I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. 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 tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them worked. Instead, I opted for small jigs with a worm attached.
Spoons
You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely effective at catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.
When choosing a spoon, choose one that has a long, stocky body and is not too long. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. They should be shiny for bright sunlight and matte for cloudy days. For fishing in the dark, you should use a single-hook rigged with a split ring. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.
Casting spoons along the coast has been an excellent way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons are more likely to attract fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. A weedless plastic lure is a better option if you are looking to catch more fish.
You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. To do this, you should tie a small spoon to the front of the planer and trail it with a 30 pound leader. To avoid the line from getting tangled, a swivel should be placed behind the diving planeer. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.
Hard-Baits
For Spanish mackerel drifting, anglers can use live and artificial baits. Drift baits are made from live shrimp or bait fish. These baits are often chummed in salt water. A large hook is recommended to lower the likelihood of cutoffs. 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 love spoons and flies that imitate their prey. These baits can be used to locate Spanish mackerel both in the Atlantic and Gulf. You can also use a spoon or hard bait. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.
Spoons and Got-Cha lures are effective for catching Spanish mackerel. These lures are long-lasting and can be used to catch fish at any depth in the water column. Florida is a favorite place to use Get-Cha lures. These lures have built-in rattles that attract Spanish mackerel as they are reeled in quickly. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.
You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. Be prepared for a fight. You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. Find out where Spanish mackerel are at sea by visiting local marinas and reading fishing reports. Remember to make room for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.
Jigs
For big Spanish catches, it is important to select the right type of jig. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.
Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their 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 have a reputation for being very fishy. Therefore, it is important to have the fish ready as soon you can. However, it is best to prepare the fish within 24 hours of its capture.
While using jigs for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida can be effective, some of the best bait is a live one. Capt Jim's favorite bait is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait, which he says is a great mimic of a small bait fish. White and olive are the best colors for him. Look for a color which is close to the natural colors of your area.
Inlets
Fort Pierce has been producing great action for Spanish mackerel as well as other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. To catch Spanish mackerel, anglers will use spoons or jigs. Meanwhile, live shrimp are eating on the north shore. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.
Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near inlets and reefs. They should use long lines that run along the edge or near the school to get the best results. The fish will dive if the line runs through or across the school. 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. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! You can find Spanish mackerel in Florida's best spots, including flats, passes and inlets. Don't forget your fishing poles!
Inlets and bridges along the coast can be great places to capture these aggressive acrobats. These fish can be caught inshore or offshore by trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. You can cast it or troll it. Fishing off causeways or piers is another option.
Inlets of South Florida
Fishing south Florida's beaches is easy with the Spanish Mackerel Inlets. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. When the water is shallow, troll your lure or live bait in the inlet. Look out for active diving birds as well as churned waters. Spanish mackerel can be spotted in schools.
Fort Lauderdale might be a good choice if you are looking to find a great spot for fishing. For example, Capt. Norm Bekoff's weekly fishing report on Fox Sports 940 Miami is available online, and it's also broadcast on Nautical Ventures' Facebook page. For more information on where to fish, visit their website. You can also listen live online by searching "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida" or "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 to Flagler Bridge area, fish such as flounder, Jack Crevalle, and Sand Perch are all common. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.
Best times to surf fish for Spanish mackerel
Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate in spring and fall. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. To determine the best time to fish, you can use water temperatures.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel requires that you choose a spot with calm waters and clear water. Fish at least two hours offshore to maximize your chances of catching these fish. If you prefer murky water, fish close to shore. Cast artificial lures using heavy fluorocarbon leaders in clear waters. These aggressive fish will require you to maintain a high speed.
Most surf fishermen inexperienced prefer to fish the inshore waters off the Florida Panhandle in April. There are plenty of fish and they are eating well. Fish can now find water easier because the rains that started in March have stopped. The waters are warmer enough to support a few sandpipers during this time. A tube lure or jig is a good option if you want to catch red or white whiting in the surf. Inshore Spanish mackerel tend to run outside of bars.
FAQ
Is fishing considered safe?
Fishing is extremely safe. Fishing can be an enjoyable way to relax, enjoy nature and have fun. Follow safety rules and you'll have no problems.
What happens if I get caught fishing illegally?
Fines, jail time and even the loss of your fishing licence could be your options. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.
Are there special clothes I should wear when fishing?
Yes, you need to wear clothing that protects against the elements. A waders suit is usually worn while fishing. Waders, which are waterproof pants that cover the legs or feet, are waterproof pants. Wader suits may have boots attached. Other waders suit are made without boots.
What is the time it takes to catch a fish.
It depends on the size and skill level of your fisherman. It can take anywhere between 30 seconds and 1 hour to catch a fish. The greater your chance of landing a big fish, the longer you wait.
How often should my lures be changed?
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
- 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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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 cleaning options for fishing equipment. Some methods are simple while others require more complex techniques. Most people use soap and water. Rinse the item with water after washing. There is a possibility that dirt may remain inside the item, which can lead to bacteria growth. This would lead to a bad smell and even worse infections if left untreated. It is best to dry your items thoroughly before you store them. Remember to not touch the item's surface while cleaning. You risk spreading germs to objects if you touch them.
Other than washing your gear with soap and water, there are other ways to enhance the quality of your fishing equipment. Special detergents and solvents may be necessary depending on what type of gear you have. You should avoid certain substances, however, as they could cause damage to your goods. Bleach is one such thing. Bleach can be used to dissolve plastics and metals, so don't ever use bleach to clean your fishing equipment. Instead, you should use warm water and dishwashing liquid. Only use dishwashing products that are made specifically to clean fish. Dishwashing fluids contain chemicals and enzymes that break down organic materials, such as blood, slime and scales. They also contain surfactants which remove dirt from surfaces. If you are concerned about stain removal, you can use a stain remover. Oils and fats on the surface of gear are often responsible for staining. Applying stain-removal products directly to the affected area will help remove the stain and not damage the underlying material.
There are many cleaners available for fishing gear at your local hardware store. Many stores stock a variety of cleaners that are suitable for various purposes. Some can be used to clean small amounts of grease and others for larger amounts. You can choose the one that fits your needs the best.