Artificial Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing rigs

By David McKinney 12/07/2022 7 mins read

When it comes to casting spoons or got-cha lures for Spanish mackerel fishing, there are a few things you should know about these rigs. Bucktails can come in various sizes. The bucktails can be adjusted to fit the size of your baitfish.

Casting spoons

When choosing a rig, Spanish bass are a prime candidate. Casting spoons need to have a flat, long body and no cupping. Spanish bass feed on small baitfish. Shiny finishes are best for bright sunlight, while matte finishes work well for cloudy day. Rig your Spanish bass fishing rig with a single hook on a split ring. Use a single hook on a split ring. This will reduce the chance of missing strikes or 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 spoon will produce a fluttering action that fish like. 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 made of light wire will help prevent the lures from coming apart during a fight. Spanish mackerel are small and can be hooked with a treblehook. Your hand will be protected from the sharp teeth of the light wire. Casting will be more successful if the bait is smaller.

Got-Cha lures

A classic Gotcha lure is an excellent choice for catching Spanish mackerel schools. The treblehook bait will sink quickly and can be quickly retrieved. The rod tip can be jerked underwater to create a deadly darting action. Spanish fish will not resist this darting action. Before you start jigging the lure make sure it sinks to its bottom. Aim to probe the entire water column with the lure to increase your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

You need to use Got-Cha lures in Spanish makerel fishing rigs. The risk of losing a lot is high if the leader is too long. Spanish mackerel will not like a leader that is longer than a medium length. Fishing in streams and rivers requires a shorter leader.

The secret weapon of many charter boat captains is the diamond jig. These jigs weigh only a few grams and can be used when Spanish mackerel consume glass minnows. They are enticed to strike with their flashy jigs. Diamond jigs should be trod but larger ones are best for vertical jigging.

Monofilament line

While you can use braided line on your Spanish mackerel fishing rigs, monofilament line is preferred by many anglers. Monofilament line is flexible and will not pull on the hook if the fish bites. This is because these fish can live in open waters and are unlikely to bite a leader of 20 pounds. The type of Spanish mackerel that you are trying to catch will determine the leader you choose.

Although fluorocarbon line can be more expensive than monofilament but has many benefits over monofilament. Fluorocarbon lines are better for live trap and bait angling as they can't be detected 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 can often be caught using live bait. You can use shrimp or baitfish, but live sardines are the best. Spanish mackerel will prefer live bait that is flashy and quick-moving. A trolling spoon is designed to be trolled at high speeds and covers a wide area. Trolling is a great option for Spanish mackerel that aren't active on the surface.

Braided Line

It is essential to select the right leader for your catch and landing of fish. Every mistake you make when you are targeting Spanish fish will be magnified. The ideal graphite rod is eight to ten foot in length. It doesn't feel too heavy, and it can reach Spanish schools. Although you can use heavier wire if you're casting long distances, it's not necessary.

Spanish mackerel love a gotcha lure. This lure sinks quickly at the end of the cast, and jerking the tip causes a deadly darting action under the water. This action is so dangerous that Spanish fish will attack it! Once you have retrieved the lure from water, place it in the bottom of the pool and check for any fish.

For Florida fishing, you will need a fly rod with a drag system and weighing between 8 and 9 pounds. For fishing on the surface, a floating line will work best. A sinker or intermediate sinker will work well in deeper flats. A wire leader can interfere with 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 to use Speck rigs for Spanish makers. No matter your experience level, a speck-rig can help you catch some of the most powerful Spanish. Pete recommends trolling your speck lure close to the boat. The lure should be trolled further behind the boat than the length of the line. This will ensure that the bait does not get disturbed by the motor. Another option is to use a free-spool small menhaden (known as peanut bunker, or pogy).

You can fish speck rigs from the beach or a pier. For the best results, cast quarters at 45 degrees to maximize the rig's potential. If you are fishing from the pier, you can use the "Water Walker" fishing rig, which replaces the in-line sinker with a weighted popping cork. It allows fish to imitate baitfish by flipping the rig. Love Lures Speck Rigs are another popular Speck rig. It includes two jigs with dropper loops, and a fluorocarbon leader weighing 20 or 30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is one of most popular ways to catch these fish. Kingfish can be found at the shore and near buoys. The best baits are small menhaden (or alewives), live shrimp, and alewives. Use fresh shrimp or live shrimp to target them close to structures. While trolls are the most popular method for catching Spanish mackerel, other types of lures can be used.

Drifting

It is important to learn the ropes of Spanish mackerel drifting. For your first drift, you will need a 30-foot leader. You can either hand line it or attach it to your boat. But, be sure to watch for strikes. You'll notice that your lures speed changes when you make 90-degree turn. The speed of your lines will vary depending on which side you're turning. Match the speeds of lines that are catching fish more often.

Drifting baits are either made of live or artificial bait. You have many options. For drifting, split shot is also a good choice. You will need a long-shanked hook to decrease the risk of cutoffs. A 1/0 hook will work well. A 1/0 hook can cover large areas. Drifting in offshore and onshore waters is an efficient technique.

You should also use artificial reefs to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish are found in the Bay's bottom near tunnel tubes. You can also use baited plugs and cut bait if you're on a pier. The best technique to fish these species is to drift back live bait. You can also fish the Virginia coast during summer. Fish will attack metal spoons if the current is strong.

Live bait

Make sure you use the right rig when using live bait to catch Spanish mackerel. Spanish mackerel fisherman rigs work in the same way as king mackerel. Instead of using a single hook you'll be using two smaller bucktails along with one No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails vary in size depending on the size of your baitfish.

You can use live bait as a shrimp, or small silvery fish. You can also cast it in a school of fish breaking or drag it across open ocean. You can also use chumming to catch a strike, whether you are fishing offshore or inshore. Spanish mackerel can be caught using 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 possible with bait fish and live shrimp. Split shot, however, can attract more Spanish Mackerel. Long-shanked hooks are the best choice for this species of fish. They reduce cutoffs. The 1/0 size is a good choice for all-around use.

FAQ

Do I need special licenses to fish?

If you intend to take fish outside of your state or cross county lines, no. Many states allow anglers the freedom to fish without the need of a license. Find out the requirements by contacting your local Fish & Wildlife authority.

How long does it usually take to become a master fisherman

You need to practice for years before you can become a proficient fisherman. You will be a better fisherman if you learn new techniques and improve your skills.

What should I wear for fishing?

Protect your skin from the elements with clothes. There are many options for protecting yourself: gloves, sunglasses sunscreen, gloves and a head hat. Make sure to bring insect repellent.

Where can I find quality fishing guides?

The services offered by fishing guides are numerous. You can get advice about the best areas to fish in, tips for catching certain types of fish and even how to use various types of equipment.

Is fishing safe?

Fishing is very safe. Fishing is a wonderful way to relax and take in the beauty of nature. It is possible to fish safely as long you do not break any safety rules.

Statistics

You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.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)
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)