Fishing Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Ken Roberts 28 February, 2023 6 mins read

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 still didn't catch my target fish. I also tried using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. I instead chose to use small jigs attached with a tiny worm.

Spoons

Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. These spoons are very effective in 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 about how to use spoons Florida.

A spoon should have a long, sturdy body, and not be too long. Spanish bass may be attracted by spoons with a long, thin body. They should be shiny for bright sunlight and matte for cloudy days. For fishing in the dark, you should use a single-hook rigged with a split ring. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.

Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. They are a tasty and enjoyable meal due to their fast swimming speed. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons are more likely to attract fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.

You can also try trolling to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. To avoid tangling your line, it is important to have a swivel at the end of the diving planer. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. You should not trot at seven miles per hour, as this can result in a poor catch rate.

Hard-Baits

Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. It is advisable to use a large hook to reduce the chance of cutting offs. If you are casting to the reefs, 1/0 is a good all-around size. Florida waters are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!

Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits are effective for locating Spanish mackerel in both the Gulf and Atlantic. Another option is to use a spoon, or a hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits cover more water which increases your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

Spoons, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. They are tough and catch the fish at all depths. Florida is very fond of Get-Cha lures. These lures come with built-in rattles, which attract Spanish mackerel. They can be reeled quickly. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.

While you are fishing for Spanish mackerel, be prepared for a bit of competition. Be prepared for a fight. Daniel Flinn is an expert. Check out fishing reports and local marinas to find out the exact location of Spanish mackerel. Make sure to allow room for other boats. Daniel Flinn is an insider who also recommends using his bobber.

Jigs

Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. 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. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.

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 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.

While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim loves the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait because it mimics small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorites. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.

Inlets

Inlets around Fort Pierce have been producing good action for Spanish mackerel and other species. Fisherman are also reporting Snook, Redfish catches, Sheepshead, Black Drum, while fishing 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 have the best chance of success if they aim for schools within close proximity to inlets and reefs. Long lines should be used to troll along a school's edge. Running through or across schools of fish can cause them to dive. This will result in missed opportunities. 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 love silverside minnows. Inshore waters are rich with them. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! You can find Spanish mackerel in Florida's best spots, including flats, passes and inlets. Remember to bring your fishing rods!

These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. These fish are abundant inshore and offshore and can be caught using a tube lure. The Gotcha tube lure is one of the best lures to use. It can be fished cast, or trolled. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Anglers can target Mackerel because they prefer to feed near the surface. If the water is very shallow, you can troll your lure and live bait in the inlet. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. Spanish mackerel can be spotted in schools.

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. Their website has more information about where to fish. You can also listen online to the show by searching the keywords "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” and "Small Inlets".

Spanish mackerel can also found near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also fish for other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. Flounder, jack crevalle, and sand perch are all commonly caught from the Boynton area to the Flagler Bridge. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.

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

Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They will not leave the area until it drops to 70 degrees. The NOAA website allows you to check the water temperatures in the U.S. coasts. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.

Choose calm water and clear waters when surfing for Spanish mackerel. Fish at least two hours offshore to maximize your chances of catching these fish. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the shore. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.

Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. There, the fish are still plentiful and feeding heavily. The March rains have ended, which has made it easier for the fish to find water. During this time, the waters are warm enough to support a few pompano. If you're in search of red or whiting in the surf, try a tube lure or jigs. Spanish mackerel often swim offshore of bars.

FAQ

Where can I look for good fishing guides

Fishing guides offer a wide variety of services. They can advise you on the best areas to fish, give tips on catching particular types of fish, and even teach how to use different types fishing equipment.

How can I bait my hooks

Bait your hooks by tying a piece of meat onto the end of your hook. You can then tie the meat around one eye of your hook.

Is it possible to fish at night or during the day?

Yes, but you will need to ensure that you are using artificial light. Fisherman use artificial lights to lure fish. They work well when the sun goes down because fish become more active after dark.

Statistics

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)
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)