Bass Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rods

By Bill Rollins 15/09/2022 7 mins read

Casting spoons and got-cha baits for Spanish mackerel fishing is easy if you know a few basics. Bucktails, for example, come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 1/16 ounce to a half-ounce. You can adjust the size of the bucktails to match the size of the baitfish you're pursuing.

Casting spoons

When choosing a rig, Spanish bass are a prime candidate. Casting spoons should be flat and have no cupping. They also need to be short in length. Spanish bass feed on small baitfish, so a shiny finish is ideal for bright sunlight and a matte finish for cloudy days. Rig your Spanish bass fishing rig with a single hook on a split ring. You should not use a double hook. This will increase the likelihood of missed strikes or a hiccup.

A metal casting spoon can catch a variety fish but the primary ones to target are Spanish mackerel or Bluefish. Generally, these species are attracted to lures with a fast retrieve. A jigging spoon will produce a fluttering action that fish like. If you're fishing on a river or lake, you can also try a jigging spoon.

Spanish mackerel can't eat hard food and prefer light lures. Casting spoons with a light wire will keep the lure from breaking off during a fight. Spanish mackerel are small and can be hooked with a treblehook. The light wire will protect you from the razor-sharp teeth. The smaller the bait, the more effective your cast will be.

Got-Cha lures

A classic Got-Cha lure can be used to catch Spanish mackerel schools. This treble hook bait can be quickly retrieved as it sinks quickly at the end. Jerking the rod tip creates a deadly darting action underwater. Spanish fish can't resist this action. Before jigging, make sure the lure sinks to bottom. For the best chances of hooking a Spanish Mackerel, make sure to reach the bottom of the water column using the lure.

Use Got-Cha lures to Spanish makerel fish rigs. Make sure you choose the right leader. If you use a long leader, you may lose a lot of fish. Spanish mackerel may not be attracted to a leader of medium length if it is too long. Use a shorter leader when fishing in rivers or streams.

A diamond jig has been the secret weapon for many charter boat captains. 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 tend to be trolled. However, larger versions can be used vertically jigging over structures.

Monofilament line

While you can use braided line on your Spanish mackerel fishing rigs, monofilament line is preferred by many anglers. Monofilament line is flexible and will not pull on the hook if the fish bites. This is because these fish can live in open waters and are unlikely to bite a leader of 20 pounds. The type of Spanish mackerel that you are trying to catch will determine the leader you choose.

Monofilament line is more expensive but fluorocarbon lines are a better choice than monofilament. Fluorocarbon lines are better for live trap and bait angling as they can't be detected submerged. Mono is more resistant to snapping or fraying when the fish bites and also holds knots well. Mono is more forgiving and cheaper than fluoro.

Spanish mackerel can be caught using live bait. Although you can use shrimp and baitfish, a live Sardinia is more effective. Spanish mackerel will more readily take live bait if the bait is flashy or fast-moving. Trolling spoons are designed for trolling at high speeds, covering a wide area. Trolling can be a good option when Spanish mackerel are not working on the surfaces.

Braided lines

It is essential to select the right leader for your catch and landing of fish. Every mistake you make when you are targeting Spanish fish will be magnified. 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 rapidly at the end of the cast and jerking it causes deadly darting under the water. The action is so deadly that Spanish fish will have no choice but to attack it! Once you have pulled your lure out of the water, bring it down to the bottom to check the entire column for fish.

A fly rod of 8-9 lb weight with a good drag system is required for Florida fishing. For fishing on the surface, a floating line will work best. A sinker or intermediate sinker will work well in 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. A speck rod can catch some the most impressive Spanish, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Pete recommends trolling a speck lure well behind the boat. The longer the line, the further behind the boat the lure should be trolled, so that the bait is not disturbed by the boat's motor. Another method is to use small menhaden as a free-spool, also called peanut bunker or pogy.

Speck rigs are fished from a beach or pier. To get the most out of the rig, quarter casts of 45 degrees are recommended. If you are fishing from the pier, you can use the "Water Walker" fishing rig, which replaces the in-line sinker with a weighted popping cork. Fish can imitate baitfish by flipping this rig. Love Lures Speck Rigs are another popular Speck rig. It comprises two jigs that are attached to dropper loops. A fluorocarbon leader is 20-30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is one of most popular ways to catch these fish. Kingfish are often found close to beaches and buoys. The best baits are small menhaden (or alewives), live shrimp, and alewives. If you are targeting them near structures, you can use a speck-rig with fresh shrimp or live shrimp. You can use other lures to catch Spanish mackerel as well, but trolls is the most common method.

Drifting

You need to be able to drift for Spanish mackerel before you can start. For your first drift, you will need a 30-foot leader. You can either hand line it or attach it to your boat. But, be sure to watch for strikes. You'll notice that your lures speed changes when you make 90-degree turn. The speed of the lines going inside the turn will decrease, and the speed of those going outside the turn will increase. Match the speed of your lines that catch more fish.

Drifting baits that work are made with live and artificial baits. You have many options. 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. A 1/0 hook can cover large areas. Drifting can be used in both offshore and inshore waters.

You should also use artificial reefs 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. You could also fish off Virginia's coast in the summer. If the current is running hard, the fish will most likely be aggressive and attack metal spoons.

Live bait

If you're planning to use live bait to catch Spanish mackerel, you'll want to make sure to create the proper rig. Spanish mackerel fishing equipment is basically the same as for king mackerel. Instead of one hook, use two smaller and one larger bucktails. 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 like, you can throw it into a school to break fish or let it drift across an open ocean. Inshore or offshore, chumming can also be used to get a strike. Spanish mackerel can be caught using live bait. These fish are easy to clean, too, and you can find them at your local bait shop.

If you are drifting for Spanish marlin, live or artificial bait is also an option. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective when drifting, but you can also use split shot to attract more Spanish mackerel. This type of hook works best because it reduces cutoffs. For all-purpose use, the 1/0 size is a great choice.

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FAQ

How often should I change my lures?

Change your lures once a day. After being exposed to the sun for too long, lures lose their effectiveness.

How do I clean a fish?

There are many ways to clean a fish. One way is to take out the head and guts. Wash the fish well with cold water. Another option is for you to gut the fish. This involves removing intestines and cleaning inside cavity. Finally, you might ask someone else for assistance in cleaning the fish.

How long does a skilled fisherman take?

You will need years of experience to become an expert fisherman. You will be a better fisherman if you learn new techniques and improve your skills.

Where can I find great fishing spots?

There are lots of places to fish all over the world. Many people enjoy fishing in parks, private ponds and lakes, rivers, streams and other bodies water.

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)
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)
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)