easy to handle because of its slim, slender bodies. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. Live shrimp makes a great choice if you prefer to use a live bait.

Spanish mackerel fishermen worry about their taste buds. Many anglers don’t like eating them so you might want to cook the fish as soon as you catch it. Spanish mackerel are known for being a bit fishy, so you should try to have it prepared as soon as possible. However, it is recommended to cook the fish within 24 hours of catching it.

While using jigs for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida can be effective, some of the best bait is a live one. Capt Jim's favorite bait, according to him, is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. This bait mimics a small baitfish. For him, olive and white work best. Consider a color that resembles the local forage.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's Inlets have been producing good Spanish mackerel fishing action 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 can also be a good option in 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 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. Inlets are ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fishing.

Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Spanish mackerel are attracted to silverside minnows in the inshore waters. It can be hard to catch them, but it is worth the effort. The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, and inlets. Bring your fishing poles.

These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. 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 fish it cast or trolled. It is also possible to fish off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

Fishing south Florida's beaches is easy with the Spanish Mackerel 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. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.

Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. Capt. Capt. Visit their website for more information 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."

The Flagler Bridge is a great spot to find Spanish mackerel. Anglers may also be able to target other species in the Intracoastal Waterway. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night

What is the best time of year to surf fish for Spanish mackerel in Spain? Mackerel migrate in spring and fall. They should show up once the water temperatures have reached 70 degrees. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. You can then use the water temperatures for the best times to fish.

When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. Fish at least two hours offshore to maximize your chances of catching these fish. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the shore. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.

Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. The fish are abundant and still feeding well. 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

How big is my tackle box?

A large tackle box is necessary because you'll need plenty of space to store all of your fishing gear. Tackle boxes range in size depending on the number of items stored inside.

How do I clean a fish?

There are many ways to clean a salmon. One way is to remove the head and guts. Wash the fish well with cold water. Another option is to gut the fish yourself. This involves removing the intestines and cleaning the inside cavity. You can also ask another person to clean the fish.

What is the time it takes to catch a fish.

It all depends on the fish size and the skill of the fisherman. It takes anywhere from one minute to an hour to land a fish. You have a better chance of landing a large fish if you wait longer.

What is the ideal length of a fishing rod?

The right fishing rod length depends on what kind of fish you want to catch. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. A 7'5" rod would be better if your goal is largemouth bass.

Statistics

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)
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)