fishing gear

Spanish Mackerel fishing in SC

By Mike Richardson 25 July, 2023 6 mins read

There are many things to consider when Spanish mackerel fishing on the SC coast. You will want to target the fish in inshore waters. You should also pay attention to where strikes are occurring so you can adjust your tactics as necessary. A live bait, monofilament line, as well as other essential fishing supplies are required. Here are some tips to get you started.

Inshore waters

If you're a fly fisherman, inshore Spanish mackerel fishing waters may be your best bet. These aggressive aerial acrobats are common throughout the United States' inshore waters, and they are often found near oyster bars. You can fish for them in open water or troll lures. A favorite lure is the Gotcha tube, which works well in both shallow and deep waters.

Drifting with live bait on piers or jetties is also possible. Both types of structure are ideal for catching Spanish mackerel. Jetties are more suitable for fishing with live bait, but piers work better than jetties. Fishing with spoons and plugs can be tricky when tides are running hard, but you can cast your hook parallel to the piers and out toward the breaking fish. You might also consider drifting or trolling on larger wrecks, if your casting skills aren't strong enough.

Surfers may also find the spanish mackerel fishing offshore very appealing. The surf fishing possibilities inshore Spanish mackerel fishing grounds are exceptional, but most anglers prefer a boat. You can also fish from bridges or piers. Fish move around the area in search of bait fish. Depending on the location, you can use jigs, spoons, swimbaits, or live bait to catch these tasty fish.

Best times for fishing

There are three main best times to fish Spanish mackerel in the southern U.S. waters: during the spring migration (in late April), when the fish are spawning, and in the fall and winter, when they migrate to overwintering grounds in south Florida. Both times of year have their own specific fishing nuances, but the spring migration and fall migration have the most fish available.

Spanish mackerel is abundant in the waters around the U.S. south coast throughout the year. 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. It is important to pay attention to local fishing reports when Spanish mackerel are being caught. Spanish mackerel can be caught by slowing trolling live bait or trolling dead cigar minnows if they are close to the beach.

Trolling is one of the most common methods to catch Spanish mackerel. The most effective method of catching Spanish mackerel is to use a spoon or diving planer, which can be towed behind a 30 pound leader and swivel. The lure should rotate at a speed of five to seven knots, which is equivalent to trolling at five knots per second. This speed can decrease your chances of catching bluefish.

Live bait

Live bait is an excellent option for Spanish mackerel fishermen. 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. You can use any kind of bait they like. Spanish mackerel are delicious smoked fish.

You should properly rig your livebait for Spanish mackerel fishing by using treble hooks along with a long shank hook. To prevent Spanish mackerel from biting your line, use long-shankhooks. Another option is to use treble and long-shank leads. Another option is live shrimp.

When using live bait for Spanish mackerel fishing, anglers can use bare jig heads or thread them over corks to drift. The bait should not be placed so that the hook points are coming out of the shrimp's back. This method can be used to target Spanish mackerel and its cousins, king mackerel and cero mackerel.

You want to make sure you use artificial lures quickly to get the best results. Spanish fish love fast-moving targets, and jerking lures may not get them to bite if you are slow-moving. Slow-moving artificial lures, meanwhile, can trigger bites, so be sure to work at a fast pace when using live bait for Spanish mackerel fishing.

Monofilament line

While braided line is often preferred for fishing with Spanish mackerel, monofilament line is best for the task. This line is strong but flexible, so it's easy to reel it in without getting it tangled. Spanish mackerel are different from other fish and prefer monofilament line's texture to fluorocarbon's toughness. A 15-pound monofilament length is better for Spanish mackerel captures.

Spanish mackerel are very easy to catch. However, there are a few things that you need to remember. First, use light tackle. Use medium-to-heavy reels and use light tackle for this kind of fishing. If you catch a greater variety of fish, you might consider using a lighter line. Make sure to have enough bait to attract Spanish mackerel.

Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders, and can be caught using many different baits. Most anglers identify Spanish mackerel locations by trolling or watching for birds diving on baitfish schools. These birds are an indicator of a Spanish Mackerel school and cause the baitfish schools to rise to 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

Drifting is a great technique for searching for Spanish mackerel schools in the coastal waters of South Carolina. Drifting can be used to find schools of Spanish mackerel in coastal South Carolina waters. The lures should be fast moving to attract the fish, so use an aggressive retrieve. This technique is most effective when mackerel don't want to work the surface. Structures and other gamefish are also attracted to them so you can make full use of those features.

Trolling is one of most efficient methods to catch Spanish Mackerel. By drifting behind your boat, you can lure the fish with a flashy, fast-moving bait. The best trolling lures can be quickly trolled and cover large areas with just one hook. Trolling is a great technique when Spanish mackerel aren’t active. If you're looking for Spanish mackerel that are sporadic, trolling is an excellent technique.

Be sure to use bait that attracts Spanish mackerel while drifting for them. They love a chum, and will eat either cut baits or live bait. This technique works especially well on hard bottom areas or structures. And if you're not using a baitfish chum rig, try drifting with a chunk of cut bait.

Poaching

If you are interested in learning more about how to stop poaching Spanish mackerel, read on. There are different rules that apply to catching this species. Spanish Mackerel Technical Committee, South Atlantic State/Federal Fishery Management Board developed an action program to prevent overfishing of this delicate fish. You can read the following to learn more about it and what it means for your fishing operation.

Fishers can use bait in peak season to lure mackerel into the boats. The fish's fat is high in omega-3 fatty acid. Mackerel migrates south during the winter so it is best to catch them between March and Juli. Poaching Spanish mackerel is an activity that should be avoided because of its sensitivity to eucalyptus oil.

Spanish mackerel management aims to keep the stock at or near-MSY levels. If year classes are smaller, or greater than usual, it is important that management measures be adjusted accordingly. It is also crucial to analyze the relationship between larval abundant and subsequent year classes strength and to initiate spatial sampling of spawning zones. 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. To make salsa, cut tomatoes, cucumber, garlic into 1/2-inch slices. The remaining ingredients should be chopped finely. Season the salsa with salt and oil. Cover the mackerel in plastic wrap, and allow it cool. This will ensure that the salsa is tender and juicy while the mackerel remains moist.

FAQ

Where can I fish in good places?

There are lots of places to fish all over the world. Many people enjoy fishing in parks, private ponds and lakes, rivers, streams and other bodies water.

How long does it take for a fish to be caught?

It depends on what size the fish are and how skilled the fisherman is. It can take anywhere between 30 seconds and 1 hour to catch a fish. The more time you wait to catch a big fish the greater your chances of success.

Which time is best to fish?

Fishing is best done in the early morning or late evening. These times are when the fish are active and feeding.

When fishing, how far from shore should you stand?

The farther you stand from the shore, the more likely you are to catch fish. This also increases your chances of getting wet.

Is it safe to eat fish caught by someone else?

No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. You can eat fish that has not expired if they have no expiration dates. You shouldn't eat fish that smells or looks old.

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)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)