Deep Sea Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rods

By Dylan Smith 30 June, 2023 7 mins read

Casting spoons and got-cha baits for Spanish mackerel fishing is easy if you know a few basics. You can find bucktails in various sizes, from one-quarter ounce to one-half ounce. You can adjust the size of the bucktails to match the size of the baitfish you're pursuing.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass is a great choice when choosing a rig. Casting spoons should have a large, flat body with no cupping, and a short overall length. Spanish bass eat small baitfish so a shiny finish is best for bright sunlight. A matte finish is better for cloudy days. You can rig your Spanish Bass fishing rig using a single hook on split rings. Don't use a treble hook, as this will increase the chances of missed strikes and a hiccup.

Although a metal spoon is capable of catching a wide variety of fishes, the main species to be targeted are Bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Generally, these species are attracted to lures with a fast retrieve. Fish will love a jigging spoon's fluttering action. A jigging spoon is also useful if you are fishing in a lake or river.

Spanish mackerel have weak teeth so they are attracted by light lures. Casting spoons made of light wire will help prevent the lures from coming apart during a fight. Spanish mackerel are small and can be hooked with a treblehook. The light wire will protect your hand from the razor sharp teeth. The more effective the cast, the smaller the bait.

Got-Cha lures

The classic Got-Cha lure makes a great choice if you want to catch Spanish mackerel schools. This treblehook bait can be quickly pulled out of the water and sinks quickly. The rod tip can be jerked underwater to create a deadly darting action. Spanish fish cannot resist the darting action. Before jigging, make sure the lure sinks to bottom. Aim to probe the entire water column with the lure to increase your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

A leader should be chosen that is appropriate for the situation when using Got-Cha baits for Spanish makerel fishing. A long leader can cause you to lose many fish. You may not attract many Spanish mackerel if you use a long leader. Fishing in streams and rivers requires a shorter leader.

Many charter boat captains have a secret weapon: the diamond jig. These jigs can be light-weighted and are very effective when Spanish mackerel feed on clear water glass minnows. They are enticed to strike with their flashy jigs. Diamond jigs may be rolled but are more effective for vertical jigging.

Monofilament line

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you can use braided rope but monofilament is preferable by many anglers. Monofilament line has a stretch that prevents the hook from pulling when the fish bites. These fish don't like leaders weighing more than 20 pounds, and they can be caught in open water. The type of Spanish mackerel that you are trying to catch will determine the leader you choose.

Although fluorocarbon line can be more expensive than monofilament but has many benefits over monofilament. Fluorocarbon line is superior for baits and live trap fishing because it is not easily detected as submerged. Mono is less likely for the fish to bite and fray, and it also holds knots better. But mono is much more forgiving than fluoro and is cheaper.

Live bait is an effective way to catch Spanish mackerel. Generally, you can use baitfish or shrimp, but a live sardine is the most effective. Spanish mackerel will appreciate live bait that's flashy, fast-moving and attractive. Trolling spoons are designed to be troled at high speeds over a large area. When Spanish mackerel aren't working on the surface, trolling is ideal.

Braided line

For more fish and more bites, it is important to choose the right leader. Any mistake made when targeting Spanish will only make matters worse. Using a light graphite rod between eight and ten feet is ideal because it doesn't feel too heavy and extends far enough to reach schools of Spanish. While you can use heavier wire for casting long distances it's not necessary.

Spanish mackerel will be attracted to a gotcha bait. This lure sinks rapidly at the end of the cast and jerking it causes deadly darting under the water. This action is so dangerous that Spanish fish will attack it! Once you've removed the lure from the water, allow it to drop to the bottom. Next, check the entire water column for fish.

A fly rod of 8-9 lb weight with a good drag system is required for Florida fishing. A floating line will be most effective for fishing at the surface. An intermediate sinker is better for deeper flats. A wire leader could cause vision problems for the fish. Monofilament leader are best for surface fishing. Spanish mackerel, however, will not be able to see a wire leader.

