When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. 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 spoons (inlets, worms) and spoons. However, none of these methods worked. Instead, I opted for small jigs with a worm attached.
Spoons
Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons are easy to cast and can wiggle by themselves. They are perfect for catching kingfish which can weigh up to thirty pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.
When choosing a spoon, choose one that has a long, stocky body and is not too long. Spanish bass will be attracted to spoons with long and thin bodies. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. 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. They make a great and delicious meal because of their quick swimming. You'll find plenty of action around St. Augustine as well as Matanzas. These fish are often caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.
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 the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. An umbrella spoon rig is also an option. You should not trot at seven miles per hour, as this can result in a poor catch rate.
Hard-Baits
Anglers can utilize live or artificial baits when drifting for Spanish mackerel. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. To reduce cutoffs, it is best to use a large-sized hook. If you're fishing for reef fish, a size of 1/0 is an ideal all-round size. Florida waters can provide great opportunities to fish for Spanish mackerel.
Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits work well in the Atlantic as well as the Gulf for Spanish mackerel. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. 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. They are strong and can catch fish from all depths of water. Florida is a favorite place to use Get-Cha lures. These lures feature built-in rattles to attract Spanish mackerel. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.
You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. Be prepared for a fight. You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. Remember to make 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. This fish has a thin and slim body that makes them easy to handle. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. Live shrimp makes a great choice if you prefer to use a live bait.
The taste is a major concern for Spanish mackerel fishermen. Many anglers don’t like eating them so you might want to cook the fish as soon as you catch it. Spanish mackerel are known for being a bit fishy, so you should try to have it prepared as soon as possible. It is best to cook the fish within 24hrs of it being caught.
While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. 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. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.
Inlets
Inlets around Fort Pierce have been producing good action for Spanish mackerel and other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. Anglers are using spoons or jigs to target Spanish mackerel, while live shrimp are biting on the north jetty. Live shrimp are also a great option during 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. Inlets are ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fishing.
Spanish mackerel can be aggressive feeders at both the dawn and dusk. Spanish mackerel love silverside minnows. Inshore waters are rich with them. 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. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!
These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. These fish are both prolific inshore as offshore. You can catch them by casting and trolling a lure tube. The Gotcha tube lure is one of the best lures to use. It can be fished cast, or trolled. It is also possible to fish off piers or causeways.
Inlets of South Florida
The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Anglers have a prime opportunity to catch Mackerel as they tend to feed close the surface. If the water is very shallow, you can troll your lure and live bait in the inlet. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.
If you are looking for a great fishing location, you might want to try Fort Lauderdale. Capt. Capt. For more information on where to fish, visit their website. You can also listen to the show live on the internet by searching for "Spanish Mackerel fishing in South Florida" and "Small Inlets."
Another great place to find Spanish mackerel is along the shoreline near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers may also be able to target other species in the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area up to the Flagler Bridge, flounder, jack crevalle, or sand perch can all be caught. Fishing with yellow feathers and trolling spoons have been 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. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will stick around until water temperatures drop below 70 degrees. The NOAA website gives information about water temperatures for U.S. coastal areas. Then, you can use the water temperatures to determine the best times to fish for them.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel requires that you choose a spot with calm waters and clear water. 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. There, the fish are still plentiful and feeding heavily. The rains that began in March have ceased, making it easier for fish to find the water. The waters are warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. 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
Is it safe to consume fish caught by others?
No matter where your fish is purchased, make sure you ask the seller whether they have an expiration date. 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.
How can I tell whether my lure is working properly?
When you cast your lure into the water, watch for movement. If you observe movement, your lure may be working properly.
What is the best fishing spot?
Near freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, streams, and so forth, is where you should fish. These areas are full of fish and provide ample food.
Are there many types of lures available?
Yes, there are several different types of lures available. Some lures are made specifically for specific species of fish. Others mimic insects, grasshoppers and frogs. Lures come in various shapes and sizes. Some lures are even designed to look like real bugs.
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)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to fish in freshwater
Freshwater fishing refers to the sport of catching freshwater fish, such as fish caught from rivers, lakes, streams, and other freshwater sources. Bass, catfish, crappie and trout are the most commonly caught fish. These species of fish can be caught using many different methods. There are many methods that can be used to catch these fish, including trolling (casting), trolling, spinnerbaits (spinnerbaits), flyfishing and baitcasting.
Finding a good place to catch fish is the first thing to do when you want to catch them. This means that you should choose a location near the water source. Next, decide the type of equipment you wish to use.
Live bait should look like food to fish, so that they will eat it. Live bait includes worms, minnows, crickets, frogs, leeches, bloodworms, grasshoppers, and other small insects.
You can also use artificial lures, baits made out of plastic, wood, feathers, rubber, metal, foam, and other materials. Artificial lures are available in many sizes and shapes. Artificial lures can mimic natural prey such as minnows and crawfish or shiners and grubs. Because they are easy to cast, many people prefer lures. When they land on their target, lures can be set up quickly and easily removed.
Casting can be a good option if your preference is not to use live bait. Casting is one of the easiest ways to catch fish. It requires very little effort and no special skills.
All you need is a rod, reel, line, sinkers, floatant, hooks, and possibly weights. You can cast with just a pole. To cast, simply raise the rod vertically from the water surface. Next, lower the rod tip so that it touches the water. Once it touches the water, the line will begin to unwind from your reel. After the line reaches its maximum length, let go of the rod. The lure will then fall back into water.
Trolling is another method of catching fish. Trolling, which uses a boat and lures to move through the water, is another method of catching fish.
Fishing can be fun and rewarding. There are many options for fishing. Each has its pros and cons. Although some techniques are easier than others, all methods require practice and patience.