Casting spoons and got-cha baits for Spanish mackerel fishing is easy if you know a few basics. There are many sizes for bucktails. You can adjust the size of the bucktails to match the size of the baitfish you're pursuing.
Casting spoons
Spanish bass is a great choice when choosing a rig. Casting spoons should have a large, flat body with no cupping, and a short overall length. Spanish bass eat small baitfish so a shiny finish is best for bright sunlight. A matte finish is better for cloudy days. Rig your Spanish bass fishing rig with a single hook on 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. Generally, these species are attracted to lures with a fast retrieve. A jigging bowl will create a fluttering action fish love. A jigging teaspoon is also a good option if you fish on a river or lake.
Spanish mackerel can't eat hard food and prefer light lures. Casting spoons using a lighter wire will keep the lure in place during fights. A treble hook can be used to hook Spanish mackerel, despite their small size. The light wire will shield your hand from the razor-sharp teeth. Your cast will be more effective if you have a smaller bait.
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. A deadly underwater darting action is created by jerking the rod tip. Spanish fish love the action. Before jigging, make sure the lure sinks to bottom. Aim to probe the entire water column with the lure to increase your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.
Choose a leader that suits the needs of your Spanish makerel fishing setup when you use Got-Cha Lures. If you use a long leader, you may lose a lot of fish. A medium-length leader may be difficult to attract 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. These jigs provide enough incentive for them to strike. Although diamond jigs can be rolled, larger versions are better for vertical jigging than structure.
Monofilament line
Although braided lines can be used on Spanish mackerel fishing rods, many anglers prefer monofilament line. 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. Choosing a leader is a balancing act that depends on the type of Spanish mackerel you want to catch.
Monofilament line is more expensive but fluorocarbon lines are a better choice than monofilament. Fluorocarbon line is superior for baits and live trap fishing because it is not easily detected as submerged. Mono is less likely than fluorocarbon to snap or fray when a fish bites it. It also holds knots very well. Mono is more forgiving and cheaper than fluoro.
Spanish mackerel are caught with live bait. Generally, you can use baitfish or shrimp, but a live sardine is the most effective. Spanish mackerel will prefer live bait that is flashy and quick-moving. Trolling spoons can be trolled at high speeds to cover a large area. Trolling can be a good option when Spanish mackerel are not working on the surfaces.
Braided line
Choosing the right leader is crucial for catching more bites and landing more fish. Any mistake made when targeting Spanish will only make matters worse. Using a light graphite rod between eight and ten feet is ideal because it doesn't feel too heavy and extends far enough to reach schools of Spanish. It's possible to cast longer distances using heavier wire but this is not necessary.
When Spanish mackerel are around, a gotcha lure is essential. This lure sinks quickly, and jerking your tip causes deadly darting below the surface. The action is so deadly that Spanish fish will have no choice but to attack it! Once you've removed the lure from the water, allow it to drop to the bottom. Next, check the entire water column for fish.
A fly rod of 8-9 lb weight with a good drag system is required for Florida fishing. A floating line is the best for fishing in shallow waters, while a intermediate sinker works well in deeper areas. A wire leader will interfere with the fish's vision. While monofilament leaders are ideal for surface fishing, you'll find that Spanish mackerel will snag a wire leader.
Speck Rigs
There are many ways you can use Speck rigs to catch Spanish makers. A speck rod can catch some the most impressive Spanish, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Pete recommends trolling a speck lure well behind 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.
Speck Rigs can be fished either from a shoreline or from a pier. Quarter casts of 45° or more are recommended to get maximum use of the speckrig. If you're fishing from the pier you can use the "Water Walker", a fishing rig that replaces the inline sinker and uses a weighted popping corn. This allows fish to mimic baitfish by flipping it. Love Lures Speck Rigs are another popular Speck rig. It is composed of two jigs attached to dropper loops and an fluorocarbon leader that weighs 20 or 30 lbs.
