Fishing Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rigis

By Dylan Smith 28 January, 2023 7 mins read

When it comes to casting spoons or got-cha lures for Spanish mackerel fishing, there are a few things you should know about these rigs. You can find bucktails in various sizes, from one-quarter ounce to one-half ounce. You can adjust the size of the bucktails to match the size of the baitfish you're pursuing.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass is a great choice when choosing a rig. Casting spoons should be flat and have no cupping. They also need to be short in length. Spanish bass eat small baitfish so a shiny finish is best for bright sunlight. A matte finish is better for cloudy days. Use a single hook to rig your Spanish bass fishing gear. Don't use a treble hook, as this will increase the chances of missed strikes and a hiccup.

A metal casting bowl can catch a variety, but the primary species to aim for are Bluefish or Spanish mackerel. These fish are attracted to lures which have a fast retrieve. A jigging spool will produce a fluttering action which fish enjoy. A jigging spoon is also useful if you are fishing in a lake or river.

Spanish mackerel are not very strong and will be attracted to light lures. Casting spoons made of light wire will help prevent the lures from coming apart during a fight. Spanish mackerel can still be hooked despite being small. The light wire will protect your hand from the razor sharp teeth. The smaller the bait, the more effective your cast will be.

Got-Cha lures

The classic Got-Cha lure makes a great choice if you want to catch Spanish mackerel schools. The treblehook bait will sink quickly and can be quickly retrieved. You can make a deadly darting underwater action by jerking your rod tip. Spanish fish will not resist this darting action. Before you start jigging the lure make sure it sinks to its bottom. To increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel, you should probe the entire water column.

A leader should be chosen that is appropriate for the situation when using Got-Cha baits for Spanish makerel fishing. The risk of losing a lot is high if the leader is too long. Spanish mackerel will not like a leader that is longer than a medium length. If you are fishing in a river or stream, you should fish with a shorter leader.

Many charter boat captains have a secret weapon: the diamond jig. These jigs are lightweight and extremely useful when Spanish mackerel eat glass minnows in transparent water. These jigs provide enough incentive for them to strike. Diamond jigs should be trod but larger ones are best for vertical jigging.

Monofilament line

Although braided lines can be used on Spanish mackerel fishing rods, many anglers prefer monofilament line. Monofilament line is flexible and will not pull on the hook if 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 line is more expensive but fluorocarbon lines are a better choice than monofilament. Fluorocarbon line is superior for baits and live trap fishing because it is not easily detected as submerged. Mono is less likely snap or fray if the fish bites. Additionally, it holds knots well. Mono is cheaper and more flexible than fluoro.

Spanish mackerel can be caught using live bait. Although you can use shrimp and baitfish, a live Sardinia is more effective. Spanish mackerel will more readily take live bait if the bait is flashy or fast-moving. Trolling spoons are designed to be troled at high speeds over a large area. When Spanish mackerel aren't working on the surface, trolling is ideal.

Braided line

Choosing the right leader is crucial for catching more bites and landing more fish. Every mistake you make when you are targeting Spanish fish will be magnified. It's best to use a graphite rod that is between 8 and 10 feet long. This doesn't feel heavy and has enough reach to reach Spanish-speaking schools. If you are casting over long distances, heavier wire is possible but not recommended.

A gotcha lure is a must-have when Spanish mackerel are in the area. This lure sinks quickly, and jerking your tip causes deadly darting below the surface. The action is so deadly that Spanish fish will have no choice but to attack it! Once you have removed your lure, drop it to the bottom. Then look for fish in the water column.

For Florida fishing, you will need a fly rod with a drag system and weighing between 8 and 9 pounds. A floating line is best for fishing on the surface while an intermediate sinker will do fine in the deeper flats. A wire leader can block the fish's view. Monofilament leads are great for surface fishing but Spanish mackerel will grab a wire leader.

Speck rigs

There are many methods to use Speck rigs in Spanish maker fishing. A speck rod can catch some the most impressive Spanish, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Pete suggests trolling a lure made of specks well behind your boat. To ensure that the bait is not disturbed, Pete recommends that you extend the line as far as possible behind the boat. Another option is to use a free-spool small menhaden (known as peanut bunker, or pogy).

You can fish speck rigs from the beach or a pier. Quarter casts of 45° or more are recommended to get maximum use of the speckrig. If you are fishing from the pier, you can use the "Water Walker" fishing rig, which replaces the in-line sinker with a weighted popping cork. This allows fish to mimic baitfish by flipping it. Another popular Speck rig is the Love Lures Speck Rig. It includes two jigs with dropper loops, and a fluorocarbon leader weighing 20 or 30 pounds.

One of the most popular approaches for catching these fish is to troll around structure. Kingfish are often found close to beaches and buoys. Live shrimp, alewives, or small menhaden are excellent baits. A speck rig containing fresh or live shrimp is a good option for targeting them close to structure. Other lures can be used, as well as trolls.

Drifting

To begin drifting for Spanish mackerel, you need to know the tricks of the trade. You will need a leader of 30 feet to get started. It is possible to hand-line it to your boat. However, it is important that you pay attention to where strikes are coming. As you make 90-degree turns, your lures' speed will change. Lines to the inside will slow down while lines to the outside will speed it up. Match the speed of your lines that catch more fish.

Drifting baits are either made of live or artificial bait. Dead bait, live shrimp, and bait fish are all good options. You can also use split shot for drifting. To decrease the risk of cutoffs, a long-shanked Hook is required. It will work well with a 1/0 hook. A 1/0 hook can cover large areas. Drifting works well in both offshore or inshore waters.

Artificial reefs are another option to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can be found close to the bottom of the Bay at the tunnel tubes. For piers, you can use baited and cut bait. Drifting live bait is a great way to fish these species. You could also fish off Virginia's coast in the summer. If the current is running hard, the fish will most likely be aggressive and attack metal spoons.

Live bait

Make sure you use the right rig when using live bait to catch Spanish mackerel. The Spanish mackerel fishing gear is the same as the king mackerel rigs. Instead of using one hook, you will use two smaller bucktails with a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails are either small or large, depending on the size of your baitfish.

Live bait can be either a shrimp or a small silvery fish. If you prefer, you can cast it into a school of breaking fish or drift it across an open ocean. Chumping can also be used to strike a strike. The best way to catch Spanish mackerel is usually with live bait. These fish are easy to clean, too, and you can find them at your local bait shop.

You can also use artificial or live bait when you drift for Spanish mackerel. Drifting is a good way to catch Spanish mackerel. You can use live shrimp and bait fish, or split shot. Long-shanked hooks work best with this type of fish. This reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 is an excellent choice for all-around fishing.

FAQ

Do I require special fishing licenses?

If you are planning to take fish out-of-state or across county lines, then no. Many states allow anglers the freedom to fish without the need of a license. To find out what license is required, check with your local Fish & Wildlife Agency.

Is it safe?

No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. If there is no expiration date on the fish, it is probably safe to eat. But, don't eat the fish if it smells or looks old.

What is the best place to fish?

Fishermen should be able to fish in areas near water bodies, such as streams, lakes, rivers and rivers. These areas are full of fish and provide ample food.

Can I fish in the morning?

Fishing is allowed at all times of the day. Fishing is only allowed during periods when it is prohibited.

What happens if I am caught illegally fishing?

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

What happens when I lose a fishing fish?

It is part of the game to lose a fish. Sometimes, you will catch a fishing rod and then lose the fish. Try again when this happens. You will eventually catch another fish.

How can I bait my hooks

Attach a piece of meat to your hook to bait it. Attach the meat to the eye of the hook.

Statistics

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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)