Bass Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing in SC

By Ken Roberts 27/08/2022 6 mins read

Here are some things to remember when Spanish mackerel fishing is done in SC. Inshore fishing is the best option. Also, it is important to be aware of the exact location of strikes to allow you to adjust your tactics as needed. You will need live bait, monofilament lines, and other fishing supplies. These are some tips that will help you get started.

Inshore waters

Fly fisherman may prefer Spanish mackerel fishing inshore waters. These aggressive aerial acrobats are common throughout the United States' inshore waters, and they are often found near oyster bars. They can be caught in open water and troll lures. The Gotcha Tube is a favorite lure. It works in shallow and deep water.

You can also try drifting with live bait on piers and jetties. Both are excellent for Spanish mackerel catch. Jetties are more suitable for fishing with live bait, but piers work better than jetties. You can fish with spoons and hooks when the tides are strong, but it is possible to cast your hook parallel the piers and towards the breaking fish. You can also drift and trolling larger wrecks if you aren't confident with your casting.

Surfers may also find the spanish mackerel fishing offshore very appealing. Although the Spanish mackerel fishing waters are great for surf fishing, most anglers prefer fishing from a boat. Certain piers and bridges also provide good angling opportunities. The fish will move in the area searching for bait fish. These delicious fish will be caught with jigs and spoons depending on their location.

Best times to fish

There are three main best times to fish Spanish mackerel in the southern U.S. waters: during the spring migration (in late April), when the fish are spawning, and in the fall and winter, when they migrate to overwintering grounds in south Florida. Each season offers its own fishing nuances. Spring migration and fall migration are the best times to fish for Spanish mackerel.

Throughout the year, the waters off the southern coast of the U.S. are full of Spanish mackerel. The species is most abundant when the water temperature rises in April. They then start to decrease by November when it drops into the 60s. Local fishing reports will help you know when to fish Spanish mackerel. Spanish mackerel can be caught if you live near beaches. They will trolling dead minnows or slow trolling live bait.

Trolling, the most popular way to catch Spanish mackerel is by trolling. The most effective way to catch Spanish mackerel is to use either a diving spoon or a spoon. The lure should spin at a speed of 5-7 knots. This is the equivalent to trolling at 5 knots per second. This speed will reduce your chances of catching bluefish.

Live bait

Live bait is a great option if you are interested in Spanish mackerel fishing. This type of fish is popular in Florida Keys fishing. In addition to live bait, you can also use jerky baits or small spoons. They will eat any bait you give them. Spanish mackerel are a delicious treat and a great choice for smoked fish.

Use treble hooks with a long-shank rig to properly rig live bait for Spanish Mackerel Fishing. Use long-shank hooks to keep the Spanish mackerel away from your line. Or, you can use long-shank leaders and treblehooks. A second option that is sure to please is live shrimp.

Anglers can use bare hook heads for Spanish mackerel fishing. Or, they can thread them over corks to drift. The bait should be positioned so that the hook point is coming out the back of the shrimp. This can be used to catch Spanish mackerel, as well its cousins, king and cero Mackerel.

To get the best results with artificial lures, use quick action. Spanish fish like fast-moving targets and will not bite slow-moving lures. Slow-moving artificial baits can also trigger bites.

Monofilament line

While braided line is often preferred for fishing with Spanish mackerel, monofilament line is best for the task. This line is strong and stretchy, making it easier to reel in the fish without tangling it. Spanish mackerel, unlike other fish, prefer monofilament lines over fluorocarbon's toughness. You have a better chance to catch Spanish mackerel if you use a monofilament line that is 15 pounds.

Spanish mackerel may be easy to catch but there are some things you should consider. Use light tackle. Use light tackle and medium-to high-heavy reels for this type of fishing. If you're targeting larger species of fish, you may consider a lighter line. Also, ensure that you have enough bait in order to attract Spanish mackerel.

Spanish mackerel can be caught with many baits as they are aggressive feeders. Most anglers will identify Spanish mackerel sites by trolling or looking for birds diving onto baitfish schools. These birds indicate a Spanish mackerel school that is raising the baitfish. For Spanish mackerel, light spinning tackle is also an option. A monofilament leader should be used because a 20-pound fish can be ripped apart by a pioneer.

Drifting

Drifting is an effective method to locate schools of Spanish mackerel on the coast of South Carolina. You can drift in inlets and passes, as well as in flats, and use artificial lures like jigs or spoons. Use a quick retrieve and lures that are fast to draw fish. This technique is most effective when mackerel don't want to work the surface. Structures and other gamefish are also attracted to them so you can make full use of those features.

Trolling is one way to catch Spanish mackerel. Trolling is a method of luring the fish by dragging your boat behind it. The best trolling lures can be quickly trolled and cover large areas with just one hook. Trolling is a great technique when Spanish mackerel aren’t active. You can also use it to find Spanish mackerel sporadics.

Be sure to use bait that attracts Spanish mackerel while drifting for them. They will often eat in a chum-slick and will be attracted by your cut bait or livebait. This technique works especially well on hard bottom areas or structures. Even if you aren't using a baitfish Chum rig, you can drift with a chunk cut bait.

Poaching

You can read the following to find out more about how to prevent Spanish mackerel from being poached. These rules vary from one state to the next. Spanish Mackerel Technical Committee has developed an action plan to stop overfishing this delicate fish. Continue reading to find out more about the plan, and how it will impact your fishing operations.

Fishers can use bait to lure mackerel onto their boats during peak seasons. The fish's fat is high in omega-3 fatty acid. Traditional wisdom says that the best time to capture mackerel is between February and July when it migrates south in the winter. Poaching Spanish mackerel is an activity that should be avoided because of its sensitivity to eucalyptus oil.

Spanish mackerel management has one main goal: to maintain the stock at near MSY levels. Management actions should be adjusted to account for year classes that are smaller or bigger than usual. It is important to examine the relationship between larval abundance, subsequent year class strength, as well as initiate spatial sampling in spawning areas. The potential for future class strength should also be determined by analyzing shrimp trawl data.

The next step after the mackerel has been cooked is to make the salsa. Make salsa by dicing tomatoes, cucumbers, and garlic into thin slices. Then, use a spoon to scrape the mixture with a spoon. Next, chop all the other ingredients in a food processor. Salt and oil should be added to the salsa. Once the mackerel are done, cover the container with plastic wrap. Allow it to cool. This will ensure that the salsa is tender and juicy while the mackerel remains moist.

FAQ

Which bait is best for freshwater fishing?

Freshwater fishing requires live shrimp as the best bait. Shrimp are great for freshwater fishing because they are cheap and easy to catch.

How can you tell if your lure is working?

Look out for movement as you cast your lure into water. If there is movement, your lure is operating properly.

What type of gear are you going to need for fishing?

A rod, reel, line, hooks, bait, tackle box, and some snacks. A cast is essential if you want to catch fish. You also need to know how to rig a hook. Remember to be patient and wait for the right moment before you strike.

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)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)