Trolling around structures is a popular way to catch these fish. Kingfish can be found at the shore and near buoys. Excellent baits include alewives and small menhaden. A speck rig containing fresh or live shrimp is a good option for targeting them close to structure. While trolls are the most popular method for catching Spanish mackerel, other types of lures can be used.
Drifting
Knowing the basics of drifting for Spanish mackerel is essential. To start, you need a 30-foot leader. You can hand line it to your boat, but it is important to pay attention to where strikes are coming from. The speed of your lures will change as you turn 90 degrees. Lines to the inside will slow down while lines to the outside will speed it up. Match the speed of your lines that catch more fish.
Live or artificial bait are effective drifting baits. There are many choices for bait fish, live shrimp and dead bait. You can also use split shot for drifting. To lower the risk of cutoffs you will need to use a long-shanked line. You can use a 1/0 hook. Using a 1/0 hook will allow you to cover a large area. Drifting works well in both offshore or inshore waters.
Artificial reefs are another option to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can also be found near the bottom, close to tunnel tubes. Cut bait or baited pops can be used if you are fishing from a pier. Drifting live bait is the best technique for fishing these species. In the summer, you can fish off the coast Virginia. If the current is running hard, the fish will most likely be aggressive and attack metal spoons.
Live bait
The proper rig is essential if you intend to use live bait for Spanish mackerel fishing. The Spanish mackerel fishing gear is the same as the king mackerel rigs. Instead of using a single hook, you'll use two smaller bucktails and a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails vary in size depending on the size of your baitfish.
A shrimp or a small, silvery fish can be used live bait. You can also cast it in a school of fish breaking or drag it across open ocean. Chumming, either inshore or offshore can also be used for a strike. Spanish mackerel are best caught with live bait. These fish are easy enough to clean. You can also find them at your local shop.
You can also use artificial or live bait when you 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. The best hook for this type of fish is a long-shanked one, which reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 size hook is great for all-around use.
FAQ
To fish, you will need a Bobber
Yes! You use a bobber to prevent the bait from moving when you are fishing. The bobber is made up of the float as well as the line. To cast a lure, attach the hook to one end of the line. Then, pull the rod out and release the line. If you don't use a bobber, the lure may sink into the water, which makes it difficult for the fish to bite.
What should I wear when fishing?
Wear clothes that protect you from the elements. You can protect yourself from the elements with gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to bring insect repellent.
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.
Do I need special permits 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.
How long does a skilled fisherman take?
You will need years of experience to become an expert fisherman. Learning new techniques and improving your skills will help you become a more successful fisherman.
What size should my tackle box be
A large tackle chest is required to keep all your fishing gear. The size of your tackle box depends on the amount of items you store inside.
Statistics
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- 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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Location
It is important to know the type of fish that you are looking for in order to find the best spots for fishing. You should decide whether you want to go deep sea fishing or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing requires a boat, which costs money. The cost of shallow water fishing is minimal as it's done from shore. You should choose shallow water fishing if you are interested in trout fishing. You'll need to travel to deeper water if you are looking for barracuda.
You can choose from many different kinds of fishing spots depending on your preferences. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. One example is that some areas are known for their bass fishing and others specialize in fly-fishing. Other locations are famous for their shark fishing and crabbing.
How long you intend to stay and your interests will all play a role in deciding where you want to go. Do you enjoy camping? If so, you might be interested in a spot near a lake. Do you prefer the city? Maybe you prefer the beach. Perhaps you even like to go canoeing, sailing or scuba diving.
It doesn't matter if you don’t know anything about fishing. You could always ask someone who does. They can tell you everything, even where to go.
You could even try searching online for "fishing spots near me." You will get many ideas. It would be great if you could narrow down your list of choices by reading reviews and ratings. There are plenty of websites that allow you to do this.
After you have chosen a location, you should make it a point to visit it before you go. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. It is important to take everything you might need. Don't forget your tackle box, bait, and sunscreen!
It's a good idea also to check the weather conditions at the spot. The forecast can help you determine the best time to go. If the weather is changing, it's a good idea to make changes to your plans.
You can now plan your trip once you know where you are going. Next, decide what fish you want to catch.