Bass Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Ken Roberts 01/10/2022 6 mins read

When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. 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 also tried using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.

Spoons

You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely efficient at catching these fish. Spoons can be cast far and covered a lot of water. They are ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.

A spoon should have a long, sturdy body, and not be too long. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. They should be shiny for bright sunlight and matte for cloudy days. If you are fishing in twilight, use a single hook rigged on a split ring. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.

Casting spoons in coastal waters has been a great way to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida. Their fast swimming action makes them an enjoyable and tasty meal. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. These fish can also be caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more likely to attract fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. Use a weedless pvc bait if you want to catch more.

You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. To do this, tie a small spoon onto the planer and attach a 30 pound leader to it. To avoid the line from getting tangled, a swivel should be placed behind the diving planeer. Another option is a spoon umbrella. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.

Hard-Baits

For Spanish mackerel drifting, anglers can use live and artificial baits. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. To reduce cutoffs, it is best to use a large-sized hook. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to reefs. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.

Spanish mackerel love spoons and flies that imitate their prey. These baits are very effective in locating Spanish mackerel, both in the Atlantic or Gulf. Also, you can use a spoon and hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits cover more water which increases your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

For Spanish mackerel, you can use Spoons or Got-Cha lures. These lures are long-lasting and can be used to catch fish at any depth in the water column. Florida is a favorite place to use Get-Cha lures. 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.

Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be challenging so be ready to face some stiff competition. Prepare 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. Don't forget to leave room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider, also suggests using a Bobber.

Jigs

Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. 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 is a great option if live bait is your preference.

Spanish mackerel fishermen worry about their taste buds. Even though many anglers dislike eating them, they may enjoy cooking the fish right away. 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 recommended to cook the fish within 24 hours of catching it.

While jigs are effective for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, the best bait is a live fish. Capt Jim's favorite bait, according to him, is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. This bait mimics a small baitfish. Olive and white are his favorites. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided good action for Spanish Mackerel and other species. Fisherman are reporting catch reports of Redfish, Sheepshead and Black Drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. The best way to catch Spanish mackerel is for anglers to use spoons or lures. Live shrimp can be found on the north side of the jetty. Live shrimp can also be a good option in 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. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.

Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. Although they can be difficult to catch, you will be rewarded! These are the best areas to find Spanish mackerel anywhere in Florida. Bring your fishing poles.

Inlets and bridges along the coast can be great places to capture these aggressive acrobats. These fish are prolific inshore and offshore, and can be caught by casting and trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can either be fished cast or trombled. 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. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. Troll your lure or live bait when the water is shallow. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.

Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. Capt. Norm Bekoff's weekly fishing report on Fox Sports 940 Miami is available online, and it's also broadcast on Nautical Ventures' Facebook page. 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".

Another great place to find Spanish mackerel is along the shoreline near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also fish for other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night

When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. They should begin to appear when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.

When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. For the best chances of catching these fish you need to fish at least 2 hours offshore. Fish closer to shore if you prefer murky waters. In clear water, cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.

Most experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish in the inshore waters of the Florida Panhandle in April. The fish are still abundant and eating well there. Fish can now find water easier because the rains that started in March have stopped. The waters are warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. If you're in search of red or whiting in the surf, try a tube lure or jigs. Spanish mackerel are known to be a bit more aggressive than the bars.

FAQ

What type of fishing license do you need?

You must have a fishing licence if you want to fish in state waters (e.g. lakes, rivers, or bays). A valid fishing license is required by state law for anglers before they can fish. If you plan on fishing in federal waters (e.g., oceans or Great Lakes), you must obtain a valid fishing licence. Fishing licenses are not required if you plan to fish in federal waters. If you intend to bring any fish home, you should first verify with the local authorities that you aren't violating any laws.

What is the cost of basic fishing gear?

Basic fishing equipment costs around $100-$200 dollars for rod/reel combos, bait, tackle box, etc. You'll need to spend between 500-$1000 to get a bigger boat.

What type of fishing gear do you require?

A rod, reel line, hooks, line, bait, tackle box and some snacks. If you want to catch fish, you should know how to cast, rig up a hook, and use a bobber. Most importantly, you must be patient and wait until the right moment to strike!

Where can I find great fishing spots?

There are many places you can fish all around the world. Many people enjoy fishing in public parks, private pools, lakes, rivers and streams as well as other water bodies.

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)
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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.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)