fishing gear

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rigs

By Ken Roberts 05/06/2022 7 mins read

Here are some facts about casting spoons and gotcha lures for Spanish Mackerel Fishing. Bucktails, for example, come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 1/16 ounce to a half-ounce. You can adjust the size of the bucktails to match the size of the baitfish you're pursuing.

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. Shiny finishes are best for bright sunlight, while matte finishes work well for cloudy day. Use a single hook to rig your Spanish bass fishing gear. 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 prefer lures that can be quickly retrieved. A jigging spool will produce a fluttering action which fish enjoy. If you're fishing on a river or lake, you can also try a jigging spoon.

Spanish mackerel can't eat hard food and prefer light lures. Casting spoons with a light wire will keep the lure from breaking off during a fight. A treble hook can be used to hook Spanish mackerel, despite their small size. You can protect your hands from the sharp teeth by using a light wire. The more effective the cast, the smaller the bait.

Got-Cha lures

If you're trying to catch Spanish mackerel schools, the Got-Cha lure is a good choice. This treblehook bait can be quickly pulled out of the water and sinks quickly. A deadly underwater darting action is created by jerking the rod tip. Spanish fish simply can't resist the action. Before jigging, make sure the lure sinks to bottom. 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. Long leaders can result in a loss of fish. A medium-length leader may be difficult to attract Spanish mackerel. 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. These jigs provide enough incentive for them to strike. Diamond jigs may be rolled but are more effective for vertical jigging.

Monofilament line

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you can use braided rope but monofilament is preferable by many anglers. Monofilament is a flexible line that doesn't pull the hook when the fish bites. Because these fish live in open water, they are not likely to bite a 20-pound leader. The type of Spanish mackerel that you are trying to catch will determine the leader you choose.

Monofilament is more expensive than fluorocarbon, but it offers many advantages over mono. Fluorocarbon lines are better for live trap and bait angling as they can't be detected submerged. 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. Generally, you can use baitfish or shrimp, but a live sardine is the most effective. Spanish mackerel are more likely to eat live bait if it is flashy and moves quickly. Trolling spoons can be trolled at high speeds to cover a large 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. 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.

A gotcha lure is a must-have when Spanish mackerel are in the area. This lure sinks fast at the end, and jerking its tip causes deadly darting actions under the surface. The lure's action is so fatal that Spanish fish will be forced to attack it. Once you've removed the lure from the water, allow it to drop to the bottom. Next, check the entire water column for fish.

A 8 to 9-pound fly rod is necessary for Florida fishing. It should have a strong drag system. A floating line works best when fishing on the top, while a sinker can be used in the deeper flats. A wire leader can block the fish's view. Monofilament leaders work well for surface fishing. However, Spanish mackerel can snag wire leaders.

Speck Rigs

There are many ways you can use Speck rigs to catch Spanish makers. No matter your experience level, a speck-rig can help you catch some of the most powerful Spanish. Pete recommends trolling a speck lure well 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. You can also use small menhaden free-spools, which are known as peanut bunker and pogy.

Speck Rigs can be fished either from a shoreline or from a pier. Quarter casts of 45 degrees are recommended to get the best out of the speck rig. The "Water Walker" fishing gear can be used to fish from the shore. This replaces an in-line sinker, with a weighted popping cok. It allows fish to imitate baitfish by flipping the rig. Love Lures Speck Rig, another popular Speck rig, is also available. It comprises two jigs that are attached to dropper loops. A fluorocarbon leader is 20-30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is one of most popular ways to catch these fish. Kingfish can often be found near buoys and the beach. You can use live shrimp, alewives or small menhaden as baits. A speck rig containing fresh or live shrimp is a good option for targeting them close to structure. While trolls are the most popular method for catching Spanish mackerel, other types of lures can be used.

Drifting

Knowing the basics of drifting for Spanish mackerel is essential. To start, you 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. Lines on the inside of the turn will slow down, while lines on the outside will speed up. Match the speeds of lines that are catching fish more often.

Drifting baits that work are made with live and artificial baits. You have many options. Drifting can also be done with split shot. You will need a long-shanked hook to decrease the risk of cutoffs. 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.

To attract Spanish mackerel, artificial reefs are also a good idea. These fish can also be found near the bottom, close to tunnel tubes. If you are on a pier, you can use cut bait and baited plugs. Drifting live bait is the best way to fish for these species. You can also try fishing off the coast of Virginia during the summertime. If the current is strong, aggressive fish will likely attack metal spoons.

Live bait

It is important to have the correct rig for Spanish mackerel fishing if you are using live bait. 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.

You can either use live bait, such as shrimps or small silvery fish. You can also cast it in a school of fish breaking or drag it across open ocean. Chumping can also be used to strike a strike. Generally, live bait is the most effective method of catching Spanish mackerel. These fish can be cleaned easily at your local bait store.

When drifting for Spanish mackerel, you can use live or artificial bait. Drifting is best when using live shrimp or bait fish. Split shot can be used to 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

How often should I replace my lures?

It is important to change lures every couple of days. When left out in direct sunlight for too long, lures tend to lose their effectiveness.

Are there special clothes I should wear when fishing?

Yes, you need to wear clothing that protects against the elements. A waders suit is usually worn while fishing. Waders are waterproof pants which cover the legs as well as the feet. Wader suits may have boots attached. Others wader suits can be used without boots.

What kind of fishing gear do I need?

You will need a rod, reel and line. Hooks, bait, tackle boxes, and snacks are also needed. 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 happens if a person is caught fishing illegally

Your license could be suspended or revoked. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.

How long is the best fishing rod?

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

Is fishing safe?

Fishing is very safe. Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy nature. If you adhere to safety rules, there will be no problems.

How do I clean a salmon?

There are many methods to clean fish. One way is to remove the head and guts. Then wash the fish thoroughly with cold water. The fish can also be gutted by you. This involves removing intestines and cleaning inside cavity. Finally, you may ask someone to clean the fish.

Statistics

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)
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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)