fishing gear

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Bill Rollins 20 January, 2023 6 mins read

The usual lures didn't work well for me when I tried spanish mackerel fishing with them in Florida. 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 and inlets but they didn't work. Instead, I opted for small jigs with a worm attached.

Spoons

If you are interested in catching Spanish Mackerel in Florida, you should consider using spoons. They are extremely effective at catching these fish. Spoons can be cast far and covered a lot of water. They are ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 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 can be attracted to spoons that are too long or thin. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. For fishing in the dark, you should use a single-hook rigged with a split ring. It can result in missed strikes if you use a double hook.

Casting spoons on the coast waters is a great and easy way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They make a great and delicious meal because of their quick swimming. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. A weedless plastic lure is a better option if you are looking to catch more fish.

You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. A spoon umbrella rig is another option. Trolling is best done at seven miles an hours. If you exceed this speed, your catch rate will be low.

Hard-Baits

For Spanish mackerel drifting, anglers can use live and artificial baits. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. To reduce cutoffs, it is best to use a large-sized hook. 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!

Spanish mackerel are attracted to flies and spoons that imitate their prey. These baits can be used to locate Spanish mackerel both in the Atlantic and Gulf. You can also use a spoon to bait the fish. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

Spoons as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch Spanish mackerel. They are strong and can catch fish from all depths of water. Florida is very fond of Get-Cha lures. These lures come with built-in rattles, which attract Spanish mackerel. They can be reeled quickly. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.

While you are fishing for Spanish mackerel, be prepared for a bit of competition. Be ready for a fight and a battle! Learn from experts such as Daniel Flinn. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. Be sure to allow space for other boats. Daniel Flinn is an insider who also recommends using his bobber.

Jigs

Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. These fish have a slim and slender body, which makes it easy to handle. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. For the best results, you can use trebles hooks with long leaders. Live shrimp makes a great choice if you prefer to use a live bait.

One of the main concerns for Spanish mackerel fishermen is 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 have a reputation for being very fishy. Therefore, it is important to have the fish ready as soon you can. It is best to cook the mackerel within 24 hours after it has been caught.

Although jigs can work well for Spanish mackerel fishing, live bait is the best. Capt Jim loves the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait because it mimics small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorites. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's Inlets have been producing good Spanish mackerel fishing action and other species. Fisherman are reporting catch reports of Redfish, Sheepshead and Black Drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. Live shrimp are also an option.

Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near inlets and reefs. 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. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing can be done from inlets.

Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders in the early morning and later afternoon. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. These minnows can be difficult to catch but they are worth it! The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, and inlets. Bring your fishing poles.

Located along the coast, inlets and bridges can be excellent places to catch these aggressive acrobats. These fish can be caught inshore or offshore by trolling a tube lure. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. It can be fished cast, or trolled. Fishing off causeways or piers is another option.

Inlets in South Florida

The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Anglers are prime targets because Mackerel prefer to feed close to the surface. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. Capt. For example, Capt. Visit their website to find out more about where you can fish. You can also listen to the show live on the internet by searching for "Spanish Mackerel fishing in South Florida" and "Small Inlets."

Spanish mackerel can also be found along the coast near 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 between spring and autumn. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. They will continue to appear until the water temperature drops below 70°F. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. You can then use these water temperatures to determine when is the best time 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. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. In clear water, cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader. 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 abundant and still feeding well. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish to find water. During this time, the waters are warm enough to support a few pompano. Try jigs and tube lures if you are looking for red or whiting while surfing. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.

FAQ

Where can I find quality fishing guides?

A wide range of services are offered by fishing guides. They can advise you on the best areas to fish, give tips on catching particular types of fish, and even teach how to use different types fishing equipment.

Which rod do I choose?

Graphite composite is the best rod for fly-fishing. This composite is strong and lightweight with excellent casting characteristics. To learn how to cast better, you will need to practice with graphite rods.

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

You may face fines, jail time, and even loss of your fishing license. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.

What gear is necessary for fishing?

A rod and reel, line, hooks (bait), tackle box, and snacks. You will need to know how to cast, hook up a hook and use a trolling motor to catch fish. Be patient and wait until you catch the fish.

What is the ideal length of a fishing rod?

The type of fish you are trying to catch will determine the length of your fishing rod. If you want to catch smallmouth bass, a rod of 6'6 inches would be the best. If you want to catch largemouth bass, however, a 7’5" rod might be more suitable.

How can I tell whether my lure is working properly?

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

Statistics

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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
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)