I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. 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 using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. I instead chose to use small jigs attached with a tiny worm.
Spoons
You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely effective in catching these fish. Spoons are easy to cast and can wiggle by themselves. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. These are some tips on how to use spoons Florida.
Pick a spoon that is long and stocky. It should also not be too short. Spanish bass can be attracted to spoons that are too long or thin. For sunny days, the spoons should be shiny and matte. If you are fishing in twilight, use a single hook rigged on a split ring. It can result in missed strikes if you use a double hook.
Casting spoons along the coast has been an excellent way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. Their quick swimming makes them a delicious and enjoyable fish. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish can also be caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons tend to attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. If you want to catch more fish, you can use a weedless plastic bait.
You can also try trolling to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. A swivel behind your diving planer is required to prevent the line from getting tangled. Other options include a spoon umbrella rig. Trolling at speeds of seven miles an hour is a good idea, since this can lead to a lower catch rate.
Hard-Baits
You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Bait fish, live shrimp, and live shrimp make good drift baits. It is advisable to use a large hook to reduce the chance of cutting offs. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters can provide great opportunities to fish for Spanish mackerel.
A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. These baits are effective for locating Spanish mackerel in both the Gulf and Atlantic. You can also use a spoon to bait the fish. Flat-bottomed baits can cover more water, increasing your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.
For Spanish mackerel fishing, Spoons and Gotcha lures work well. They are strong and can catch fish from all depths of water. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures come with built-in rattles, which attract Spanish mackerel. They can be reeled quickly. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.
When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Prepare for battle and fight! Daniel Flinn is an expert. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. You should also allow for other boats. Daniel Flinn recommends using the bobber as well.
Jigs
A key step towards catching Spanish is selecting the right bait. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. Use a long shank hook when you tie your hook. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. Live shrimp is a great option if live bait is your preference.
Spanish mackerel fishermen worry about their taste buds. You may not like the taste, so it's a good idea to prepare the fish for cooking right after you catch them. 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.
While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim says that the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait is his favorite bait. It mimics small bait fish well. For him, olive and white work best. Consider a color that resembles the local forage.
Inlets
Inlets around Fort Pierce have been producing good action for Spanish mackerel and other species. Fisherman are also reporting Snook, Redfish catches, Sheepshead, Black Drum, while fishing Spanish mackerel. The best way to catch Spanish mackerel is for anglers to use spoons or lures. Live shrimp can be found on the north side of the jetty. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.
Spanish fish are best targeted by anglers who target them near inlets or reefs. They should use long lines that troll along the edge of a school, as running through or across a school of fish will cause the fish to dive, which will only lead to missed bites. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders in the early morning and later afternoon. Spanish mackerel are attracted to silverside minnows in the inshore waters. It can be hard to catch them, but it is worth the effort. You can find Spanish mackerel in Florida's best spots, including flats, passes and inlets. Make sure to bring your fishing gear!
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. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can be fished cast, or trolled. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.
Inlets in South Florida
For fishing south Florida's coast waters, inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing can be a great option. Anglers are prime targets because Mackerel prefer to feed close to the surface. You can fish your lure or live bait into the inlet if the water level is low. You should look for active diving birds and churned water. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.
Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. Capt. For example, Capt. Visit their website for more information about where to 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 found near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers also have the option to catch other species on the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton to Flagler Bridge area, fish such as flounder, Jack Crevalle, and Sand Perch are all common. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.
Best time to surf fish Spanish mackerel
Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. 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. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.
Choose calm water and clear waters when surfing for Spanish mackerel. To increase your chances of catching these species, fish at least two to three hours offshore. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. In clear water, cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader. These aggressive fish require speed.
Most surf fishermen inexperienced prefer to fish the inshore waters off the Florida Panhandle in April. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. The rains that had begun in March have stopped, making it easier to find water. The waters are warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. If you're in search of red or whiting in the surf, try a tube lure or jigs. Inshore Spanish mackerel tend to run outside of bars.
FAQ
Do I need special licenses to fish?
No, not unless you plan to take fish out of state or across county lines. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. Check with your local Fish & Wildlife agency to see what is required.
How much does basic fishing gear cost?
Basic fishing equipment can be purchased for between $100-$200. This includes rod/reel combos and bait as well as a tackle box. You'll need to spend between 500-$1000 to get a bigger boat.
What is the best fishing spot?
Near freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, streams, and so forth, is where you should fish. These areas offer plenty of food and water for fish.
Where can I fish in good places?
There are many places you can fish all around the world. Many people enjoy fishing in public parks, private pools, lakes, rivers and streams as well as other water bodies.
Do I need to wear special clothing while fishing?
You will need clothing that is waterproof to protect you from the elements. While fishing, you will often wear a waders costume. Waders are waterproof pants that cover the legs and feet. Wader suits are sometimes equipped with boots. Some wader suits come with boots, while others can be worn without them.
Where can I find my fishing gear?
All of these items can be purchased at most sporting goods shops. However, if something is not listed, you can search online. Many websites sell everything from rods and reels to tackle boxes and lures.
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)
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Easily
Casting a fishing pole requires that you use your wrist to guide the rod's handle toward the water. Keep the rod slightly off the body, so the line is parallel to it. As you move the rod forward, ensure that the rod tip is perpendicular with the water's surface. If the tip of the rod touches the water's surface, fish won’t bite. This technique can help increase the distance between your rod tip and the water's surface.
Here are some tips for casting a rod if you're not confident yet.
The first thing you should do is to hold the rod at your chest. This will allow you to control the rod's movement without having to bend.
Second, when casting a heavy rod, you may want to set up a tripod on the shoreline or on a rock ledge. This will allow you to secure the rod while still holding the reel.
Third, you may want to consider buying a small reel instead of an expensive one. A spinning reel that is inexpensive will enable you to cast further distances and improve your hand-eye coordination.
Fourth, you might also consider buying a fishing pole holder. These holders can hold your rod securely while keeping it upright. These holders are easy to store and protect your rod from damage.
Fifth, practice casting until you get used to the motion. Casting a fishing rod takes practice.
Sixth, remember that the key to successful fishing is patience. You must wait for the right moment to strike and then fight hard to bring the fish in.