Artificial Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Ken Roberts 20 February, 2023 6 mins read

When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. 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 (inlets, worms) and spoons. However, none of these methods worked. Instead, I used small jigs which had a attached worm.

Spoons

If you are interested in catching Spanish Mackerel in Florida, you should consider using spoons. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons can move freely on their own and you can cast them far, covering a lot water. They are also great for catching kingfish, which can weigh more than thirty pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.

Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause 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. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. If you want to catch more fish, you can use a weedless plastic bait.

You can also try trolling to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this, tie a small spoon onto the planer and attach a 30 pound leader to it. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. Trolling is best done at seven miles an hours. If you exceed this speed, your catch rate will be low.

Hard-Baits

Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Bait fish, live shrimp, and live shrimp make good drift baits. A large hook is recommended to lower the likelihood of cutoffs. If you are casting to the reefs, 1/0 is a good all-around size. Fishing for Spanish mackerel in Florida waters can be a great adventure, so make sure you take advantage of the many possibilities!

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. You can also use a spoon to bait the fish. Flat-bottomed baits will cover more water, which increases the odds of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

Spoons, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. These lures are long-lasting and can be used to catch fish at any depth in the water column. Florida is known for its popular Get-Cha baits. These lures come with built-in rattles, which attract Spanish mackerel. They can be reeled quickly. Rat-L-Traps, MirrOdines, and other baits are also effective.

While you are fishing for Spanish mackerel, be prepared for a bit of competition. You should be ready for battles and fights! Learn from experts such as Daniel Flinn. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. Make sure to allow room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider member, recommends using abobber.

Jigs

The first step to catching big Spanish fish is choosing the right jig. This fish is easy to handle because of its slim, slender bodies. Use a long shank hook when you tie your hook. You can also use treble hooks with a long leader for best results. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.

Spanish mackerel fishermen have a main concern about the 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. 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 likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. Look for a color which is close to the natural colors of your 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. Anglers are using spoons or jigs to target Spanish mackerel, while live shrimp are biting on the north jetty. Live shrimp are also a great option during the evening.

Spanish fish anglers have the best chance of success if they aim for schools within close proximity to inlets and 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. For winter Spanish mackerel fishing, inlets are the best.

Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders in the early morning and later afternoon. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. Although they can be difficult to catch, you will be rewarded! Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. Bring your fishing poles.

These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located along the coast. These fish are prolific inshore and offshore, and can be caught by casting and trolling a tube lure. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. It can be fished cast, or trolled. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.

Inlets in South Florida

For fishing south Florida's coast waters, inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing can be a great option. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. If the water is very shallow, you can troll your lure and live bait in the inlet. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. Spanish mackerels can be found in schools.

Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. 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. For more information on where to fish, visit their website. You can also access the live broadcast online by searching for the words "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” or "Small Inlets".

Another great place to find Spanish mackerel is along the shoreline near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers have other options. 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

What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. The NOAA website gives information about water temperatures for U.S. coastal areas. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. To maximize your chances of catching these fish, you should fish at least two hours offshore. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the shore. Cast artificial lures using heavy fluorocarbon leaders in clear waters. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.

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 of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish to find water. The waters are warm enough for a few pompano to survive during this period. 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

Where can I find my fishing gear?

All of these items can be purchased at most sporting goods shops. Online shopping is a good option if you are searching for something particular. You can find everything on many websites, from lures and tackle boxes to rods and reels.

How much money can I expect to spend on fishing gear?

You don’t have to spend much on fishing gear. You can find many affordable options. A cheap hook, line, and reel could be your best option. Or you could invest in a quality rod and reel set.

What is the best season to fish?

Fishing is best done in the early morning or late evening. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.

How much does basic fishing gear cost?

For basic fishing equipment, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for rod/reel combinations, bait, tackle boxes, and other accessories. You will need to spend $500-$1000 if you plan to rent a larger boat.

What is the correct length fishing rod?

The type of fish that you are trying to catch is a key factor in the length and style of your fishing rod. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. However, if you're looking for largemouth bass, a 7'5" rod might work better.

Do I need special clothing when fishing?

Yes, you will need some clothing to protect yourself from the elements. When fishing, a waders outfit is worn. Waders cover the legs and feet with waterproof pants. Some wader suits come with boots attached to them. Other waders suits can be worn with no boots.

What kind of gear do you need for fishing?

You will need a rod, reel and line. Hooks, bait, tackle boxes, and snacks are also needed. Casting, setting up a hook and using a bobber are essential skills for catching fish. You must wait for the right moment and be patient.

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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)