fishing tackle

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rigs

By Dylan Smith 23/05/2022 7 mins read

There are some things that you need to know about spoon fishing and got-cha lures when Spanish mackerel fishing. You can find bucktails in various sizes, from one-quarter ounce to one-half ounce. You can adjust the size and shape of the bucktails according to the baitfish that you are pursuing.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass are the best choice when it comes to choosing a rod. Casting spoons should have a large, flat body with no cupping, and a short overall length. Spanish bass feed on small baitfish, so a shiny finish is ideal for bright sunlight and a matte finish for cloudy days. You can rig your Spanish Bass fishing rig using a single hook on split rings. You should not use a double hook. This will increase the likelihood of missed strikes or a hiccup.

A metal casting bowl can catch a variety, but the primary species to aim for are Bluefish or Spanish mackerel. These species will generally be attracted by lures that are fast to retrieve. Fish will love a jigging spoon's fluttering action. A jigging spoon is also useful if you are fishing in a lake or river.

Spanish mackerel are not very strong and will be attracted to light lures. Casting spoons using a lighter wire will keep the lure in place during fights. A treble hook can be used to hook Spanish mackerel, despite their small size. You can protect your hands from the sharp teeth by using a light wire. Casting will be more successful if the bait is smaller.

Got-Cha lures

A classic Got-Cha lure can be used to catch Spanish mackerel schools. This treble-hook bait is fast sinking at the end and can be easily retrieved. Underwater, jerking the rod tip produces a deadly darting effect. Spanish fish simply can't resist the action. Be sure to let the lure sink to the bottom before jigging it. To increase your chances at hooking a Spanish mackerel, aim to probe the whole water column with the lure.

Use Got-Cha lures to Spanish makerel fish rigs. Make sure you choose the right leader. The risk of losing a lot is high if the leader is too long. Spanish mackerel may not be attracted to a leader of medium length if it is too long. Use a shorter leader when fishing in rivers or streams.

The secret weapon of many charter boat captains is the diamond jig. Lightweight, these jigs are incredibly effective when Spanish mackerel are feeding on glass minnows in clear water. The jigs are flashy enough to give them the incentive to strike. Although diamond jigs can be rolled, larger versions are better for vertical jigging than structure.

Monofilament line

Although braided lines can be used on Spanish mackerel fishing rods, many anglers prefer monofilament line. Monofilament line has a stretch that prevents the hook from pulling when the fish bites. These fish are not likely to bite a leader weighing 20 pounds because they live in open water. It is difficult to choose the right leader for you. This will depend on what type of Spanish mackerel your are looking to catch.

Monofilament has monofilament as a cheaper option, but fluorocarbon is still a good choice. Fluorocarbon line is superior for baits and live trap fishing because it is not easily detected as submerged. Mono is less likely to snap or fray when the fish bites, and it holds knots well. But mono is much more forgiving than fluoro and is cheaper.

Spanish mackerel are caught with live bait. Although you can use shrimp and baitfish, a live Sardinia is more effective. Spanish mackerel are more likely to eat live bait if it is flashy and moves quickly. A trolling spoon is designed to be trolled at high speeds and covers a wide area. When Spanish mackerel aren't working on the surface, trolling is ideal.

Braided line

You will catch more fish and have more bites if you choose the right leader. When you're targeting Spanish, any mistake you make will be magnified. It's best to use a graphite rod that is between 8 and 10 feet long. This doesn't feel heavy and has enough reach to reach Spanish-speaking schools. It's possible to cast longer distances using heavier wire but this is not necessary.

Spanish mackerel will be attracted to a gotcha bait. This lure sinks quickly, and jerking your tip causes deadly darting below the surface. The lure's action is so fatal that Spanish fish will be forced to attack it. Once you have retrieved the lure from water, place it in the bottom of the pool and check for any fish.

You will need an 8 to 9-weight fly rod that has a great drag system for Florida fishing. A floating line is best for fishing on the surface while an intermediate sinker will do fine in the deeper flats. A wire leader can block the fish's view. Monofilament leaders can be used for surface fishing. But Spanish mackerel may prefer wire leaders.

