Lake Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rods

By Trey Gordon 25/04/2022 7 mins read

You should be familiar with the basics of casting spoons and gotchas for Spanish mackerel fish fishing. For example, bucktails come in many sizes. They can be as small as 1/16 ounce up to half-ounce. You can adjust the size and shape of the bucktails according to the baitfish that you are pursuing.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass are an excellent choice for a rig. Casting spoons should be flat and have no cupping. They also need to be short in length. Spanish bass feed on small baitfish. Shiny finishes are best for bright sunlight, while matte finishes work well for cloudy day. Rig your Spanish bass fishing rig with a single hook on a split ring. Use a single hook on a split ring. This will reduce the chance of missing strikes or a hiccup.

A metal casting bowl can catch a variety, but the primary species to aim for are Bluefish or Spanish mackerel. Generally, these species are attracted to lures with a fast retrieve. A jigging spool will produce a fluttering action which fish enjoy. A jigging teaspoon is also a good option if you fish on a river or lake.

Spanish mackerel are not very strong and will be attracted to light lures. Casting spoons using a lighter wire will keep the lure in place during fights. Despite being small, Spanish mackerel can be hooked by using a treble hook. The light wire will protect your hand from the razor sharp teeth. The more effective the cast, the smaller the bait.

Got-Cha lures

If you are trying to catch a school of Spanish mackerel, the classic Got-Cha lure is an excellent choice. 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 jigging, make sure the lure sinks to bottom. Aim to probe the entire water column with the lure to increase your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

Choose a leader that suits the needs of your Spanish makerel fishing setup when you use Got-Cha Lures. Long leaders can result in a loss of fish. You may not attract many Spanish mackerel if you use a long leader. Fishing in streams and rivers requires a shorter leader.

Many charter boat captains have a secret weapon: the diamond jig. These jigs weigh only a few grams and can be used when Spanish mackerel consume glass minnows. They have enough incentive to strike because of their flashy jigs. Diamond jigs are generally trolled, but larger versions are best used vertical jigging over structure.

Monofilament line

Many anglers prefer monofilament to braided line for Spanish mackerel fishing. Monofilament line is flexible and will not pull on the hook if the fish bites. These fish don't like leaders weighing more than 20 pounds, and they can be caught in open water. The type of Spanish mackerel that you are trying to catch will determine the leader you choose.

Monofilament has monofilament as a cheaper option, but fluorocarbon is still a good choice. Because it is undetectable submerged, fluorocarbon is better for baits or live trap angling. Mono is less likely to snap or fray when the fish bites, and it 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 will prefer live bait that is flashy and quick-moving. A trolling spoon is designed to be trolled at high speeds and covers a wide area. Trolling can be a good option when Spanish mackerel are not working on the surfaces.

Braided Line

For more fish and more bites, it is important to choose the right leader. Spanish can be very sensitive to your mistakes. The ideal graphite rod is eight to ten foot in length. It doesn't feel too heavy, and it can reach Spanish schools. It's possible to cast longer distances using heavier wire but this is 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. It is so dangerous that Spanish fish will eat it! Once you've retrieved your lure from the water, let it drop to the bottom and test the entire water column to find a fish.

You will need an 8 to 9-weight fly rod that has a great drag system for Florida fishing. A floating line will be most effective for fishing at the surface. An intermediate sinker is better for 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 different ways to use Speck rigs with Spanish makers. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned fisherman, a speck rig can catch some of the biggest Spanish in the world. Pete recommends trolling a speck lure well behind the boat. The line should be longer than the boat so the motor does not disturb the lure. Another option is to use a free-spool small menhaden (known as peanut bunker, or pogy).

Speck Rigs can be fished either from a shoreline or from a pier. To get the most out of the rig, quarter casts of 45 degrees are recommended. You can fish from the pier with the "Water Walker", which replaces your in-line sinker by a weighted popping core. It allows fishes to mimic baitfish by flipping over the rig. Love Lures Speck Rigs is another popular 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 can be found at the shore and near buoys. The best baits are small menhaden (or alewives), live shrimp, and alewives. When targeting them near structure, use a speck rig with live shrimp or fresh shrimp. While trolls are the most popular method for catching Spanish mackerel, other types of lures can be used.

Drifting

It is important to learn the ropes of Spanish mackerel drifting. A leader measuring 30 feet is required to begin. 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. The speed of your lines will vary depending on which side you're turning. Match the speed of the lines that are catching more fish.

Drifting baits that work are made with live and artificial baits. A variety of baits are available, including live shrimp, bait fish and dead bait. Drifting can also benefit from split shot. To reduce the chance of cuttingoffs, you will need a long-shanked hooked hook. An 1/0 hook is ideal. You can cover a lot of ground with a 1/0 Hook. Drifting is an effective technique in offshore and inshore waters.

Artificial reefs can be used to attract Spanish Mackerel. These fish can be found close to the bottom of the Bay at the tunnel tubes. Cut bait or baited pops can be used if you are fishing from a pier. Drifting live bait is the best technique for fishing these species. In the summer, you can fish off the coast Virginia. If the current is strong, the fish may attack metal spoons or be aggressive if they are.

Live bait

It is important to have the correct rig for Spanish mackerel fishing if you are using live bait. The Spanish mackerel fishing gear is the same as the king mackerel rigs. Instead of using a single hook you'll be using two smaller bucktails along with one No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails are either small or large, depending on the size of your baitfish.

A shrimp or a small, silvery fish can be used live bait. If you prefer, you can cast it into a school of breaking fish or drift it across an open ocean. You can also use chumming to catch a strike, whether you are fishing offshore or inshore. Spanish mackerel can be caught using live bait. These fish are easy enough to clean. You can also find them at your local shop.

Artificial or live bait can be used to drift for Spanish mackerel. Drifting is best when using live shrimp or bait fish. Split shot can be used to attract more Spanish mackerel. The best hook for this type of fish is a long-shanked one, which reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 size hook is great for all-around use.

FAQ

How can I tell whether my lure is working properly?

If your lure is moving when you place it in the water, pay attention. If your lure moves, it is functioning properly.

Which rod should you choose?

Graphite composite is the best rod for fly-fishing. This material has exceptional casting qualities and is strong. To cast better, you must practice with graphite rods.

Is it possible to fish at night or during the day?

Yes, but make sure to use artificial light. Artificial lights are used by fishermen to attract fish. They work well after the sun sets as fish become more active in the dark.

Can I get my kids interested in fishing?

Absolutely! Kids love to fish. Most children who grow up fishing never stop doing so. There are many things that you can do to encourage your child into fishing. You could show them how to tie knots and build a fishing rod, or teach them about proper fishing manners. Show them pictures of fish, and tell them stories.

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)
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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)