Artificial Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By David McKinney 30 November, 2022 6 mins read

When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. While I found the 1 to 1.5-ounce jigs to be a better option, they still failed me in catching the fish I was seeking. I tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them worked. Instead, I used small jigs which had a attached worm.

Spoons

You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely effective in catching these fish. Spoons can be cast far and covered a lot of water. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.

If you are looking for a spoon to use, make sure it has a large, well-built body that isn't too long. Spanish bass may be attracted by spoons with a long, thin body. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.

Casting spoons in coastal waters has been a great way to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida. Their fast swimming action makes them an enjoyable and tasty meal. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish can also be caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons will attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.

Trolling can also be used to catch Spanish mackerel. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. To avoid tangling the line, you will need to swivel behind a diving planer. Other options include a spoon umbrella rig. 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. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to reefs. Florida waters are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!

A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. 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 baits cover more water which increases your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

Spoons as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch Spanish mackerel. They are tough and catch the fish at all depths. Florida's most popular lure is the Get-Cha. 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.

Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. Be ready for a fight and a battle! 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. Daniel Flinn, an insider, also suggests using a Bobber.

Jigs

Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. This fish has a thin and slim body that makes them easy to handle. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.

The taste is a major concern for Spanish mackerel fishermen. Although many anglers do not enjoy the taste of Spanish mackerel, it is worth considering cooking the fish the day after you catch it. Spanish mackerel are notorious for being a bit fishy. You should prepare it as soon as possible. It is best to cook the mackerel within 24 hours after it has been caught.

While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorites. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided good action for Spanish Mackerel and other species. While fishing for Spanish mackerel, fishermen have also been reporting catches of Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.

Spanish fish anglers will have better luck if they are able to target schools near reefs and inlets. 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. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.

Spanish mackerel can be aggressive feeders at both the dawn and dusk. Spanish mackerel are attracted to silverside minnows in the inshore waters. These minnows can be difficult to catch but they are worth it! These are the best areas to find Spanish mackerel anywhere in Florida. Bring your fishing poles.

These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located along the coast. These fish are both prolific inshore as offshore. You can catch them by casting and trolling a lure tube. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can be fished cast, or trolled. It is also possible to fish off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Anglers have a prime opportunity to catch Mackerel as they tend to feed close the surface. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. You should look for active diving birds and churned water. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. For example, Capt. Capt. Visit their website for more information about where to fish. You can also access the live broadcast online by searching for the words "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. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. Fishing with trolling spoons or yellow feathers has proven to be effective.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night

When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. On the NOAA website, you can find out the water temperature for the coasts of the U.S. Then, you can use the water temperatures to determine the best times to fish for them.

Choose calm water and clear waters when surfing for Spanish mackerel. 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 in clear water using a heavy fluorocarbon leader. These aggressive fish require speed.

Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. The March rains have ended, which has made it easier for the fish to find water. The waters are warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. 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

What are the different types of lures you can use?

Yes, there is a wide range of lures. Some lures are made specifically for specific species of fish. Some lures mimic insects, frogs or crayfish while others are designed to mimic grasshoppers, worms, and other frogs. You can find lures in many shapes and sizes. Some lures can even be shaped like real insects.

Is fishing considered safe?

Fishing has a lot of safety. Fishing is a wonderful way to relax and take in the beauty of nature. As long as you follow safety rules, you will have no problems.

What is the time it takes to catch a fish.

It all depends on the fish size and the skill of the fisherman. The time it takes to catch a fish is anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer you wait, the better chance you have of catching a big fish.

What kind of fishing license do I need?

If you plan to fish in state waters (i.e., lakes, rivers, and bays), you must purchase a fishing license. According to state laws, anglers must have a valid fishing permit before they can fish. You must have a valid fishing license if you intend to fish in federal waters, such as the Great Lakes and oceans. You do not require a fishing licence to fish in federal waters. If you intend to bring any fish home, you should first verify with the local authorities that you aren't violating any laws.

What happens to me if I'm caught fishing illegally?

You may face fines, jail time, and even loss of your fishing license. Before you go fishing, it's important that you know the rules.

How often should my lures be changed?

It is important to change lures every couple of days. Lures tend to lose effectiveness after being left out in the sun too long.

What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?

You will lose fish sometimes. Sometimes you will catch a fish only to lose it later. Keep trying until you catch another fish. Eventually, you will catch another fish.

Statistics

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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
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)