The usual lures didn't work well for me when I tried spanish mackerel fishing with them in Florida. 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 which had a attached worm.
Spoons
If you are interested in catching Spanish Mackerel in Florida, you should consider using spoons. They are extremely effective in catching these fish. Spoons can be cast far and covered a lot of water. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. Here are some tips about how to use spoons Florida.
Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass may be attracted by spoons with a long, thin body. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. For fishing in the dark, you should use a single-hook rigged with a split ring. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons along the coast has been an excellent way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They make a great and delicious meal because of their quick swimming. You will find great action in St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish can also be caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.
Trolling is another option to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. To avoid the line from getting tangled, a swivel should be placed behind the diving planeer. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. You should not trot at seven miles per hour, as this can result in a poor catch rate.
Hard-Baits
For Spanish mackerel drifting, anglers can use live and artificial baits. Bait fish and shrimp are good drift baits. To reduce cutoffs, it is best to use a large-sized hook. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.
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.
For Spanish mackerel fishing, Spoons and Gotcha lures work well. They are sturdy and catch the fish from every depth of the water column. Florida is very fond of Get-Cha lures. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.
When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Prepare for battle and fight! You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. Be sure to allow space for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.
Jigs
Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.
Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their 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 are notorious for being a bit fishy. You should prepare it as soon as possible. It is recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.
While using jigs for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida can be effective, some of the best bait is a live one. Capt Jim loves the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait because it mimics small bait fish. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. Consider a color that resembles the local forage.
Inlets
Fort Pierce has been producing great action for Spanish mackerel as well as other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for 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 a great option during 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 can be done from inlets.
Spanish mackerel can be aggressive feeders at both the dawn and dusk. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel 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 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 might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.
Inlets in South Florida
The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.
Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. Capt. For example, Capt. Visit their website for more information about where to fish. You can also listen live online by searching "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida" or "Small Inlets."
The Flagler Bridge is a great spot to find Spanish mackerel. Anglers may also be able to target other species in the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area up to the Flagler Bridge, flounder, jack crevalle, or sand perch can all be caught. Fishing with yellow feathers, trolling spoons, and trolling hooks is effective.
Best time to surf fish Spanish mackerel
When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They should show up once the water temperatures have reached 70 degrees. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. The NOAA website gives information about water temperatures for U.S. coastal areas. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.
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. If you prefer murky water, fish close to shore. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. These fish are aggressive and will not slow down if you keep them moving.
The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. There, the fish are still plentiful and feeding heavily. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish to find water. The waters are still warm enough to support a few pomona. You can use jigs or tube lures to find red and whiting in surf. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.
FAQ
Do I need special permits to fish?
If you intend to take fish outside of your state or cross county lines, no. Many states allow anglers fish without the need for a license. Check with your local Fish & Wildlife agency to see what is required.
What is the best season to fish?
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish. During these times, the fish are feeding and moving around.
What should I wear to fish?
Wear clothes that are waterproof. There are many options for protecting yourself: gloves, sunglasses sunscreen, gloves and a head hat. Make sure to bring insect repellent.
Where can I purchase my fishing supplies?
These items are available at most sporting good stores. You can also shop online if you need something in particular. You can find everything on many websites, from lures and tackle boxes to rods and reels.
How deep can I cast my line of sight?
Cast your line as deep as possible. When casting a line, keep your arm straight so that 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Why would you want to use a spinning rod instead?
The spinning rod is useful when you need to throw your lure in the water and not have to get out of the boat. This is a great option if you don’t want to spend too much time returning to the boat after casting. A spinning rod is designed to allow you to make casts from any position while still maintaining control of your line. The rod has three main components; handle, butt section, and reel seat. The handle holds the rod and allows you to grip the shaft. The butt section is where you attach the rod's tip to the hook. Finally, the reel's seat holds the line and the reel. There are many options for rods. Some rods are made for fishing specific techniques, like trolling or casting. Others can be used to fly fish, spin fish, baitfish, and so on.
The type of fish that will be caught determines the type and size of the rod. You would need a heavy-duty rod if your goal is to catch large predatory fish like pike and bass. A lighter-weight rod might work best if you were targeting smaller species like trout or salmon. You could even purchase multiple rod sizes depending upon how big you plan to catch the fish.
Spinning rods aren't just for freshwater fishing. They are used extensively for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning rods weigh more than their freshwater counterparts, as they need stronger materials to withstand saltwater's harsh conditions. Saltwater spinners often have a longer rod but a smaller diameter. They can cast further distances because of this. However, keep in mind that there are some downsides to using a spinning rod for saltwater fishing. First, unlike freshwater spinning rods, saltwater ones do not come with reels. You must buy one individually. The second reason is that they can be quite expensive. If you are interested in catching larger fish, a spinning rod might be worth looking at.
Spin fishing is a type of angling that uses a spinning rod to throw a weighted lure into water. When the lure is in the water, it will spin around the weighted central point. This causes the lure's motion to be unpredictable in the water and makes it difficult for fishes to see. The lure could also be mistaken for food by fish and they may begin to eat it. The lure will draw more fish to itself. The lure's line can then be reeled in by a fisherman. After the lure is retrieved, the fisherman can continue the process until he has caught the desired number.