fishing gear

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Ken Roberts 24/08/2022 6 mins read

The usual lures didn't work well for me when I tried spanish mackerel fishing with them in Florida. 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 and inlets but they didn't work. I instead chose to use small jigs attached with a tiny worm.

Spoons

Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely effective in catching these fish. Spoons can move freely on their own and you can cast them far, covering a lot water. They are perfect for catching kingfish which can weigh up to thirty pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.

Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. Shiny spoons are best for sunny days and matte ones for rainy days. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.

Casting spoons along the coast has been an excellent way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. 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 a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting 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 can also try trolling to catch Spanish mackerel. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. To avoid tangling your line, it is important to have a swivel at the end of the diving planer. 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

When drifting for Spanish mackerel, anglers have the option to use either live or artificial baits. Bait fish, live shrimp, and live shrimp make good drift baits. A large size hook is recommended for reducing the risk of cutoffs. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to reefs. Florida waters offer many opportunities for fishing for Spanish mackerel.

The most effective lure for Spanish mackerel is a flies or spoon that imitates its 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 will cover more water, which increases the odds of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

Spoons as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch Spanish mackerel. They are tough and catch the fish at all depths. Florida is a favorite place to use Get-Cha lures. These lures include rattles built in that attract Spanish mackerel and can be quickly reeled into. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.

You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. Prepare for battle and fight! Daniel Flinn is an expert. Find out where Spanish mackerel are at sea by visiting local marinas and reading fishing reports. Make sure to allow room for other boats. Daniel Flinn is an insider who also recommends using his bobber.

Jigs

For big Spanish catches, it is important to select the right type of jig. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. Use a long shank hook when you tie your hook. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.

Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their taste. While many anglers don't enjoy eating them, you may want to consider preparing the fish for cooking the same day 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 recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.

Although jigs can work well for Spanish mackerel fishing, live bait is the best. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's Inlets have been producing good Spanish mackerel fishing action 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 can also be a good option in the evening.

Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near inlets and reefs. The best way to catch fish is to use long lines and troll around the edge of the school. If the fish are moving through the school or across it, they will dive. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.

Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders in the early morning and later afternoon. Spanish mackerel are attracted to silverside minnows in the inshore waters. These minnows can be difficult to catch but they are worth it! Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!

These aggressive acrobats love inlets and bridges that are found along the coast. These fish are both prolific inshore as offshore. You can catch them by casting and trolling a lure tube. One of the most effective lures is the Gotcha tube lure. It can be fished cast, or trolled. It is also possible to fish off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. 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. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. Spanish mackerel can be spotted in schools.

Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. Capt. For example, Capt. Visit their website for more information about where to fish. You can also listen to the show live on the internet by searching for "Spanish Mackerel fishing in South Florida" and "Small Inlets."

Spanish mackerel can also be found along the coast near Flagler Bridge. Anglers have other options. From the Boynton to Flagler Bridge area, fish such as flounder, Jack Crevalle, and Sand Perch are all common. Fishing with yellow feathers and trolling spoons have been effective.

When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel?

Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate to spring and fall. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. To determine the best time to fish, you can use water temperatures.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel requires that you choose a spot with calm waters and clear water. To increase your chances of catching these species, fish at least two to three hours offshore. If you prefer murky water, fish close to shore. In clear water, cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.

Inshore fishing is the best option for surf fishermen who are experienced. The fish are still abundant and eating well there. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish to find water. The waters are warm enough for a few pompano to survive during this period. A tube lure or jig is a good option if you want to catch red or white whiting in the surf. Inshore Spanish mackerel tend to run outside of bars.

FAQ

Are special clothing requirements for fishing?

You will need clothing that is waterproof to protect you from the elements. Fishing requires the use of a waders suit. Waders are waterproof pants which cover the legs as well as the feet. Wader suits can have boots attached. Some wader suits come with boots, while others can be worn without them.

What type of fishing permit do I require?

A fishing license is required if you intend to fish in state waters, i.e. lakes, rivers and bays. The state laws require that anglers obtain a valid fishing licence before they can fish. If you plan to fish within federal waters (e.g. Great Lakes, oceans), a license is required. A fishing license is not required. You will need a fishing license if you plan to take fish home.

What gear is necessary for fishing?

You will need a rod, reel and line. Hooks, bait, tackle boxes, and snacks are also needed. A cast is essential if you want to catch fish. You also need to know how to rig a hook. Be patient and wait until you catch the fish.

How can I get started with fishing?

Before you get out on the water, you will need to be familiar with the basics of fishing. It is important to know the differences between different fish species in your local area. To find them, you must also know their favorite places to be found. After you've identified the best areas to search for fish, 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!

When is the best time for fishing?

It's best to fish early in the morning and late at night. These times are when the fish are active and feeding.

Statistics

You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.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)
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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)