I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish in Florida. I found that 1 to 1.5-ounce metal jigs were a better choice, but they still didn't catch the fish that I was looking for. I tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them worked. Instead, I opted for small jigs with a worm attached.
Spoons
Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are extremely efficient at catching these fish. Spoons can be cast far and covered a lot of water. They are perfect for catching kingfish which can weigh up to thirty pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.
If you are looking for a spoon to use, make sure it has a large, well-built body that isn't too long. Spanish bass can be attracted to spoons that are too long or thin. 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 in coastal waters has been a great 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. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons will attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.
Trolling is another option to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this, you should tie a small spoon to the front of the planer and trail it with a 30 pound leader. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. Other options include a spoon umbrella rig. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.
Hard-Baits
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Bait fish and shrimp are good drift baits. A large hook is recommended to lower the likelihood of cutoffs. If you are casting to the reefs, 1/0 is a good all-around size. Florida waters can provide great opportunities to fish for Spanish mackerel.
Spanish mackerel love spoons and flies that imitate their prey. These baits work well in the Atlantic as well as the Gulf for Spanish mackerel. Also, you can use a spoon and hard bait. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.
Spoons and Got-Cha lures are effective for catching Spanish mackerel. They are sturdy and catch the fish from every depth of the water column. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. 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.
When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. 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. Make sure to allow 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 have a slim and slender body, which makes it easy to handle. When tying a hook, you should use a hook with a long shank. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.
The taste is a major concern for Spanish mackerel fishermen. Even though many anglers dislike eating them, they may enjoy cooking the fish right away. 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 using jigs for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida can be effective, some of the best bait is a live one. Capt Jim loves the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait because it mimics small bait fish. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.
Inlets
Inlets around Fort Pierce have been producing good action for Spanish mackerel and other species. Fisherman have reported catching Snook, Redfish and Sheepshead 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 are also a great option during the evening.
Spanish fish anglers are more likely to succeed if they fish for them in schools close to reefs or inlets. 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. Inlets are ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fishing.
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! The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, and inlets. Remember to bring your fishing rods!
These aggressive acrobats love inlets and bridges that are found along the coast. This fish is prolific offshore and inshore, and can easily be caught by casting a tube-tailed lure. The Gotcha tube lure is one of the best lures to use. You can fish it cast or trolled. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.
Inlets in South Florida
If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Anglers are prime targets because Mackerel prefer to feed close to the surface. When the water is shallow, troll your lure or live bait in the inlet. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.
Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. 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. Visit their website to find out more about where you can fish. You can also watch the show online by searching for "Spanish Mackerel Fishing in South Florida" as well as "Small Inlets."
A great place to look for Spanish mackerel in Florida is near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also fish for other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area up to the Flagler Bridge, flounder, jack crevalle, or sand perch can all be caught. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.
Best time to surf fish Spanish mackerel
What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 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. You can then use these water temperatures to determine when is the best time to fish.
Choose calm water and clear waters when surfing for Spanish mackerel. To maximize your chances of catching these fish, you should fish at least two hours offshore. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the shore. Cast artificial lures in clear water using a heavy fluorocarbon leader. These fish are aggressive and will not slow down if you keep them moving.
Inshore fishing is the best option for surf fishermen who are experienced. The fish are abundant and still feeding well. Fish can now find water easier because the rains that started in March have stopped. The waters are warmer enough to support a few sandpipers during this time. Try jigs and tube lures if you are looking for red or whiting while surfing. Spanish mackerel often swim offshore of bars.
FAQ
Are there special clothes I should wear when fishing?
Yes, you definitely need some type of clothing that protects you from the elements. A waders suit is usually worn while fishing. Waders are waterproof trousers that cover the legs, feet and ankles. Wader suits can have boots attached. Other waders suits can be worn with no boots.
How can I bait my hooks
Your hooks will be baited by attaching a piece if meat to its end. Then tie the meat around the eye of your hook.
Where can I find my fishing gear?
All of these items are available in most sporting goods stores. You can also shop online if you need something in particular. There are many websites that sell everything, including rods and reels as well as tackle boxes and lures.
How deep can I cast my line of sight?
Cast your line as deep as possible. Keep your arm straight when casting a line. This will ensure that the line doesn’t twist.
What kind of fishing license do I need?
You will need a fishing permit if your plan is to fish on state waters (i.e. the lakes, rivers and beaches). The state laws require that anglers obtain a valid fishing licence 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. You do not require a fishing licence to fish in federal waters. However, if you plan to take any fish home with you, then you must first check with local authorities to make sure you aren't breaking any laws.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
- 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)
External Links
How To
The Best Fishing Spot
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. It's important to decide if deep sea fishing is for you or shallow water. Deep sea fishing will require a boat which is costly. The cost of shallow water fishing is minimal as it's done from shore. If you are looking to catch trout, shallow water fishing is your best choice. However, if barracuda is what you're after, you should go to deeper waters.
Depending on what you prefer, there are many options for fishing spots. Some spots offer one type of fishing, while others offer several. For example, some places are known for their bass fishing while others specialize in fly fishing. Some places are well-known for their shark fishing and crabbing.
The best way to figure out where to go depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, and what you like doing. Do you enjoy camping? You might consider a location near a lake. Are you more into city life? Maybe you prefer to be on the beach. You might also enjoy scuba diving or kayaking.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You can also search online for "fishing spots nearby me" This will give you lots of ideas. You can narrow down your options by reading customer reviews and rating. This is possible on a variety of websites.
Once you've chosen a place, go to it before you leave. Because sometimes getting there can take you longer than you anticipated, make sure to have directions. You should also make sure that you have everything you need. Remember to bring your bait, tackle box, sunscreen, and sunblock!
It's also a good idea to research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. Check the forecast and see when the best times are to go. Changes in the weather can cause you to alter your plans.
Once you have a good idea of where you want to go, it's time to start planning your trip. The next step in planning your trip is to choose what type of fish you are going to use.