I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. Although I found them to be more effective than the usual lures, I still couldn't catch any of the fish I was after using them. I tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them 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 extremely effective at catching these fish. Spoons are easy to cast and can wiggle by themselves. They are ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 pounds. Here are some tips for using spoons in Florida.
Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass can be attracted to spoons that are too long or thin. Shiny spoons are best for sunny days and matte ones for rainy days. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. Do not use a treble hook, as it 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 can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish are also caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can also use a weedless, plastic bait to catch more fish.
Trolling can also be used to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow 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. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your catch rate.
Hard-Baits
When drifting for Spanish mackerel, anglers have the option to use either live or artificial baits. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. A large size hook is recommended for reducing the risk of cutoffs. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. 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 effective for locating Spanish mackerel in both the Gulf and Atlantic. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. Flat-bottomed baits can cover more water, increasing your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.
Spoons as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch Spanish mackerel. 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 feature built-in rattles to attract Spanish mackerel. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.
Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. You should be ready for battles and fights! Daniel Flinn is an expert. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. You should also allow for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider, also suggests using a Bobber.
Jigs
It is crucial to choose the right jig to catch Spanish. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. Use a long shank hook when you tie your hook. You can also use treble hooks with a long leader for best results. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.
Spanish mackerel fishermen have a main concern about the taste. You may not like the taste, so it's a good idea to prepare the fish for cooking right after you catch them. 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.
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 is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait, which he says is a great mimic of a small bait fish. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.
Inlets
Fort Pierce's Inlets have been producing good Spanish mackerel fishing action and other species. Fisherman are reporting catch reports of Redfish, Sheepshead 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. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.
Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near inlets and reefs. 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 is best done in small, protected areas.
Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. 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! Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. Don't forget your fishing poles!
Inlets and bridges along the coast can be great places to capture these aggressive acrobats. These fish can be caught inshore or offshore by trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. You can cast it or troll it. You may also want to try fishing 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 are prime targets because Mackerel prefer to feed close to 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 mackerels can be found in schools.
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. Capt. The weekly fishing report of Norm Bekoff on Fox Sports 940 Miami can be viewed online and also broadcast live on Nautical Ventures Facebook page. Visit their website for more information about where to fish. You can also watch the show online by searching for "Spanish Mackerel Fishing in South Florida" as well as "Small Inlets."
The Flagler Bridge is a great spot to find Spanish mackerel. Anglers have other options. Flounder, jack crevalle, and sand perch are all commonly caught from the Boynton area to the Flagler Bridge. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times
Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate between spring and autumn. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. On the NOAA website, you can find out the water temperature for the coasts of the U.S. 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. 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.
Most surf fishermen inexperienced prefer to fish the inshore waters off the Florida Panhandle in April. The fish are still abundant and eating well there. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish 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 are known to be a bit more aggressive than the bars.
FAQ
How do I know if my lure works?
When you cast your lure into the water, watch for movement. If you observe movement, your lure may be working properly.
How much is basic fishing gear?
Basic fishing equipment is around $100-$200 for rod/reel combination, bait, tackle box, and so on. For a larger boat, you will need to pay between $500 and $1,000.
How often should I change my lures
You should change your lures every few days. After too much exposure to the sun, lures will lose their effectiveness.
Which is the best spot to fish?
The best place to fish is near freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, etc. These areas offer plenty of food and water for fish.
Is it possible for me to fish both at night and during the day?
Yes, but make sure to use artificial light. Fishermen use artificial lights to attract fish. They are most effective after the sun sets, when fish are more active.
Statistics
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Why would you want to use a spinning rod instead?
A Spinning Rod is used when you want to cast your lure into the water without getting out of the boat. It's a great choice if you don't want to lose too much time getting back into the boat after every cast. A spinning rod is designed to allow you to make casts from any position while still maintaining control of your line. There are three components to the rod: handle, butt section and reel seat. You hold the rod with your fingers and grip the shaft. The butt section is where you attach the rod's tip to the hook. Finally, the reel seat holds your line onto the reel. There are many different types of rods available today. Some are designed to be used only for certain types of fishing, such as casting or trolling. Others are designed to be used for various purposes, including fly fishing, spin fishing, bait fishing, etc.
The type of fish you intend to catch will determine the type of rod that you choose. If you want to target large predatory species, such as bass and pike, then you will need a heavier-duty rod. If you are fishing for smaller species, such a trout or salmon, a lighter weight rod may work better. You could even consider buying multiple rod sizes, depending on how large the fish you are trying to catch.
Spinning Rods can be used for more than just freshwater fishing. They are also used frequently for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning reels are typically heavier than freshwater rods. This is because saltwater requires stronger materials to withstand saltwater. Saltwater spinners have a longer rod length and a bigger diameter. They are able to cast farther distances thanks to this rod. A spinning rod is not the best choice for saltwater fishing. First, saltwater spinning rods do not come with reels like freshwater ones. You must buy one individually. Secondly, they are typically quite expensive. A spinning rod is an option if you like to catch bigger fish.
Spin fishing refers to angling where a spin fisherman uses a spinning reel to cast a weighted bait into the water. When the lure is in the water, it will spin around the weighted central point. The lure will move in a erratic manner, making it hard for fish to recognize the lure. Fish may mistakenly consider the lure food and begin eating it. This will make the lure more attractive to fish. The lure will then attract more fish to the angler's reel. After the lure has been recovered, the fisherman will be able to reel in the line until he captures the desired amount of fish.