Fishing Tips

Spanish Mackerel Fishing rigs

By Trey Gordon 24 November, 2022 7 mins read

When it comes to casting spoons or got-cha lures for Spanish mackerel fishing, there are a few things you should know about these rigs. Bucktails, for example, come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 1/16 ounce to a half-ounce. You can adjust bucktail size to match the size you are after.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass are the best choice when it comes to choosing a rod. Casting spoons must have a large flat body, with no cupping and a shorter overall length. Spanish bass prefer small baitfish and so a shiny, glossy finish is great for sunny days. For cloudy days, a matte finish will work well. 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.

Although a metal spoon is capable of catching a wide variety of fishes, the main species to be targeted are Bluefish and Spanish mackerel. These species will be attracted to lures that have a quick retrieve. A jigging stick will give you a fluttering sound that attracts fish. You can also use a jigging stick to fish in rivers or lakes.

Spanish mackerel are not very strong and will be attracted to light lures. Casting spoons with a lightweight wire will prevent the lures breaking during a fight. Spanish mackerel can still be hooked despite being small. The light wire will shield your hand from the razor-sharp teeth. The smaller the bait, the more effective your cast will be.

Got-Cha lures

A classic Got-Cha lure can be used to catch Spanish mackerel schools. This treble-hook bait sinks fast at the end of the cast and can be retrieved quickly. Jerking the rod tip creates a deadly darting action underwater. Spanish fish can't resist this action. Before you start jigging the lure make sure it sinks to its bottom. You will increase your chances to hook a Spanish mackerel if you probe the whole water column.

When using Got-Cha lures for Spanish makerel fishing rigs, you need to choose a leader that fits the situation. If you use a long leader, you may lose a lot of fish. Spanish mackerel will not like a leader that is longer than a medium length. You should use a shorter leader if you are fishing in a stream or river.

The secret weapon of many charter boat captains is the diamond jig. These jigs are lightweight and extremely useful when Spanish mackerel eat glass minnows in transparent water. They have enough incentive to strike because of their flashy jigs. Although diamond jigs can be rolled, larger versions are better for vertical jigging than structure.

Monofilament line

You can use braided or monofilament lines for your Spanish mackerel fishing gears. However, many anglers prefer monofilament. Monofilament line is flexible and will not pull on the hook if the fish bites. This is because these fish can live in open waters and are unlikely to bite a leader of 20 pounds. The type and size of Spanish mackerel to be caught will play a major role in selecting a leader.

Although fluorocarbon line can be more expensive than monofilament but has many benefits over monofilament. For baits and live trap angling, fluorocarbon line is better because it is undetectably submerged. Mono is less likely snap or fray if the fish bites. Additionally, it holds knots well. Mono is cheaper and more flexible than fluoro.

Spanish mackerel can be caught using live bait. Although you can use shrimp and baitfish, a live Sardinia is more effective. Spanish mackerel will appreciate live bait that's flashy, fast-moving and attractive. Trolling spoons can be trolled at high speeds to cover a large area. When Spanish mackerel aren't working on the surface, trolling is ideal.

Braided line

For more fish and more bites, it is important to choose the right leader. When you're targeting Spanish, any mistake you make will be magnified. Using a light graphite rod between eight and ten feet is ideal because it doesn't feel too heavy and extends far enough to reach schools of Spanish. It's possible to cast longer distances using heavier wire but this is not necessary.

Spanish mackerel love a gotcha lure. This lure sinks rapidly at the end of the cast and jerking it causes deadly darting under the water. The action is so deadly that Spanish fish will have no choice but to attack it! Once you have retrieved the lure from water, place it in the bottom of the pool and check for any fish.

A fly rod of 8-9 lb weight with a good drag system is required for Florida fishing. A floating line will be most effective for fishing at the surface. An intermediate sinker is better for deeper flats. The fish's vision will be obstructed by a wire leader. Monofilament leaders work well for surface fishing. However, Spanish mackerel can snag wire leaders.

Speck rigs

There are many methods to use Speck rigs in Spanish maker fishing. A speck rod can catch some the most impressive Spanish, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Pete recommends trolling your speck lure close to the boat. To ensure that the bait is not disturbed, Pete recommends that you extend the line as far as possible behind the boat. You can also use small menhaden free-spools, which are known as peanut bunker and pogy.

Speck rigs are fished from a beach or pier. Quarter casts of 45° or more are recommended to get maximum use of the speckrig. The "Water Walker" fishing rod can be used if you fish from the pier. It replaces the inline sinker with an adjustable popping cork. The rig flips and allows fish imitations of baitfish. Love Lures Speck Rigs is another popular Speck rig. It comprises two jigs that are attached to dropper loops. A fluorocarbon leader is 20-30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is one way to catch these fish. Kingfish can be found at the shore and near buoys. Live shrimp, alewives, or small menhaden are excellent baits. If you are targeting them near structures, you can use a speck-rig with fresh shrimp or live shrimp. Other lures can be used, as well as trolls.

Drifting

The tricks of the trade are necessary to begin drifting in search for Spanish mackerel. You will need a leader of 30 feet to get started. Although you can hand line it to the boat, it is important to be aware of where strikes are coming. The speed of your lures will change as you turn 90 degrees. Lines to the inside will slow down while lines to the outside will speed it up. Match the speed of the lines that are catching more fish.

Drifting baits work well with either artificial or live bait. Dead bait, live shrimp, and bait fish are all good options. Drifting can also benefit from split shot. A long-shanked hook is needed to reduce the possibility of cutoffs. You can use a 1/0 hook. You can cover a lot of ground with a 1/0 Hook. Drifting is a great technique for both inshore and offshore waters.

Artificial reefs can be used to attract Spanish Mackerel. These fish can be found close to the bottom of the Bay at the tunnel tubes. If you are on a pier, you can use cut bait and baited plugs. Drifting live bait is a great way to fish these species. In the summer, you can fish off the coast Virginia. If the current is running hard, the fish will most likely be aggressive and attack metal spoons.

Live bait

You will need to ensure that you have the right rig if you plan to use live bait to catch Spanish Mackerel. Spanish mackerel fishing rigs are basically the same as king mackerel fishing rigs. Instead of using one hook, you will use two smaller bucktails with a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails may be small or big depending on the size your baitfish.

Live bait can be either a shrimp or a small silvery fish. If you prefer, you can cast it into a school of breaking fish or drift it across an open ocean. Chumping can also be used to strike a strike. The best way to catch Spanish mackerel is usually with live bait. These fish are easy to clean, too, and you can find them at your local bait shop.

You can also use artificial or live bait when you drift for Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective when drifting, but you can also use split shot to attract more Spanish mackerel. A long-shanked hook is the best for this type fish. It reduces cutoffs. For all-purpose use, the 1/0 size is a great choice.

FAQ

Where can you find the best fishing spots?

You can fish in many places around the globe. Many people enjoy fishing in public parks, private pools, lakes, rivers and streams as well as other water bodies.

When is the best time for fishing?

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

How big should my tacklebox be?

You will need ample storage space for all your fishing gear so a large tacklebox is important. The size of tackle boxes will vary depending on how many items are stored inside.

How much can I budget to spend on fish-catching gear?

You don't have to spend a lot of money on fishing gear. There are many low-cost options. A cheap hook, line, and reel could be your best option. You could also invest in a rod and reel set.

Where is the best place for fishing?

Near freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, streams, and so forth, is where you should fish. These areas provide fish with plenty of food.

How do I clean fish?

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

Statistics

About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
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)