Fishing Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Dylan Smith 02/05/2022 6 mins read

The usual lures didn't work well for me when I tried spanish mackerel fishing with them in Florida. Although they were more effective, I found 1 to 1.5-ounce metal lures to be a better option. However, they didn't catch the fish I was after. I tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them worked. I instead chose to use small jigs attached with a tiny worm.

Spoons

Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely effective in catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They are also great for catching kingfish, which can weigh more than thirty pounds. Here are some tips about how to use spoons Florida.

Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass may be attracted by spoons with a long, thin body. Shiny spoons are best for sunny days and matte ones for rainy days. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. It can result in missed strikes if you use a double hook.

Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. Their quick swimming makes them a delicious and enjoyable fish. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. These fish can also be caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons tend to attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. Use a weedless pvc bait if you want to catch more.

Trolling for Spanish mackerel is also an option. 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. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. Trolling at speeds of seven miles an hour is a good idea, since this can lead to a lower catch rate.

Hard-Baits

Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. A large hook is recommended to lower the likelihood of cutoffs. For casting to the reefs, a 1/0 hook is a good choice. Florida waters offer many opportunities for fishing for Spanish mackerel.

The most effective lure for Spanish mackerel is a flies or spoon that imitates its prey. 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 fish will be more likely to take your bait, and you'll have a better chance of hooking one.

Spoons as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch Spanish mackerel. They are tough and catch the fish at all depths. Florida is known for its popular Get-Cha baits. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Rat-L-Traps, MirrOdines, and other baits are also effective.

When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Prepare for a fight. Learn from experts such as Daniel Flinn. By visiting local marinas or reading fishing reports, you can find out the location of Spanish mackerel. Make sure to allow room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider member, recommends using abobber.

Jigs

For big Spanish catches, it is important to select the right type of jig. These fish have a slim and slender body, which makes it easy to handle. When tying a hook, you should use a hook with a long shank. 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.

Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their 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. However, it is best to prepare the fish within 24 hours of its capture.

Although jigs can work well for Spanish mackerel fishing, live bait is the best. Capt Jim's favorite bait, according to him, is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. This bait mimics a small baitfish. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.

Inlets

Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided good action for Spanish Mackerel and other species. Fisherman are also reporting Snook, Redfish catches, Sheepshead, Black Drum, while fishing Spanish mackerel. To catch Spanish mackerel, anglers will use spoons or jigs. Meanwhile, live shrimp are eating on the north shore. Live shrimp can also be a good option in the evening.

Spanish fish anglers will have better luck if they are able to target schools near reefs and inlets. Anglers should use long lines to troll along the edges of schools of fish. Fish will dive if they are running across or through them. For winter Spanish mackerel fishing, inlets are the best.

Spanish mackerel can be aggressive feeders at both the dawn and dusk. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! These are the best areas to find Spanish mackerel anywhere in Florida. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!

These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. These fish are prolific inshore and offshore, and can be caught by casting and trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. You can fish it cast or trolled. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.

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. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.

Fort Lauderdale may be the place to go if your goal is to find great fishing spots. For example, Capt. For example, Capt. You can find more information at their website 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 area up to the Flagler Bridge, flounder, jack crevalle, or sand perch can all be caught. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.

When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel?

What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate between spring and autumn. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They will not leave the area until it drops to 70 degrees. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. You can then use the water temperatures for the best times to fish.

When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. Fish at least two hours offshore to maximize your chances of catching these fish. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. In clear water, cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.

The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. The March rains have ended, which has made it easier for the fish to find water. The waters are warm enough for a few pompano to survive during this period. A tube lure or jig is a good option if you want to catch red or white whiting in the surf. Spanish mackerel prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.

FAQ

What happens if I am caught illegally fishing?

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

To fish, you will need a Bobber

Yes. A bobber is used to keep the bait from getting away when fishing. There are two parts to a bobber: the float, and the line. Attach the hook to the line at the end and then let go. A bobber is not necessary to cast a lure. The lure could sink into the waters, making it difficult for the fish bite.

How much money can I expect to spend on fishing gear?

You don’t have to spend much on fishing gear. You can find many affordable options. A cheap hook, line, and reel could be your best option. You can also buy a reel and reel set.

What are the different types of lures you can use?

Yes, there are several different types of lures available. Some lures have been specifically designed for certain fish species. Others are made to imitate insects, worms, frogs, crayfish, grasshoppers, etc. Lures come in many sizes and shapes. Some lures even look just like real bugs.

Is it safe and legal to eat fish caught from another source?

Always ask your seller where you bought your fish. The fish is safe to eat if it doesn't have an expiration. If the fish smells or looks bad, you should not eat it.

What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?

The game involves losing fish. Sometimes you might catch a fish but then lose it. You can keep trying even if you lose the fish. You will eventually catch another fish.

Is fishing safe?

Fishing is very safe. Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy nature. Follow safety rules and you'll have no problems.

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)
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)
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)