Fly Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Trey Gordon 16/06/2022 6 mins read

I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish in Florida. Although they were more effective, I found 1 to 1.5-ounce metal lures to be a better option. However, they didn't catch the fish I was after. I also tried spoons and inlets but they didn't work. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.

Spoons

You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. 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 great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips about how to use spoons Florida.

Pick a spoon that is long and stocky. It should also not be too short. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for 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 into the Florida coast has been a great method to catch Spanish mackerel. They are a tasty and enjoyable meal due to their fast swimming speed. You'll find plenty of action around St. Augustine as well as Matanzas. These fish can also be caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons will attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. Use a weedless pvc bait if you want to catch more.

Trolling for Spanish mackerel is also an option. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. To avoid tangling the line, you will need to swivel behind a diving planer. Another option is a spoon umbrella. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.

Hard-Baits

You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. If you're fishing for reef fish, a size of 1/0 is an ideal all-round size. Fishing for Spanish mackerel in Florida waters can be a great adventure, so make sure you take advantage of the many possibilities!

Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits can be used in both the Atlantic and Gulf to find Spanish mackerel. Also, you can use a spoon and hard bait. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

For Spanish mackerel, you can use Spoons or Got-Cha lures. They are durable and catch the fish from all depths of the water column. Florida is a favorite place to use Get-Cha lures. These lures include rattles built in that attract Spanish mackerel and can be quickly reeled into. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.

You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. Prepare for a fight. Experts like Daniel Flinn can help you. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. Be sure to allow space 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. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. When tying a hook, you should use a hook with a long shank. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.

Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their 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 can be a bit finicky so it is best to prepare them as soon as you catch them. 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, according to him, is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. This bait mimics a small baitfish. Olive and white are his favorites. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce has been producing great action for Spanish mackerel as well as other species. Fisherman are also reporting Snook, Redfish catches, Sheepshead, Black Drum, while fishing Spanish mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. Live shrimp are also an option.

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

Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Spanish mackerel are attracted to silverside minnows in the inshore waters. 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. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!

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

Inlets of 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. If the water is very shallow, you can troll your lure and live bait in the inlet. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. If you spot a school, you've found a Spanish mackerel.

If you are looking for a great fishing location, you might want to try Fort Lauderdale. 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 to the show live on the internet by searching for "Spanish Mackerel fishing in South Florida" and "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. From the Boynton area to Flagler Bridge, you can catch flounder, jack crevalle and sandperch. Fishing with trolling spoons or yellow feathers has proven to be effective.

When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel?

What is the best time of year to surf fish for Spanish mackerel in Spain? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will continue to appear until the water temperature drops below 70°F. On the NOAA website, you can find out the water temperature for the coasts of the U.S. To determine the best time to fish, you can use water temperatures.

Choose calm water and clear waters when surfing for Spanish mackerel. 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. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.

Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during 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. Try jigs and tube lures if you are looking for red or whiting while surfing. Spanish mackerel are known to be a bit more aggressive than the bars.

FAQ

How do you bait your hooks?

Your hooks will be baited by attaching a piece if meat to its end. You can then tie the meat around one eye of your hook.

Is it possible for me to fish both at night and during the day?

But you must ensure that you use artificial light. Fishermen use artificial lights to attract fish. They work well after the sun sets as fish become more active in the dark.

How deep should I go with my line?

Cast your line as deep as possible. To ensure the line doesn't twist, your arm should be straightened when casting a slender line.

Where is the best place for fishing?

Near freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, streams, and so forth, is where you should fish. These areas offer plenty of food and water for fish.

How can I get my children to fish?

Absolutely! Fishermen are a passion for children. The majority of children who are raised fishing will never stop. Encourage your child to learn how to fish. You could show them how to tie knots and build a fishing rod, or teach them about proper fishing manners. It is possible to show them pictures of fish and tell stories about fishing.

How much can I budget to spend on fish-catching gear?

You don’t have to spend much on fishing gear. There are many options that are affordable. A cheap hook, line, and reel could be your best option. You can also buy a reel and reel set.

How often do I need to change my lures

It is important to change lures every couple of days. When left out in direct sunlight for too long, lures tend to lose their effectiveness.

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)
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)