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Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Mike Richardson 1 March, 2023 6 mins read

I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish in Florida. Although I found them to be more effective than the usual lures, I still couldn't catch any of the fish I was after using them. I also tried spoons with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I used small jigs which had a attached worm.

Spoons

Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. These spoons are very effective in catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. 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. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. If you are fishing in twilight, use a single hook rigged on a split ring. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.

Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. Their quick swimming makes them a delicious and enjoyable fish. You'll find plenty of action around St. Augustine as well as Matanzas. These fish are also caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons tend to attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. A weedless plastic lure is a better option if you are looking to catch more fish.

You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. You should not trot at seven miles per hour, as this can result in a poor catch rate.

Hard-Baits

You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. A large hook is recommended to lower the likelihood of cutoffs. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to 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 or hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits cover more water which increases your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

Spoons and Got-Cha lures are effective for catching Spanish mackerel. These lures are long-lasting and can be used to catch fish at any depth in the water column. Florida is known for its popular Get-Cha baits. These lures have built-in rattles that attract Spanish mackerel as they are reeled in quickly. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.

You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. Be prepared for a fight. Experts like Daniel Flinn can help you. Check out fishing reports and local marinas to find out the exact location of Spanish mackerel. Be sure to allow space for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider member, recommends using abobber.

Jigs

It is crucial to choose the right jig to catch Spanish. This fish has a thin and slim body that makes them easy to handle. Use a long shank hook when you tie your hook. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.

The taste is a major concern for Spanish mackerel fishermen. 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 is known for being quite fishy so make sure to get it cooked as soon possible. It is best to cook the mackerel within 24 hours after it has been caught.

While jigs are effective for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, the best bait is a live fish. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorite colors. Look for a color which is close to the natural colors of your area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's inlets have seen good fishing for Spanish mackerel, and other species. Fisherman have reported catching Snook, Redfish and Sheepshead while fishing for Spanish mackerel. To catch Spanish mackerel, anglers will use spoons or jigs. Meanwhile, live shrimp are eating on the north shore. Live shrimp are also a great option during the evening.

Spanish fish anglers have the best chance of success if they aim for schools within close proximity to inlets and reefs. Long lines should be used to troll along a school's edge. Running through or across schools of fish can cause them to dive. This will result in missed opportunities. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing can be done from inlets.

Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. 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 are both prolific inshore as offshore. You can catch them by casting and trolling a lure tube. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. It can either be fished cast or trombled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

For fishing south Florida's coast waters, inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing can be a great option. Anglers should be aware that Mackerel feed close to the surface and are a good target. If the water is very shallow, you can troll your lure and live bait in the inlet. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. Spanish mackerels can be found in schools.

Fort Lauderdale might be a good choice if you are looking to find a great spot for fishing. Capt. Capt. For more information on where to fish, visit their website. You can also listen online to the show by searching the keywords "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” and "Small Inlets".

Spanish mackerel can also be found along the coast near Flagler Bridge. Anglers have other options. From the Boynton area to Flagler Bridge, you can catch flounder, jack crevalle and sandperch. Fishing with yellow feathers, trolling spoons, and trolling hooks is effective.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night

What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate in spring and 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. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. You can then use these water temperatures to determine when is the best time to fish.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. Fish at least two hours offshore to maximize your chances of catching these fish. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. Cast artificial lures using heavy fluorocarbon leaders in clear waters. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.

Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. There are plenty of fish and they are eating well. Fish can now find water easier because the rains that started in March have stopped. The waters are warm enough for a few pompano to survive during this period. Tube lures and jigs are great options for whiting or redfishing in the surf. Spanish mackerel often swim offshore of bars.

FAQ

Do I need special permits to fish?

If you intend to take fish outside of your state or cross county lines, no. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. For more information, contact your local Fish & Wildlife department.

How can I get started in fishing?

Before you get out on the water, you will need to be familiar with the basics of fishing. You must first learn about the various types of fish found in your region. It is also important to understand where fish like to hang out in order to find them. Once you have identified the best places to look for fish, you must practice casting. This is when you learn how to cast a lure from the air, and then let it fall onto the surface of water. Practice makes perfect!

What kind of fishing license do I need?

You must have a fishing licence if you want to fish in state waters (e.g. lakes, rivers, or bays). According to state laws, anglers must have a valid fishing permit before they can fish. You must have a valid fishing license if you intend to fish in federal waters, such as the Great Lakes and oceans. Fishing licenses are not required if you plan to fish in federal waters. You will need a fishing license if you plan to take fish home.

How much can I afford to buy fishing gear?

You don't necessarily have to spend a lot on fishing equipment. There are many inexpensive options available. A cheap hook, line, and reel could be your best option. You could also invest in a rod and reel set.

What is the time it takes to catch a fish.

It depends on how big the fish is and what level of skill the fisherman has. It takes anywhere from one minute to an hour to land a fish. You have a better chance of landing a large fish if you wait longer.

How deep should I cast my line?

Cast your line as deep as possible. Cast a line with your straight arm so the line doesn’t twist.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.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)
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)