Speck rigs

There are many different ways to use Speck rigs with Spanish makers. No matter your experience level, a speck-rig can help you catch some of the most powerful Spanish. Pete suggests trolling a lure made of specks well behind your boat. To ensure that the bait is not disturbed, Pete recommends that you extend the line as far as possible behind the boat. Another option is to use a free-spool small menhaden (known as peanut bunker, or pogy).

The speck rig can be fished from the beach or from a pier. Quarter casts of 45° are recommended in order to get the most from the speck-rig. You can fish from the pier with the "Water Walker", which replaces your in-line sinker by a weighted popping core. Fish can imitate baitfish by flipping this rig. Love Lures Speck Rig, another popular Speck rig, is also available. It consists of two jigs on dropper loops and a fluorocarbon leader of 20 or 30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is one of the best ways to catch these fish. Kingfish can be found near the beach and buoys. You can use live shrimp, alewives or small menhaden as baits. A speck rig containing fresh or live shrimp is a good option for targeting them close to structure. While trolls are the most popular method for catching Spanish mackerel, other types of lures can be used.

Drifting

Knowing the basics of drifting for Spanish mackerel is essential. For your first drift, you will need a 30-foot leader. You can either hand line it or attach it to your boat. But, be sure to watch for strikes. When you are making 90-degree turns, you will notice the speed of your lures change. Lines to the inside will slow down while lines to the outside will speed it up. Match the speeds of lines that are catching fish more often.

Drifting baits can be made from either live or artificial bait. Dead bait, live shrimp, and bait fish are all good options. Drifting can also be done with split shot. To decrease the risk of cutoffs, a long-shanked Hook is required. It will work well with a 1/0 hook. A 1/0 sized hook is ideal for covering large areas. Drifting in offshore and onshore waters is an efficient technique.

Artificial reefs can also be used to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can be found near the bottom of the Bay near tunnel tubes. Cut bait or baited pops can be used if you are fishing from a pier. The best technique to fish these species is to drift back live bait. In the summer, you can fish off the coast Virginia. If the current is strong, aggressive fish will likely attack metal spoons.

Live bait

If you're planning to use live bait to catch Spanish mackerel, you'll want to make sure to create the proper rig. Spanish mackerel fishing rigs are basically the same as king mackerel fishing rigs. Instead of one hook, use two smaller and one larger bucktails. 6 treble hook. These bucktails vary in size depending on the size of your baitfish.

You can use live bait as a shrimp, or small silvery fish. You have the option to either throw it into a schooling of breaking fish, or you can drift it across an open sea. Chumming, either inshore or offshore can also be used for a strike. Live bait is generally the best method to catch Spanish mackerel. These fish are easy-to-clean and can be purchased at any local bait shop.

When drifting for Spanish mackerel, you can use live or artificial bait. Drifting is best when using live shrimp or bait fish. Split shot can be used to attract more Spanish mackerel. This type of hook works best because it reduces cutoffs. For all-purpose use, the 1/0 size is a great choice.

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FAQ

Which time is best to fish?

The ideal time to fish is early morning or late afternoon. During these times, the fish are feeding and moving around.

How do I start fishing?

Before you get out on the water, you will need to be familiar with the basics of fishing. First, learn about the different kinds of fish in your area. To find them, you must also know their favorite places to be found. Once you have established the best areas for fishing, you will need to practice casting. This is when you learn how to cast a lure from the air, and then let it fall onto the surface of water. Practice makes perfect!

Can I get my kids interested in fishing?

Absolutely! Fishing is a favorite pastime of children. Most children who grow up fishing never stop doing so. Encourage your child to learn how to fish. One way to encourage your child to learn how fishing is done is to teach them how you tie knots, how build a pole, and the basics of fishing etiquette. It is possible to show them pictures of fish and tell stories about fishing.

How much is basic fishing gear?

Basic fishing equipment starts at $100-$200, including rod/reel and bait combos, as well as tackle boxes and bait. You'll need to spend between 500-$1000 to get a bigger boat.

How deep can I cast my line of sight?

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

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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)