Fishing Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rigs

By Bill Rollins 17/04/2022 7 mins read

Casting spoons and got-cha baits for Spanish mackerel fishing is easy if you know a few basics. Bucktails can come in various sizes. You can adjust bucktail size to match the size you are after.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass are a good choice when selecting a rig. Casting spoons should have a large, flat body with no cupping, and a short overall length. Spanish bass feed on small baitfish, so a shiny finish is ideal for bright sunlight and a matte finish for cloudy days. A single hook is all you need to set up your Spanish bass fishing rod. Use a single hook on a split ring. This will reduce the chance of missing strikes or a hiccup.

A metal casting spoon can catch a variety fish but the primary ones to target are Spanish mackerel or Bluefish. These fish are attracted to lures which have a fast retrieve. A jigging spool will produce a fluttering action which fish enjoy. A jigging teaspoon is also a good option if you fish on a river or lake.

Spanish mackerel do not have strong teeth and are drawn to light lures. Casting spoons with a lightweight wire will prevent the lures breaking during a fight. Spanish mackerel is small but can still be hooked using a triple hook. The light wire will protect your hand from the razor sharp teeth. Your cast will be more effective if you have a smaller bait.

Got-Cha lures

If you are trying to catch a school of Spanish mackerel, the classic Got-Cha lure is an excellent choice. The treblehook bait will sink quickly and can be quickly retrieved. A deadly underwater darting action is created by jerking the rod tip. Spanish fish love the action. Be sure to let the lure sink to the bottom before jigging it. To increase your chances at hooking a Spanish mackerel, aim to probe the whole water column with the lure.

When using Got-Cha lures for Spanish makerel fishing rigs, you need to choose a leader that fits the situation. If you use a long leader, you may lose a lot of fish. Spanish mackerel may not be attracted to a leader of medium length if it is too long. Fishing in streams and rivers requires a shorter leader.

Charter boat captains know the value of a diamond jig. These jigs weigh only a few grams and can be used when Spanish mackerel consume glass minnows. The jigs are flashy enough to give them the incentive to strike. Diamond jigs tend to be trolled. However, larger versions can be used vertically jigging over structures.

Monofilament line

While you can use braided line on your Spanish mackerel fishing rigs, monofilament line is preferred by many anglers. Monofilament is a flexible line that doesn't pull the hook when the fish bites. A leader 20 pounds is unlikely to be eaten by these fish, as they live in open seas. The type and size of Spanish mackerel to be caught will play a major role in selecting a leader.

Monofilament has monofilament as a cheaper option, but fluorocarbon is still a good choice. Because it is undetectable submerged, fluorocarbon is better for baits or live trap angling. Mono is more resistant to snapping or fraying when the fish bites and also holds knots well. But mono is much more forgiving than fluoro and is cheaper.

Spanish mackerel can also be caught by live bait. Although you can use shrimp and baitfish, a live Sardinia is more effective. Live bait will be more appealing to Spanish mackerel if it's flashy and fast-moving. Trolling spoons can cover large areas and are intended to be trolled at high speed. When Spanish mackerel aren't working on the surface, trolling is ideal.

Braided Line

It is essential to select the right leader for your catch and landing of fish. Spanish can be very sensitive to your mistakes. The ideal graphite rod is eight to ten foot in length. It doesn't feel too heavy, and it can reach Spanish schools. It's possible to cast longer distances using heavier wire but this is not necessary.

Spanish mackerel can be found in the vicinity so a gotcha is an essential lure. The lure sinks quickly after being cast. A jerking of the tip can cause a deadly darting action below the water. The lure is so deadly that Spanish fish will not hesitate to attack it. Once you have retrieved the lure from water, place it in the bottom of the pool and check for any fish.

You will need an 8 to 9-weight fly rod that has a great drag system 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 could cause vision problems for the fish. While monofilament leaders are ideal for surface fishing, you'll find that Spanish mackerel will snag a wire leader.

Speck Rigs

There are many different ways to use Speck rigs with Spanish makers. A speck rig is a great way to catch the largest Spanish fisherman in the world, whether you are a beginner or an experienced fisherman. Pete recommends that you trolling a speck lure far behind the boat. The longer the line, the further behind the boat the lure should be trolled, so that the bait is not disturbed by the boat's motor. Another method is to use small menhaden as a free-spool, also called 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. The "Water Walker" fishing gear can be used to fish from the shore. This replaces an in-line sinker, with a weighted popping cok. The rig flips and allows fish imitations of baitfish. Love Lures Speck Rigs is another popular Speck rig. It consists of two jigs on dropper loops and a fluorocarbon leader of 20 or 30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is a popular way to catch these fish. Kingfish can be found at the shore and near buoys. Live shrimp, alewives, or small menhaden are excellent baits. When targeting them near structure, use a speck rig with live shrimp or fresh shrimp. 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. You will need a leader of 30 feet to get started. You can either hand line it or attach it to your boat. But, be sure to watch for strikes. As you make 90-degree turns, your lures' speed will change. The speed of your lines will vary depending on which side you're turning. Match the speed of your lines catching more fish.

Drifting baits are either made of live or artificial bait. Live shrimp, bait fish, or a dead bait are all excellent choices. Drifting can also benefit from split shot. 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 can be used in both offshore and inshore waters.

Artificial reefs can also be used to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can be found near the bottom of the Bay near tunnel tubes. For piers, you can use baited and cut bait. Drifting live bait is a great way to fish these species. You could also fish off Virginia's coast in the summer. If the current runs strong, fish are more likely to attack metal spoons and be aggressive.

Live bait

You will need to ensure that you have the right rig if you plan to use live bait to catch Spanish Mackerel. Spanish mackerel fishing equipment is basically the same as for king mackerel. Instead of using one hook, you will use two smaller bucktails with a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails come in a variety of sizes, depending on how big your baitfish are.

You can use live bait as a shrimp, or small silvery fish. You can either cast it into a school or drift it across the open ocean, if you so desire. To get a strike, you can also use chumming inshore and offshore. Generally, live bait is the most effective method of catching Spanish mackerel. These fish can be cleaned easily at your local bait store.

If you are drifting for Spanish marlin, live or artificial bait is also an option. Drifting is a good way to catch Spanish mackerel. You can use live shrimp and bait fish, or split shot. The best hook for this type of fish is a long-shanked one, which reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 hook is ideal for all-around usage.

FAQ

Is it safe to eat fish caught by someone else?

No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. You can eat fish that has not expired if they have no expiration dates. But if the fish looks old or smells bad, then you shouldn't eat it.

What is the best season to fish?

It's best to fish early in the morning and late at night. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.

How do I clean a fish?

There are many options for cleaning fish. One method is to remove the head. Then wash the fish thoroughly with cold water. The fish can also be gutted by you. This involves removing the intestines from the fish and cleaning out the cavity. Finally, you might ask someone else for assistance in cleaning the fish.

What is the best bait for freshwater fishing?

The best bait for freshwater fishing is live shrimp. Shrimp are cheap, easy to catch and great tasting!

How long does it take to become an expert fisherman?

It takes years of practice to become an expert fisherman. Learning new techniques and improving your skills will help you become a more successful fisherman.

Where can you find great fishing guides?

The services offered by fishing guides are numerous. These guides can give advice on the best places to catch fish, offer tips on how to catch specific types of fish, or even show you how different types of fishing equipment works.

Statistics

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)
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)