Here are some facts about casting spoons and gotcha lures for Spanish Mackerel Fishing. For example, bucktails come in many sizes. They can be as small as 1/16 ounce up to half-ounce. You can adjust the size of the bucktails to match the size of the baitfish you're pursuing.
Casting spoons
Spanish bass are a good choice when selecting a rig. Casting spoons ought to have a long, flat body without any cupping and an overall length of about 6 inches. Spanish bass feed on small baitfish, so a shiny finish is ideal for bright sunlight and a matte finish for cloudy days. Your Spanish bass fishing rig should be rigged with one hook and a split-ring. 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. These species prefer lures that can be quickly retrieved. A jigging spool will produce a fluttering action which fish enjoy. A jigging spoon is also useful if you are fishing in a lake or river.
Spanish mackerel do not have strong teeth and are drawn to light lures. Casting spoons using a lighter wire will keep the lure in place during fights. Spanish mackerel can still be hooked despite being small. The light wire will shield your hand from the razor-sharp teeth. The smaller the bait, the more effective your cast will be.
Got-Cha lures
The classic Got-Cha lure makes a great choice if you want to catch Spanish mackerel schools. This treble-hook bait is fast sinking at the end and can be easily retrieved. Jerking the rod tip creates a deadly darting action underwater. Spanish fish cannot resist the darting action. Be sure to let the lure sink to the bottom before jigging it. Aim to probe the entire water column with the lure to increase your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.
When using Got-Cha lures for Spanish makerel fishing rigs, you need to choose a leader that fits the situation. If you use a long leader, you may lose a lot of fish. If you use a medium-length leader, you may have trouble attracting a lot of Spanish mackerel. A shorter leader is better if you fish in streams or rivers.
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 have enough incentive to strike because of their flashy jigs. Although diamond jigs can be rolled, larger versions are better for vertical jigging than structure.
Monofilament line
Many anglers prefer monofilament to braided line for Spanish mackerel fishing. Monofilament line has a stretch that prevents the hook from pulling when the fish bites. This is because these fish can live in open waters and are unlikely to bite a leader of 20 pounds. The type of Spanish mackerel that you are trying to catch will determine the leader you choose.
Monofilament is more expensive than fluorocarbon, but it offers many advantages over mono. Fluorocarbon line is superior for baits and live trap fishing because it is not easily detected as submerged. Mono is more resistant to snapping or fraying when the fish bites and also holds knots well. Mono is more forgiving and cheaper than fluoro.
Live bait is an effective way to catch Spanish mackerel. There are two options for baitfish and shrimp, but a live shark is better. Spanish mackerel are more likely to eat live bait if it is flashy and moves quickly. A trolling spoon is designed to be trolled at high speeds and covers a wide area. Trolling is the best option when Spanish mackerel don't work on the surface.
Braided line
Choosing the right leader is crucial for catching more bites and landing more fish. When you're targeting Spanish, any mistake you make will be magnified. A light graphite rod of eight to ten feet in length is best because it's not too heavy and can reach Spanish schools. Although you can use heavier wire if you're casting long distances, it's not necessary.
Spanish mackerel will be attracted to a gotcha bait. This lure sinks fast at the end, and jerking its tip causes deadly darting actions under the surface. The lure's action is so fatal that Spanish fish will be forced to attack it. Once you have removed your lure, drop it to the bottom. Then look for fish in the water column.
A 8 to 9-pound fly rod is necessary for Florida fishing. It should have a strong drag system. For fishing on the surface, a floating line will work best. A sinker or intermediate sinker will work well in deeper flats. The fish's vision will be obstructed by a wire leader. While monofilament leaders are ideal for surface fishing, you'll find that Spanish mackerel will snag a wire leader.
Speck rigs
There are many different ways to use Speck rigs with Spanish makers. A speck rod can catch some the most impressive Spanish, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Pete recommends trolling your speck lure close to the boat. The longer the line, it is better to troll the lure further behind the boat, so that the boat's engine doesn't disturb the bait. You can also use small menhaden free-spools, which are known as peanut bunker and pogy.
The speck rig can be fished from the beach or from a pier. For the best results, cast quarters at 45 degrees to maximize the rig's potential. The "Water Walker" fishing rod can be used if you fish from the pier. It replaces the inline sinker with an adjustable popping cork. It allows fish to imitate baitfish by flipping the rig. Another popular Speck rig is the Love Lures Speck Rig. It consists of two jigs on dropper loops and a fluorocarbon leader of 20 or 30 pounds.