Speck rigs

There are many different ways to use Speck rigs with Spanish makers. You can catch some amazing Spanish regardless of whether you are a novice fisherman or a veteran. Pete recommends that you trolling a speck lure far behind the boat. The lure should be trolled further behind the boat than the length of the line. This will ensure that the bait does not get disturbed by the motor. You can also use small menhaden free-spools, which are known as peanut bunker and pogy.

You can fish speck rigs from the beach or a pier. Quarter casts of 45° are recommended in order to get the most from the speck-rig. You can fish from the pier with the "Water Walker", which replaces your in-line sinker by a weighted popping core. It allows fish to imitate baitfish by flipping the rig. Love Lures Speck Rigs is another popular Speck rig. It is composed of two jigs attached to dropper loops and an fluorocarbon leader that weighs 20 or 30 lbs.

One of the most popular approaches for catching these fish is to troll around structure. Kingfish are often found close to beaches and buoys. You can use live shrimp, alewives or small menhaden as baits. When targeting them near structure, use a speck rig with live shrimp or fresh shrimp. Other lures can be used, as well as trolls.

Drifting

The tricks of the trade are necessary to begin drifting in search for Spanish mackerel. A 30-foot leader is necessary to start. You can hand line it to your boat, but it is important to pay attention to where strikes are coming from. As you make 90-degree turns, your lures' speed will change. Lines on the inside of the turn will slow down, while lines on the outside will speed up. Match the speeds of your lines that are catching more fish.

Drifting baits are either made of live or artificial bait. There are many choices for bait fish, live shrimp and dead bait. For drifting, split shot is also a good choice. To decrease the risk of cutoffs, a long-shanked Hook is required. You can use a 1/0 hook. A 1/0 hook can cover large areas. Drifting works well in both offshore or inshore waters.

Artificial reefs can be used to attract Spanish Mackerel. These fish can be found close to the bottom of the Bay at the tunnel tubes. Use baited or cut bait when fishing from a dock. The best technique to fish these species is to drift back live bait. You can also fish the Virginia coast during summer. Fish will attack metal spoons if the current is strong.

Live bait

The proper rig is essential if you intend to use live bait for Spanish mackerel fishing. Spanish mackerel fisherman rigs work in the same way as king mackerel. Instead of using a single hook, you'll use two smaller bucktails and a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails are either small or large, depending on the size of your baitfish.

You can use live bait as a shrimp, or small silvery fish. If you like, you can throw it into a school to break fish or let it drift across an open ocean. You can also use chumming to catch a strike, whether you are fishing offshore or inshore. The best way to catch Spanish mackerel is usually with live bait. These fish are easy enough to clean. You can also find them at your local shop.

For Spanish mackerel drifting, you can also use live or artificial bait. Drifting is best when using live shrimp or bait fish. Split shot can be used to attract more Spanish mackerel. A long-shanked hook is the best for this type fish. It reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 size is a good choice for all-around use.

FAQ

What is the best bait to use for freshwater fishing in Canada?

The best bait for freshwater fishing is live shrimp. Shrimp are great for freshwater fishing because they are cheap and easy to catch.

How far away should I stand while fishing?

You are more likely to catch fish the further you stand from shore. This also increases your chances of getting wet.

Where can i buy fishing supplies

All of the above items can be bought at most sporting equipment stores. However, if you are looking for something specific, you may want to check online. Many websites sell everything, from rods to reels to tackle boxes to lures.

What's the right fishing rod length?

The kind of fish that you are looking to catch determines the length of your fishing line. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. A 7'5" rod may be better if you are looking for largemouth bass.

What happens to a fish that is lost while I'm fishing?

The game involves losing fish. Sometimes, you will catch a fish and then lose it. If this happens, keep trying. You will eventually catch another fish.

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)
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)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)