Lake Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rods

By Mike Richardson 6 January, 2023 7 mins read

Here are some facts about casting spoons and gotcha lures for Spanish Mackerel Fishing. Bucktails can come in various sizes. The bucktails can be adjusted to fit the size of your baitfish.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass are a good choice when selecting a rig. Casting spoons need to have a flat, long body and no cupping. 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. A treble hook will cause missed strikes and a hiccup, so don't use it.

A metal casting spoon can catch a variety fish but the primary ones to target are Spanish mackerel or Bluefish. These species will be attracted to lures that have a quick retrieve. Fish will love a jigging spoon's fluttering action. 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. Spanish mackerel can still be hooked despite being small. Your hand will be protected from the sharp teeth of the light wire. 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. For the best chances of hooking a Spanish Mackerel, make sure to reach the bottom of the water column using the lure.

Use Got-Cha lures to Spanish makerel fish rigs. Make sure you choose the right leader. Long leaders can result in a loss of fish. If you use a medium-length leader, you may have trouble attracting a lot of Spanish mackerel. If you are fishing in a river or stream, you should fish with a shorter leader.

Many charter boat captains have a secret weapon: the diamond jig. Lightweight, these jigs are incredibly effective when Spanish mackerel are feeding on glass minnows in clear water. The jigs are flashy enough to give them the incentive to strike. Diamond jigs should be trod but larger ones are best for vertical jigging.

Monofilament line

Although braided lines can be used on Spanish mackerel fishing rods, many anglers prefer monofilament line. Monofilament lines have a stretch that stops the hook pulling against the fish's teeth. Because these fish live in open water, they are not likely to bite a 20-pound leader. It is difficult to choose the right leader for you. This will depend on what type of Spanish mackerel your are looking to catch.

Fluorocarbon line is a more expensive choice than monofilament, but it has a number of advantages over mono. Fluorocarbon lines are better for live trap and bait angling as they can't be detected submerged. Mono is less likely for the fish to bite and fray, and it also holds knots better. Mono is cheaper and more flexible than fluoro.

Spanish mackerel are caught with live bait. There are two options for baitfish and shrimp, but a live shark is better. Spanish mackerel will appreciate live bait that's flashy, fast-moving and attractive. Trolling spoons are designed for trolling at high speeds, covering a wide area. 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 is a very difficult language to target so any mistakes you make will be magnified. A light graphite rod of eight to ten feet in length is best because it's not too heavy and can reach Spanish schools. You can cast long distances with heavier wire, but it is not required.

When Spanish mackerel are around, a gotcha lure is essential. This lure sinks rapidly at the end of the cast and jerking it causes deadly darting under the water. It is so dangerous that Spanish fish will eat it! Once you've retrieved your lure from the water, let it drop to the bottom and test the entire water column to find a fish.

For fishing in Florida, you'll need a 8 to nine-weight fly rod with an excellent drag system. A floating line will be most effective for fishing at the surface. An intermediate sinker is better for deeper flats. A wire leader can interfere with fish's vision. Monofilament leads are great for surface fishing but Spanish mackerel will grab a wire leader.

Speck rigs

There are many ways you can use Speck rigs to catch 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 trolling a speck lure well behind the boat. The line should be longer than the boat so the motor does not disturb the lure. Another technique is to use a free-spool of small menhaden, known as peanut bunker or pogy.

You can fish speck rigs from the beach or 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. Fish can imitate baitfish by flipping this rig. 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 one of most popular ways to catch these fish. Kingfish can be found at the shore and near buoys. Live shrimp, alewives, or small menhaden are excellent baits. Use fresh shrimp or live shrimp to target them close to structures. Trolls are the best way to catch Spanish mackerel. However, you can also use other lures.

Drifting

You need to be able to drift for Spanish mackerel before you can start. To start, you need a 30-foot leader. Although you can hand line it to the boat, it is important to be aware of where strikes are coming. As you make 90-degree turns, your lures' speed will change. Lines on the inside of the turn will slow down, while lines on the outside will speed up. Match the speed of your lines that catch more fish.

Drifting baits that work are made with live and artificial baits. Dead bait, live shrimp, and bait fish are all good options. Drifting can also benefit from split shot. To lower the risk of cutoffs you will need to use a long-shanked line. A 1/0 Hook will work well. You can cover a lot of ground with a 1/0 Hook. Drifting can be used in both offshore and inshore waters.

You should also use artificial reefs to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can often be found at the bottom of the Bay, near tunnel tubes. You can also use baited plugs and cut bait if you're on a pier. Drifting live bait is the best way to fish for these species. In the summer, you can fish off the coast Virginia. If the current is strong, aggressive fish will likely attack metal spoons.

Live bait

The proper rig is essential if you intend to use live bait for Spanish mackerel fishing. Spanish mackerel fishing rigs are basically the same as king mackerel fishing rigs. 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.

Live bait can be either a shrimp or a 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. Live bait is generally the best method to catch Spanish mackerel. These fish are also easy to clean and can be found at your local bait shop.

For Spanish mackerel drifting, you can also use live or artificial bait. Drifting is easy with live shrimp and bait fish. However, split shot is also an option to attract more Spanish marlin. Long-shanked hooks are the best choice for this species of fish. They reduce cutoffs. For all-purpose use, the 1/0 size is a great choice.

FAQ

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

You could face fines or jail time as well as losing your fishing permit. It's important to know the rules before you go fishing.

How can I tell if my lure is working?

When you cast your lure into the water, watch for movement. If you observe movement, your lure may be working properly.

Can I fish during the day?

Yes, you can fish anytime of the day. The only time you cannot fish is during times when there is a ban on fishing.

Are there special clothes I should wear when fishing?

Yes, you will need some clothing to protect yourself from the elements. When fishing, a waders outfit is worn. Waders, which are waterproof pants that cover the legs or feet, are waterproof pants. Wader suits may have boots attached. Other waders suit are made without boots.

What happens if I lose a fish while fishing?

The game involves losing fish. Sometimes, you will catch a fishing rod and then lose the fish. Try again when this happens. You will eventually catch another one.

Is fishing safe?

Fishing is extremely safe. Fishing can be an enjoyable way to relax, enjoy nature and have fun. You will not have any problems as long as you observe safety rules.

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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)