I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. 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 with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I opted for small jigs with a worm attached.
Spoons
Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.
A spoon should have a long, sturdy body, and not be too long. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. They are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. There is plenty of action in St. Augustine, Matanzas and elsewhere. These fish are also caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.
Trolling for Spanish mackerel is also an option. 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. Another option is a spoon umbrella. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your catch rate.
Hard-Baits
You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. To reduce cutoffs, it is best to use a large-sized hook. For casting to the reefs, a 1/0 hook is a good choice. Florida waters are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!
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. Also, you can use a spoon and hard bait. 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 durable and catch the fish from all depths of the water column. Florida is known for its popular Get-Cha baits. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.
You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. You should be ready for battles and fights! Learn from experts such as Daniel Flinn. Check out fishing reports and local marinas to find out the exact location of Spanish mackerel. Don't forget to leave room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider member, recommends using abobber.
Jigs
The first step to catching big Spanish fish is choosing the right jig. This fish is easy to handle because of its slim, slender bodies. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.
Spanish mackerel fishermen have a main concern about the 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 is known for being quite fishy so make sure to get it cooked as soon possible. However, it is recommended to cook the fish within 24 hours of catching it.
While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. White and olive are the best colors for him. 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 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 an option.
Spanish fish are best targeted by anglers who target them near inlets or 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 are attracted to silverside minnows in the inshore waters. Although they can be difficult to catch, you will be rewarded! 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 are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. This fish is prolific offshore and inshore, and can easily be caught by casting a tube-tailed lure. One of the best lures you can use 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
If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Anglers should be aware that Mackerel feed close to the surface and are a good target. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. Spanish mackerels can be found 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 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 can also target 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. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night
When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate between spring and autumn. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will continue to appear until the water temperature drops below 70°F. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. 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. You want to catch these fish as soon as possible, so make sure you are at least two hours off the coast. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into 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. The fish are abundant and still feeding well. Fish can now find water easier because the rains that started in March have stopped. 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
Are there any restrictions on when I can fish?
However, you need to be sure you are using artificial lighting. Fisherman use artificial light to attract fish. They work well after the sun sets as fish become more active in the dark.
What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?
Part of the game is losing a fish. Sometimes you might catch a fish but then lose it. You can keep trying even if you lose the fish. You will eventually catch another fish.
How often should I replace my lures?
It is important to change lures every couple of days. Lures tend to lose effectiveness after being left out in the sun too long.
What happens if I get caught fishing illegally?
You could face penalties, jail time, or even losing your fishing license. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.
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 to a bobber: the float, and the line. Attach the hook to the line at the end and then let go. The lure could sink to the bottom if you don't have a bobber. This makes it harder for fish to take the bait.
How big is my tackle box?
A large tackle box is necessary because you'll need plenty of space to store all of your fishing gear. The number of items inside a tackle box will determine its size.
How long does a skilled fisherman take?
It takes years of practice to become an expert fisherman. Learn new techniques, improve your skills and become a more skilled fisherman.
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)
- 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)
- 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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
How do you clean your fishing gear?
There are many different types of cleaning methods available for your fishing equipment. Some methods are simple while others require more complex techniques. The most common way to wash your clothes is with soap and water. It is important to rinse the item well after washing it. If the item isn't washed thoroughly enough, dirt and bacteria could remain, leading to infection. If this happens, it can lead to bad odors and even more serious infections. This can be prevented by drying the items thoroughly before storing them. You should also avoid touching the item's surfaces when cleaning. You risk spreading germs to objects if you touch them.
Other than washing your gear with soap and water, there are other ways to enhance the quality of your fishing equipment. You might need to use specific detergents or solvents depending on the type of fishing gear. Some things should not be used, though, as they may cause damage to your goods. Bleach is a common example. Bleach has been known to disintegrate plastic and metal so it shouldn't be used to clean fishing gear. Instead, you should use warm water and dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquids that are specifically designed for cleaning fish should be used only. Dishwashing liquids contain enzymes and chemicals that help break down organic materials such as scales, slime, and blood. Surfactants help remove dirt and grime from surfaces. But, if staining is a concern, you might consider using a stain eliminator. Most stains are caused by oil and fats that have remained on the gear's surface. Applying stain removers directly on the area from which the oil or fat has come is a good way to remove it without causing any damage to the underlying material.
Your local home improvement store will have many options for cleaning your fishing gear. Many stores stock a variety of cleaners that are suitable for various purposes. Some cleaners are designed to work with very small amounts of grease while others can handle large quantities. You can choose which one best suits your needs.