fishing gear

Spanish Mackerel Fishing in SC

By Trey Gordon 15 January, 2023 6 mins read

Here are some things to remember when Spanish mackerel fishing is done in SC. Inshore waters are best for targeting the fish. Also, it is important to be aware of the exact location of strikes to allow you to adjust your tactics as needed. A live bait, monofilament line, as well as other essential fishing supplies are required. These are some tips that will help you get started.

Inshore waters

Fly fisherman may prefer Spanish mackerel fishing inshore waters. These aggressive aerial acrobats often frequent the shorelines of the United States and are often found close to oyster bars. Open water fishing is possible, as well as using troll lures. The Gotcha Tube is a favorite lure. It works in shallow and deep water.

Drifting with livebait on piers, jetties or other structures is also an option. Both are excellent for Spanish mackerel catch. Piers are better for using live bait because they are closer the water. When tides are high, fishing with spoons or plugs can be difficult. However, you can still cast your hook parallel and toward the piers to catch the breaking fish. Try drifting or trolling over larger wrecks to improve your casting skills if you are not confident.

Surfers may also enjoy inshore spanish marlin fishing. The surf fishing possibilities inshore Spanish mackerel fishing grounds are exceptional, but most anglers prefer a boat. There are also a few bridges and piers that offer great angling opportunities. The fish move through the area looking for bait fish. Depending on the location, you can use jigs, spoons, swimbaits, or live bait to catch these tasty fish.

Best times to fish

There are three best times to fish Spanish Mackerel in the Southern U.S. waters. In the spring migration (in April), when the fish spawn, and in fall and winter, when the fish migrate south Florida to overwinter. Each time of the year has its own unique fishing nuances. But the spring migration or fall migration offer the most fish.

Throughout the year, the waters off the southern coast of the U.S. are full of Spanish mackerel. These species are most abundant in April, when water temperatures rise, and then begin to taper off by early November, when water temperatures drop into the 60s. By reading local fishing reports, you can learn when to fish Spanish mackerel. If you live close to a beach, Spanish mackerel can be caught trolling dead cigar minnows and slowly trolling live bait.

Trolling is the most popular method to catch Spanish mackerel. The best method is to use a spoon, or diving planer, with a 30 pound leader attached with a swivel. The lure should be able to rotate at five to seven knots. This speed is equivalent of trolling at five km per second. This speed could reduce your chances to catch bluefish.

Live bait

If you're interested in catching Spanish mackerel, live bait can be an excellent choice. This type of fish is a popular bait to use for fishing around the Florida Keys. You can use live bait as well as jerky baits and small spoons. They will feed on any bait you have available. Spanish mackerel can be enjoyed as a delicious and tasty treat. They also make excellent smoked fish.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should use treble hooks as well as a long-shank to properly rig your live bait. Long-shank hooks are best to prevent Spanish mackerel biting your line. Another option is to use treble and long-shank leads. Live shrimp are another option that will not disappoint.

Anglers can either use bare jigheads or thread them through corks when using live bait to Spanish mackerel fisherman. The hook point should be at the shrimp's back. This method can be used to target Spanish mackerel and its cousins, king mackerel and cero mackerel.

For the best results when using artificial lures, you should use fast action. Spanish fish will bite fast-moving lures, so jerking lures won't work if they are slow moving. Slow-moving artificial baits can also trigger bites.

Monofilament line

For fishing with Spanish mackerel braided line can be preferred, but monofilament line works best. Monofilament line is strong and flexible, making it easy to reel in the fish without it getting tangled. Spanish mackerel like monofilament line better than fluorocarbon. You have a better chance to catch Spanish mackerel if you use a monofilament line that is 15 pounds.

Spanish mackerel may be easy to catch but there are some things you should consider. First, use light tackle. For this type of fishing, use medium-to-heavy reels with light tackle. If you catch a greater variety of fish, you might consider using a lighter line. Also, ensure that you have enough bait in order to attract Spanish mackerel.

Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders, and can be caught using many different baits. The best way to find Spanish mackerel is to trot or look for birds diving in baitfish schools. These birds can be an indicator of a Spanish mackerel-infested school, which causes the baitfish to rise above the surface. For Spanish mackerel, light spinning tackle is also an option. A monofilament leader should be used because a 20-pound fish can be ripped apart by a pioneer.

Drifting

When looking for schools of Spanish mackerel in coastal South Carolina waters, drifting can be an effective technique. Drifting can be used in flats as well in passes and inlets. You can also use artificial lures such jigs or spoons. For fish to be attracted, lures must move quickly so that they are easy to retrieve. This method is effective when the mackerel aren't working the surface. These mackerel are attracted to structures and gamefish so you can also make the most of them.

Trolling is one of the best methods to catch Spanish mackerel. Trolling is a method of luring the fish by dragging your boat behind it. Trolling lures that are fast and easy to use can be used to cover large areas with one hook. Trolling can be a great option when Spanish mackerel have stopped being active. If you're looking for Spanish mackerel that are sporadic, trolling is an excellent technique.

Use bait that is attractive to Spanish mackerel when you are drifting. They are attracted to live or cut bait, as they prefer a chum oily environment. This technique works especially well on hard bottom areas or structures. Even if you aren't using a baitfish Chum rig, you can drift with a chunk cut bait.

Poaching

Learn more about how Spanish mackerel can be stopped by reading this article. The rules of catching this species vary between states. Spanish Mackerel Technical Committee, South Atlantic State/Federal Fishery Management Board developed an action program to prevent overfishing of this delicate fish. Continue reading to find out more about the plan, and how it will impact your fishing operations.

Fishers can use bait during peak season to lure mackerel to their boats. The fish's fat contains high levels of omega-3 fatty oils. The best time to catch mackerel, according to tradition, is between March-July when the fish migrates south for winter. Poaching Spanish mackerel can be dangerous because it is sensitive to eucalyptus.

Spanish mackerel managers aim to keep stock levels at near-MSY. Management measures should be adjusted if year classes become smaller or more frequent than normal. It is important to determine the relationship between larval population and year class strength. Also, it is necessary to start sampling spatially for spawning areas. The potential for future class strength should also be determined by analyzing shrimp trawl data.

Next, prepare the salsa after the mackerel's been cooked. You will need to slice the tomatoes, cucumber, and garlic into halves and then scrape with a spoon. After this, chop the remaining ingredients finely. Season the salsa using oil and salt. Cover the mackerel with plastic wrap once it is cooked. Let it cool. This will ensure that the salsa is tender and juicy while the mackerel remains moist.

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FAQ

Can I fish throughout the day?

Fishing is allowed at all times of the day. Fishing is only allowed during periods when it is prohibited.

Is it safe to eat fish caught by someone else?

No matter where your fish is purchased, make sure you ask the seller whether they have an expiration date. If the fish has no expiration date, then it's probably safe to eat. But, don't eat the fish if it smells or looks old.

What type of gear are you going to need for fishing?

A rod, reel with line, hooks and bait, as well as 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!

Statistics

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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
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)