fishing gear

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Bob Thomas 24 June, 2023 6 mins read

I had very limited success using the standard lures when I was fishing for spanish mackerel in Florida. While I found the 1 to 1.5-ounce jigs to be a better option, they still failed me in catching the fish I was seeking. I tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them worked. Instead, I chose small jigs that had a worm attached.

Spoons

You should use spoons if you want to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They are ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're 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 may be attracted by spoons with a long, thin body. 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 coastal waters has been a great way to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida. Their quick swimming makes them a delicious and enjoyable fish. You will find great action in St. Augustine and Matanzas. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. Use a weedless pvc bait if you want to catch more.

You can also try trolling to catch Spanish mackerel. You can tie a small spoon to your planer, and then trail it with a 30-pound leader. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. Another option is a spoon umbrella. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your 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. To reduce cutoffs, it is best to use a large-sized hook. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to reefs. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.

Spanish mackerel are attracted to flies and spoons that imitate their prey. These baits are very effective in locating Spanish mackerel, both in the Atlantic or Gulf. Another option is to use a spoon, or a hard bait. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, Spoons and Gotcha lures work well. 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 and other baits can also be effective.

Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. Prepare for a fight. Experts like Daniel Flinn can help you. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. You should also allow for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider member, recommends using abobber.

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. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.

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 have a reputation for being very fishy. Therefore, it is important to have the fish ready as soon you can. It is best to cook the fish within 24hrs of it being caught.

While using jigs for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida can be effective, some of the best bait is a live one. 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. Look for a color which is close to the natural colors of your 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. 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 available during the evening.

Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near 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 can be aggressive feeders at both the dawn and dusk. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. While they can be difficult to catch, the reward is well worth it. These are the best areas to find Spanish mackerel anywhere in Florida. Remember to bring your fishing rods!

These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located along the coast. These fish are prolific inshore and offshore, and can be caught by casting and trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. It can either be fished cast or trombled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

Inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing are a good option for fishing south Florida's coastal waters. Anglers can target Mackerel because they prefer to feed near the surface. Troll your lure or live bait when the water is shallow. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.

If you are looking for a great fishing location, you might want to try Fort Lauderdale. Capt. Norm Bekoff's weekly fishing report on Fox Sports 940 Miami is available online, and it's also broadcast 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."

Another great place to find Spanish mackerel is along the shoreline near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers may also be able to target other species in the Intracoastal Waterway. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. Fishing with yellow feathers and trolling spoons have been effective.

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

What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate in spring and fall. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. Then, you can use the water temperatures to determine the best times to fish for them.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. 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.

Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. There are plenty of fish and they are eating well. The rains that had begun in March have stopped, making it easier 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 prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.

FAQ

How far should I be from the shore when fishing?

The closer you are to the shore, the greater your chances of catching fish. This increases the likelihood of getting wet.

Where can I find good fishing spots?

There are many places you can fish all around the world. Many people enjoy fishing at public parks, private ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.

What's the right fishing rod length?

The type of fish you are trying to catch will determine the length of your fishing rod. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. If you want to catch largemouth bass, however, a 7’5" rod might be more suitable.

Is fishing safe?

Fishing is very safe. Fishing is an excellent way to unwind and enjoy the natural world. As long as you follow safety rules, you will have no problems.

How deep should I go with my line?

Cast your line as deep as possible. Cast a line with your straight arm so the line doesn’t twist.

Is it safe to consume fish caught by others?

It doesn't matter where you buy fish. Always ask the seller if their fish has a freshness expiration date. The fish is safe to eat if it doesn't have an expiration. You shouldn't eat fish that smells or looks old.

Where can I find my fishing gear?

All of these items are available in most sporting goods stores. However, if something is not listed, you can search online. You can find everything on many websites, from lures and tackle boxes to rods and reels.

Statistics

Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.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)
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)