Fishing Techniques

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Bill Rollins 1 July, 2023 6 mins read

I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish in Florida. Although I found them to be more effective than the usual lures, I still couldn't catch any of the fish I was after using them. 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 move freely on their own and you can cast them far, covering a lot water. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.

If you are looking for a spoon to use, make sure it has a large, well-built body that isn't too long. Spanish bass will love spoons that have a thin and long body. For sunny days, the spoons should be shiny and matte. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.

Casting spoons along the coast has been an excellent way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are a tasty and enjoyable meal due to their fast swimming speed. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish are often caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.

You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. To do this, tie a small spoon onto the planer and attach a 30 pound leader to it. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. Another option is a spoon umbrella. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.

Hard-Baits

For Spanish mackerel drifting, anglers can use live and artificial baits. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. A large size hook is recommended for reducing the risk of cutoffs. If you are casting to the reefs, 1/0 is a good all-around size. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.

Spanish mackerel love spoons and flies that imitate their prey. These baits work well in the Atlantic as well as the Gulf for Spanish mackerel. Also, you can use a spoon and hard bait. Flat-bottomed fish will be more likely to take your bait, and you'll have a better chance of hooking one.

Spoons, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. They are sturdy and catch the fish from every depth of the water column. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures come with built-in rattles, which attract Spanish mackerel. They can be reeled quickly. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.

You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. Be ready for a fight and a battle! Learn from experts such as Daniel Flinn. Find out where Spanish mackerel are at sea by visiting local marinas and reading fishing reports. Be sure to allow space for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider, also suggests using a Bobber.

Jigs

For big Spanish catches, it is important to select the right type of jig. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.

Spanish mackerel fishermen have a main concern about the taste. Even though many anglers dislike eating them, they may enjoy cooking the fish right away. Spanish mackerel have a reputation for being very fishy. Therefore, it is important to have the fish ready as soon you can. 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 likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorite colors. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's Inlets have been producing good Spanish mackerel fishing action and other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. To catch Spanish mackerel, anglers will use spoons or jigs. Meanwhile, live shrimp are eating on the north shore. Live shrimp can also be a good option in the evening.

Spanish fish anglers are more likely to succeed if they fish for them in schools close to reefs or inlets. Long lines should be used to troll along a school's edge. Running through or across schools of fish can cause them to dive. This will result in missed opportunities. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.

Spanish mackerel can be aggressive feeders at both the dawn and dusk. Spanish mackerel are attracted to silverside minnows in the inshore waters. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! Flats, passes, and inlets are the best places to catch Spanish mackerel. Remember to bring your fishing rods!

Inlets and bridges along the coast can be great places to capture these aggressive acrobats. This fish is prolific offshore and inshore, and can easily be caught by casting a tube-tailed lure. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can be fished cast, or trolled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

For fishing south Florida's coast waters, inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing can be a great option. Anglers have a prime opportunity to catch Mackerel as they tend to feed close the surface. When the water is shallow, troll your lure or live bait in the inlet. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. If you spot a school, you've found a Spanish mackerel.

Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. For example, Capt. For example, Capt. Visit their website to find out more about where you can fish. You can also watch the show online by searching for "Spanish Mackerel Fishing in South Florida" as well as "Small Inlets."

The Flagler Bridge is a great spot to find Spanish mackerel. Anglers have other options. Flounder, jack crevalle, and sand perch are all commonly caught from the Boynton area to the Flagler Bridge. Fishing with yellow feathers, trolling spoons, and trolling hooks is effective.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night

Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate to spring and fall. They should begin to appear when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. They will not leave the area until it drops to 70 degrees. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. You can then use the water temperatures for the best times to fish.

If you want to surf fish for Spanish Mackerel, make sure there is clear water and calm seas. For the best chances of catching these fish you need to fish at least 2 hours offshore. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the 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.

Most surf fishermen inexperienced prefer to fish the inshore waters off the Florida Panhandle 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 warmer enough to support a few sandpipers during this time. 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

What type of fishing license do you need?

A fishing license is required if you intend to fish in state waters, i.e. lakes, rivers and bays. State laws require anglers to obtain a valid fishing license before fishing. If you are planning to fish in federal waters (e.g. oceans, Great Lakes etc.), you will need a fishing license. A fishing license is not necessary. However, if you plan to take any fish home with you, then you must first check with local authorities to make sure you aren't breaking any laws.

Which is the best time of year to fish?

Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.

Are there any special licenses required to fish?

No, unless you are going to fish in another state or county. Many states allow anglers fish without the need for a license. Find out the requirements by contacting your local Fish & Wildlife authority.

Are you able to fish without a bobber?

Yes. The bobber is used when the bait is being removed from the water. The bobber consists of two parts: the line and the float. You attach the hook and line to the lure. Once the line is out, let go of it. A bobber is not necessary to cast a lure. The lure could sink into the waters, making it difficult for the fish bite.

How far should I be from the shore when fishing?

The farther you stand from the shore, the more likely you are to catch fish. But, you also have a higher chance of getting wet.

What happens if a fish is lost during fishing?

The game involves losing fish. Sometimes, you will catch a fishing rod and then lose the fish. You can keep trying even if you lose the fish. Eventually, you will catch another fish.

How can you tell if your lure is working?

If your lure is moving when you place it in the water, pay attention. If you can see movement in the water, your lure is working correctly.

Statistics

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