fishing gear

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Bob Thomas 04/06/2022 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 using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. Instead, I used small jigs which had a attached worm.

Spoons

If you are interested in catching Spanish Mackerel in Florida, you should consider using spoons. 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 great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips about how to use spoons 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. If you are fishing in twilight, use a single hook rigged on a split ring. 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 are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons tend to attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.

Trolling can also be used to catch 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. An umbrella spoon rig is also an option. 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. Drift baits are made from live shrimp or bait fish. These baits are often chummed in salt water. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. If you're fishing for reef fish, a size of 1/0 is an ideal all-round size. Florida waters offer many opportunities for fishing for Spanish mackerel.

Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits are very effective in locating Spanish mackerel, both in the Atlantic or Gulf. You can also use a spoon to bait the fish. Flat-bottomed fish will be more likely to take your bait, and you'll have a better chance of hooking one.

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 known for its popular Get-Cha baits. These lures have built-in rattles that attract Spanish mackerel as they are reeled in quickly. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.

While you are fishing for Spanish mackerel, be prepared for a bit of competition. Be ready for a fight and a battle! Daniel Flinn, an expert on the subject, can give you some advice. By visiting local marinas or reading fishing reports, you can find out the location of Spanish mackerel. Remember to make room for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.

Jigs

It is crucial to choose the right jig to catch Spanish. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.

Spanish mackerel fishermen worry about their taste buds. Many anglers don’t like eating them so you might want to cook the fish as soon as you catch it. Spanish mackerel are notorious for being a bit fishy. You should prepare it as soon as possible. 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 is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait, which he says is a great mimic of a small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorites. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's inlets have seen good fishing for Spanish mackerel, and other species. Fisherman are reporting catch reports of Redfish, Sheepshead and Black Drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.

Spanish fish anglers are more likely to succeed if they fish for them in schools close to reefs or inlets. 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. For winter Spanish mackerel fishing, inlets are the best.

Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal 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. Don't forget your fishing poles!

These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. 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 be fished cast, or trolled. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.

Inlets of South Florida

Fishing south Florida's beaches is easy with the Spanish Mackerel Inlets. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Look out for active diving birds as well as churned waters. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.

Fort Lauderdale may be the place to go if your goal is to find great fishing spots. Capt. The weekly fishing report of Norm Bekoff on Fox Sports 940 Miami can be viewed online and also broadcast live on Nautical Ventures Facebook page. Their website has more information about where to fish. You can also listen live online by searching "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida" or "Small Inlets."

Spanish mackerel can also be found along the coast near Flagler Bridge. Anglers also have the option to catch other species on the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area to Flagler Bridge, you can catch flounder, jack crevalle and sandperch. Fishing with yellow feathers and trolling spoons have been effective.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times

When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate to spring and fall. They should show up once the water temperatures have reached 70 degrees. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. The NOAA website gives information about water temperatures for U.S. coastal areas. 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. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into clear water. 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. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. The rains that had begun in March have stopped, making it easier to find water. The waters are still warm enough to support a few pomona. A tube lure or jig is a good option if you want to catch red or white whiting in the surf. Spanish mackerel are known to be a bit more aggressive than the bars.

FAQ

How much is basic fishing equipment?

Basic fishing equipment is around $100-$200 for rod/reel combination, bait, tackle box, and so on. You'll need to spend between 500-$1000 to get a bigger boat.

To fish, you will need a Bobber

Yes. A bobber keeps the bait safe from being taken by other fisherman when they are fishing. There are two parts of a bobber, the float or the line. Casting a lure requires that you attach the hook at the end of your line. Next, you need to cast the line out and let go. You should not use a Bobber as the lure can sink into the water and make it more difficult for fish to bite.

How do I clean a fish?

There are many ways to clean a salmon. One method is to remove the head. Next, wash the fish with cold water. Another option is for you to gut the fish. This involves removing intestines and cleaning inside cavity. Finally, you can ask someone else to help you clean the fish.

What kind of fishing gear do I need?

A rod, reel, line, hooks, bait, tackle box, and some snacks. You will need to know how to cast, hook up a hook and use a trolling motor to catch fish. Most importantly, you must be patient and wait until the right moment to strike!

Are there any special licenses required to fish?

No, unless you are going to fish in another state or county. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. To find out what license is required, check with your local Fish & Wildlife Agency.

How can I get my kids to take up fishing?

Absolutely! Kids love to fish. Most children who grow up fishing never stop doing so. You can encourage your child to fish by doing many things. You can show your child how to tie knots, make a fishing pole and teach them good fishing etiquette. You could also show them pictures of what fish look like and tell them stories about fishing.

Statistics

About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
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)
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)