Fishing Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Bob Thomas 9 June, 2023 6 mins read

When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. 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 (inlets, worms) and spoons. However, none of these methods worked. Instead, I chose small jigs that had a worm attached.

Spoons

You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. These spoons are very effective in catching these fish. Spoons are easy to cast and can wiggle by themselves. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.

If you are looking for a spoon to use, make sure it has a large, well-built body that isn't too long. Spanish bass will be attracted to spoons with long and thin bodies. For sunny days, the spoons should be shiny and matte. If you are fishing in twilight, use a single hook rigged on a split ring. You should not use a triple hook because it can cause missed strikes.

Casting spoons on the coast waters is a great and easy way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. Their fast swimming action makes them an enjoyable and tasty meal. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or 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. Other options include a spoon umbrella rig. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your catch rate.

Hard-Baits

Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Drift baits are made from live shrimp or bait fish. These baits are often chummed in salt water. A large size hook is recommended for reducing the risk of cutoffs. 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 can be used in both the Atlantic and Gulf to find Spanish mackerel. Another option is to use a spoon, or a hard bait. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

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 have built-in rattles that attract Spanish mackerel as they are reeled in quickly. 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. Prepare for a fight. Daniel Flinn is an expert. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. Don't forget to leave room for other boats. Daniel Flinn is an insider who also recommends using his bobber.

Jigs

It is crucial to choose the right jig to catch Spanish. This fish has a thin and slim body that makes them easy to handle. When tying a hook, you should use a hook with a long shank. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.

Spanish mackerel fishermen have a main concern about the taste. While many anglers don't enjoy eating them, you may want to consider preparing the fish for cooking the same day 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 best to prepare the fish within 24 hours of its capture.

While jigs are effective for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, the best bait is a live fish. 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 and its surrounding islands have provided good action for Spanish Mackerel and other species. Fisherman have reported catching Snook, Redfish and Sheepshead while fishing for Spanish mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.

Spanish fish are best targeted by anglers who target them near inlets or 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 can be done from inlets.

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. These minnows can be difficult to catch but they are worth it! Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. Don't forget your fishing poles!

These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. 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. It can be fished cast, or trolled. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.

Inlets of South Florida

Inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing are a good option for fishing south Florida's coastal waters. Anglers have a prime opportunity to catch Mackerel as they tend to feed close the surface. When the water is shallow, troll your lure or live bait in the inlet. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. If you spot a school, you've found a Spanish mackerel.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. Capt. Capt. You can find more information at their website 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."

Spanish mackerel can also be found along the coast near Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also fish for other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. Fishing with yellow feathers, trolling spoons, and trolling hooks is effective.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times

What is the best time of year to surf fish for Spanish mackerel in Spain? Mackerel migrate between spring and autumn. They should show up once the water temperatures have reached 70 degrees. They will not leave the area until it drops to 70 degrees. On the NOAA website, you can find out the water temperature for the coasts of the U.S. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. For the best chances of catching these fish you need to fish at least 2 hours offshore. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into clear water. These fish are aggressive and will not slow down if you keep them moving.

The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. The fish are abundant and still feeding well. The rains that began in March have ceased, making it easier for fish to find the water. The waters are still warm enough to support a few pomona. You can use jigs or tube lures to find red and whiting in surf. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.

FAQ

Do I need special licenses to fish?

No, unless you are going to fish in another state or county. Many states allow anglers the freedom to fish without the need of a license. To find out what license is required, check with your local Fish & Wildlife Agency.

Do I need to wear special clothing while fishing?

You will need clothing that is waterproof to protect you from the elements. Fishing requires the use of a waders suit. Waders are waterproof pants which cover the legs as well as the feet. Wader suits are sometimes equipped with boots. Other waders suits are designed to be used without boots.

What is the correct length fishing rod?

The right fishing rod length depends on what kind of fish you want to catch. If you want to catch smallmouth bass, a rod of 6'6 inches would be the best. However, if you're looking for largemouth bass, a 7'5" rod might work better.

Can I get my kids interested in fishing?

Absolutely! Fishing is a favorite pastime of children. The majority of children who are raised fishing will never stop. Encourage your child to learn how to fish. For example, you could teach them how to tie knots, build a fishing pole, and learn about fishing etiquette. Show them pictures of fish, and tell them stories.

Statistics

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