The usual lures didn't work well for me when I tried spanish mackerel fishing with them in Florida. I found that 1- to 1.5-ounce, metal jigs were a better choice but still didn't catch my target fish. I also tried spoons with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.
Spoons
Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. They are ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 pounds. Here are some tips for using spoons in Florida.
Pick a spoon that is long and stocky. It should also not be too short. Spanish bass will love spoons that have a thin and long body. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. If you are fishing in twilight, use a single hook rigged on a split ring. It can result in missed strikes if you use a double hook.
Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. They are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.
You can also try trolling 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 at speeds of seven miles an hour is a good idea, since this can lead to a lower catch rate.
Hard-Baits
Anglers can utilize live or artificial baits when drifting for Spanish mackerel. Drift baits are made from live shrimp or bait fish. These baits are often chummed in salt water. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. For casting to the reefs, a 1/0 hook is a good choice. Florida waters are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!
Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits work well in the Atlantic as well as the Gulf for Spanish mackerel. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. Flat-bottomed baits will cover more water, which increases the odds of hooking a Spanish mackerel.
Spoons and Got-Cha lures are effective for catching Spanish mackerel. They are tough and catch the fish at all depths. Florida is known for its popular Get-Cha baits. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.
You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. You should be ready for battles and fights! Experts like Daniel Flinn can help you. Check out fishing reports and local marinas to find out the exact location of Spanish mackerel. You should also allow 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. These fish have a slim and slender body, which makes it easy to handle. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. For the best results, you can use trebles hooks with long leaders. Live shrimp is a great option if live bait is your preference.
Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their taste. 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. It is recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.
While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim loves the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait because it mimics small bait fish. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. Consider a color that resembles the local forage.
Inlets
Fort Pierce's Inlets have been producing good Spanish mackerel fishing action and other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish 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. Live shrimp are also a great option during the evening.
Spanish fish anglers will have better luck if they are able to target schools near reefs and inlets. Long lines should be used to troll along a school's edge. Running through or across schools of fish can cause them to dive. This will result in missed opportunities. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders during early morning and late afternoon. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. While they can be difficult to catch, the reward is well worth it. Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. Bring your fishing poles.
Located along the coast, inlets and bridges can be excellent places to catch these aggressive acrobats. This fish is prolific offshore and inshore, and can easily be caught by casting a tube-tailed lure. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. You can cast it or troll it. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.
Inlets in South Florida
The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Anglers are prime targets because Mackerel prefer to feed close to the surface. Troll your lure or live bait when the water is shallow. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. Spanish mackerels can be found in schools.
Fort Lauderdale may be the place to go if your goal is to find great fishing spots. 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 to find out more about where you can fish. You can also listen live online by searching "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida" or "Small Inlets."
A great place to look for Spanish mackerel in Florida is near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers may also be able to target other species in the Intracoastal Waterway. 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
When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate to spring and fall. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 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. You can then use these water temperatures to determine when is the best time to fish.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel requires that you choose a spot with calm waters and clear water. To increase your chances of catching these species, fish at least two to three hours offshore. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. Cast artificial lures in clear water using a heavy fluorocarbon leader. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.
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 that had begun in March have stopped, making it easier to find water. The waters are still warm enough to support a few pomona. Try jigs and tube lures if you are looking for red or whiting while surfing. Spanish mackerel prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.
FAQ
What kind of fishing licence do I need?
You will need a fishing permit if your plan is to fish on state waters (i.e. the lakes, rivers and beaches). Fishing licenses are required by law in every state. If you plan to fish in federal waters (i.e., oceans, Great Lakes, etc. A fishing license is not necessary. However, you will need to check with the authorities before you take any fish home.
What should you wear when fishing?
Wear clothing that will protect you from the weather. It's a good idea to have gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Make sure to bring insect repellent.
How can I get my children to fish?
Absolutely! Children love fishing. Many children who grow up fishing never stop. There are many things that you can do to encourage your child into fishing. To encourage them to fish, you can teach them how knots are made, how to build a fishing line, and what fishing etiquette is. Show them pictures of fish, and tell them stories.
Can I fish during the day or night?
Yes, but you will need to ensure that you are using artificial light. Fisherman use artificial lights to lure fish. They work well after the sun sets as fish become more active in the dark.
Where can you buy your fishing supplies?
All of the above items can be bought at most sporting equipment stores. Online shopping is a good option if you are searching for something particular. Many websites offer everything you need, from tackle boxes and lures to rods or reels.
What is the average time it takes to become a professional fisherman?
It takes years of practice to become an expert fisherman. Learning new techniques and improving your skills will help you become a more successful fisherman.
Statistics
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Why should you use a spinning rod?
The spinning rod is useful when you need to throw your lure in the water and not have to get out of the boat. If you don’t have the time or desire to get back in your boat quickly after each cast, it’s a great choice. A spinning rod will allow you to cast from any position, while maintaining control over your line. The rod consists of three main components: the handle and the reel seat. The handle is the part that holds the rod in your hand and grips the shaft. The butt section is where you attach the rod's tip to the hook. Finally, the reel seat holds the reel onto which the line is attached. There are many types of rods 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 you catch will affect the type rod you choose. For example, if you target large predatory species like bass or pike, you would probably want a heavy-duty rod. For smaller species such as salmon or trout, a lighter rod might be better. You could even go so far as to buy several rod sizes depending on how big the fish you hope to catch is.
Spinning Rods aren't limited to freshwater fisherman. They are commonly used for saltwater fishing too. Saltwater spinning rods are generally heavier than their freshwater counterparts because they require stronger materials to withstand the rigors of saltwater. Saltwater spinners tend to have a longer rod, but a larger diameter. They can cast further distances because of this. You should be aware that saltwater fishing can have its drawbacks. First, saltwater spinningrods don't come with reels. Instead, one must be purchased separately. Secondly, they are typically quite expensive. A spinning rod is worth your consideration if you enjoy catching larger fish.
A method of fishing that involves using a spinning rod and a weighted lure to cast into the water is called spin fishing. When the lure moves through the water it turns around its weighted center point. This causes the lure move erratically through the water, making fish difficult to spot. Fish may mistakenly consider the lure food and begin eating it. The lure will therefore attract more fish. The lure will then attract more fish to the angler's reel. Once the lure is pulled, the fisherman can keep going until he catches the desired number of fish.