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Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Mike Richardson 9 March, 2023 6 mins read

When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. I found that 1 to 1.5-ounce metal jigs were a better choice, but they still didn't catch the fish that I was looking for. I also tried spoons with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.

Spoons

If you are interested in catching Spanish Mackerel in Florida, you should consider using spoons. These spoons are very effective in catching these fish. Spoons can move freely on their own and you can cast them far, covering a lot water. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.

Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass will be attracted to spoons with long and thin bodies. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. A single hook should be used if you are fishing at night. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.

Casting spoons on the coast waters is a great and easy way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. Their quick swimming makes them a delicious and enjoyable fish. You'll find plenty of action around St. Augustine as well as 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.

Trolling can also be used to catch Spanish mackerel. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. To avoid tangling the line, you will need to swivel behind a diving planer. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. 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. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. A large hook is recommended to lower the likelihood of cutoffs. If you are casting to the reefs, 1/0 is a good all-around size. 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 can be used to locate Spanish mackerel both in the Atlantic and Gulf. You can also use a spoon or 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. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.

When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Be ready for a fight and a battle! You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. By visiting local marinas or reading fishing reports, you can find out the location of Spanish mackerel. Remember to make room for other boats. Daniel Flinn is an insider who also recommends using his bobber.

Jigs

The first step to catching big Spanish fish is choosing the right jig. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. When tying a hook, you should use a hook with a long shank. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.

One of the main concerns for Spanish mackerel fishermen is 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. It is recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.

While jigs work well in Florida for Spanish mackerel fish fishing, they are not the best. 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. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's inlets have seen good fishing for Spanish mackerel, and other species. While fishing for Spanish mackerel, fishermen have also been reporting catches of Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. Anglers are using spoons or jigs to target Spanish mackerel, while live shrimp are biting on the north jetty. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.

Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near inlets and reefs. Anglers should use long lines to troll along the edges of schools of fish. Fish will dive if they are running across or through them. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.

Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. These minnows can be difficult to catch but they are worth it! You can find Spanish mackerel in Florida's best spots, including flats, passes and inlets. Remember to bring your fishing rods!

These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located along the coast. These fish are abundant inshore and offshore and can be caught using a tube lure. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. It can be fished cast, or trolled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

Fishing south Florida's beaches is easy with the Spanish Mackerel Inlets. Anglers should be aware that Mackerel feed close to the surface and are a good target. If the water is very shallow, you can troll your lure and live bait in the inlet. You should look for active diving birds and churned water. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.

Fort Lauderdale may be the place to go if your goal is to find great fishing spots. Capt. Capt. Visit their website for more information about where to fish. You can also listen online to the show by searching the keywords "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” and "Small Inlets".

The Flagler Bridge is a great spot to find Spanish mackerel. Anglers also have the option to catch other species on the Intracoastal Waterway. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.

Best times to surf fish for Spanish mackerel

Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate to spring and fall. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will not leave the area until it drops to 70 degrees. The NOAA website gives information about water temperatures for U.S. coastal areas. You can then use the water temperatures for the best times to fish.

Choose calm water and clear waters when surfing for Spanish mackerel. You want to catch these fish as soon as possible, so make sure you are at least two hours off the coast. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the shore. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into clear water. These fish are aggressive and will not slow down if you keep them moving.

Most surf fishermen inexperienced prefer to fish the inshore waters off the Florida Panhandle in April. The fish are still abundant and eating well there. Fish can now find water easier because the rains that started in March have stopped. The waters are warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. If you're in search of red or whiting in the surf, try a tube lure or jigs. Inshore Spanish mackerel tend to run outside of bars.

FAQ

How do I bait my hooks with bait?

You can bait your hooks by attaching a piece de meat to the end of your hook. Attach the meat to the eye of the hook.

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.

Which bait is best for freshwater fishing?

Live shrimp is the best bait available for freshwater fisherman. Shrimp are great for freshwater fishing because they are cheap and easy to catch.

How can I tell if my lures are working?

If your lure is moving when you place it in the water, pay attention. If there is movement, your lure is operating properly.

When is the best time for fishing?

The ideal time to fish is early morning or late afternoon. The fish will be active feeding during these times.

How do I clean a fish?

There are many ways to clean a fish. One way is to take out the head and guts. Wash the fish well with cold water. You can also gut the fish yourself. This involves removing the intestines and cleaning the inside cavity. Finally, you may ask someone to clean the fish.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
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)
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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)