Trolling around structures is a popular way to catch these fish. Kingfish can be found at the shore and near buoys. The best baits are small menhaden (or alewives), live shrimp, and alewives. A speck rig containing fresh or live shrimp is a good option for targeting them close to structure. Although trolls are most commonly used to catch Spanish mackerel in the wild, there are other options.
Drifting
It is important to learn the ropes of Spanish mackerel drifting. For your first drift, you will need a 30-foot leader. Although you can hand line it to the boat, it is important to be aware of where strikes are coming. You'll notice that your lures speed changes when you make 90-degree turn. Lines to the inside will slow down while lines to the outside will speed it up. Match the speeds of your lines that are catching more fish.
Live or artificial bait are effective drifting baits. Live shrimp, bait fish, or a dead bait are all excellent choices. For drifting, split shot is also a good choice. You will need a long-shanked hook to decrease the risk of cutoffs. It will work well with a 1/0 hook. A 1/0 hook can cover large areas. Drifting is a great technique for both inshore and offshore waters.
Artificial reefs can also be used to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can also be found near the bottom, close to tunnel tubes. If you are on a pier, you can use cut bait and baited plugs. The best technique to fish these species is to drift back live bait. You could also fish off Virginia's coast in the summer. If the current is running hard, the fish will most likely be aggressive and attack metal spoons.
Live bait
You will need to ensure that you have the right rig if you plan to use live bait to catch Spanish Mackerel. Spanish mackerel-fishing rigs look the same as king and queen mackerel rigs. Instead of using a single hook you'll be using two smaller bucktails along with one No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails come in a variety of sizes, depending on how big your baitfish are.
A shrimp or a small, silvery fish can be used live bait. You have the option to either throw it into a schooling of breaking fish, or you can drift it across an open sea. To get a strike, you can also use chumming inshore and offshore. Spanish mackerel can be caught using live bait. These fish are easy to clean, too, and you can find them at your local bait shop.
Artificial or live bait can be used to drift for Spanish mackerel. Drifting is easy with live shrimp and bait fish. However, split shot is also an option to attract more Spanish marlin. Long-shanked hooks work best with this type of fish. This reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 size is a good choice for all-around use.
FAQ
How much is basic fishing gear?
Basic fishing equipment costs around $100-$200 dollars for rod/reel combos, bait, tackle box, etc. You'll need to spend between 500-$1000 to get a bigger boat.
What is the best place to fish?
You can fish near rivers, lakes, streams and other freshwater bodies. These areas provide plenty of food for the fish.
How often should I change my lures?
It is important to change lures every couple of days. After being exposed to the sun for too long, lures lose their effectiveness.
Statistics
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How do I properly clean my fishing gear?
There are many options when it comes to cleaning your fishing equipment. Some of these methods are very basic while others require more advanced techniques. The most common way to wash your clothes is with soap and water. After washing the item, rinse it thoroughly. You could end up with bacteria growth if you don't thoroughly rinse the item. If left untreated, this could cause a bad odor and worsening of infections. Drying the items thoroughly before placing them in storage is a good way to avoid this. When cleaning any item, you must avoid touching its surface. Germs can be transferred to the object if you touch it.
Apart from using soap, water, there are many ways you can improve the quality and performance of your fishing gear. Special detergents and solvents may be necessary depending on what type of gear you have. There are certain things that you should never use, though, because they could damage your goods. Bleach is one of them. Bleach is known to dissolve plastic and metal, so you shouldn't ever use it to clean your fishing gear. Warm water and a dishwashing detergent are better choices. Use only dishwashing fluids specifically made for cleaning fish. Dishwashing detergents are formulated with enzymes and other chemicals to help dissolve organic materials like blood, slime, scales, and slime. They also contain surfactants that help loosen dirt and grime from surfaces. However, if you're worried about removing stains, you should consider using a stain remover. Oils and fats can cause stains. Applying stain removers directly on the area from which the oil or fat has come is a good way to remove it without causing any damage to the underlying material.
Your local home improvement store will have many options for cleaning your fishing gear. You will find a wide variety of cleaners in your local store, all designed for different purposes. Some are made to remove small amounts of grease; others can handle larger quantities. You can pick the one that is most suitable for you.