I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. 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 opted for small jigs with a worm attached.
Spoons
Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely effective at catching these fish. Spoons can be cast far and covered a lot of water. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips for using spoons in Florida.
When choosing a spoon, choose one that has a long, stocky body and is not too long. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. Do not use a treble hook, as it can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. They make a great and delicious meal because of their quick swimming. You will find great action in St. Augustine and Matanzas. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons are more likely to attract fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. If you want to catch more fish, you can use a weedless plastic bait.
Trolling can also be used to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this, tie a small spoon onto the planer and attach a 30 pound leader to it. To avoid tangling your line, it is important to have a swivel at the end of the diving planer. Another option is a spoon umbrella. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your 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. It is advisable to use a large hook to reduce the chance of cutting offs. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to reefs. Fishing for Spanish mackerel in Florida waters can be a great adventure, so make sure you take advantage of the many possibilities!
A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. These baits are very effective in locating Spanish mackerel, both in the Atlantic or Gulf. Another option is to use a spoon, or a hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits will cover more water, which increases the odds of hooking a Spanish mackerel.
Spoons as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch Spanish mackerel. They are sturdy and catch the fish from every depth of the water column. Florida is known for its popular Get-Cha baits. 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.
While you are fishing for Spanish mackerel, be prepared for a bit of competition. Prepare for a fight. Daniel Flinn, an expert on the subject, can give you some advice. Find out where Spanish mackerel are at sea by visiting local marinas and reading fishing reports. Make sure to allow room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider member, recommends using abobber.
Jigs
For big Spanish catches, it is important to select the right type of 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. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.
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's favorite bait, according to him, is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. This bait mimics a small baitfish. White and olive are the best colors for him. Look for a color which is close to the natural colors of your area.
Inlets
Inlets around Fort Pierce have been producing good action for Spanish mackerel and other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.
Spanish fish anglers have the best chance of success if they aim for schools within close proximity to inlets and reefs. They should use long lines that troll along the edge of a school, as running through or across a school of fish will cause the fish to dive, which will only lead to missed bites. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders during early morning and late afternoon. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. It can be hard to catch them, but it is worth the effort. The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, 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 most effective lures 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
Inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing are a good option for fishing south Florida's coastal waters. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. When the water is shallow, troll your lure or live bait in the inlet. You should look for active diving birds and churned water. Spanish mackerel can be spotted in schools.
If you are looking for a great fishing location, you might want to try Fort Lauderdale. Capt. The weekly fishing report of Norm Bekoff on Fox Sports 940 Miami can be viewed online and also broadcast live on Nautical Ventures Facebook page. You can find more information at their website about where to fish. You can also access the live broadcast online by searching for the words "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” or "Small Inlets".
Spanish mackerel can also be found along the coast near Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also fish for other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton to Flagler Bridge area, fish such as flounder, Jack Crevalle, and Sand Perch are all common. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night
When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate in spring and fall. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. On the NOAA website, you can find out the water temperature for the coasts of the U.S. You can then use these water temperatures to determine when is the best time to fish.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel requires that you choose a spot with calm waters and clear water. For the best chances of catching these fish you need to fish at least 2 hours offshore. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into clear water. These aggressive fish will require you to maintain a high speed.
Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. There are plenty of fish and they are eating well. The rains that began in March have ceased, making it easier for fish to find the water. The waters are warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. Try jigs and tube lures if you are looking for red or whiting while surfing. Spanish mackerel often swim offshore of bars.
FAQ
Are special clothing requirements for fishing?
You will need clothing that is waterproof to protect you from the elements. When fishing, a waders outfit is worn. Waders are waterproof pants that cover the legs and feet. Wader suits may have boots attached. Other waders suits can be worn with no boots.
What distance should I fish from the shore?
The farther you stand from the shore, the more likely you are to catch fish. However, this also increases the chances of getting wet.
How much are basic fishing tools?
Basic fishing equipment can be purchased for between $100-$200. This includes rod/reel combos and bait as well as a tackle box. A larger boat will cost you between $500-$1000.
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)
- 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)
- 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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
External Links
How To
How do I properly clean my fishing gear?
There are many ways to clean your fishing equipment. Some of them are very basic, while others require advanced techniques. The most common method is to use soap and water. Rinse the item with water after washing. You could end up with bacteria growth if you don't thoroughly rinse the item. If left untreated, this could cause a bad odor and worsening of infections. To prevent this, dry the items completely before storing. You should also avoid touching the item's surfaces when cleaning. If you touch something dirty, you risk transferring germs onto the object.
In addition to using soap and water, there are many things that you can do to improve the quality of your fishing gear. Special detergents and solvents may be necessary depending on what type of gear you have. There are certain things that you should never use, though, because they could damage your goods. One of these things is bleach. Bleach is known for dissolving plastic and metal so you should not use it to clean your fishing gear. Warm water and a dishwashing detergent are better choices. Use only dishwashing fluids specifically made for cleaning fish. Dishwashing liquids contain enzymes and chemicals that help break down organic materials such as scales, slime, and blood. They also contain surfactants which remove dirt from surfaces. You should still consider using a stain-removal product if you are worried about stain removal. Most stains are caused by oil and fats that have remained on the gear's surface. Applying stain removal products directly to areas where the oil and fat are located will remove the stain while not damaging the underlying materials.
There are many cleaners available for fishing gear at your local hardware store. Many stores stock a variety of cleaners that are suitable for various purposes. Some can be used to clean small amounts of grease and others for larger amounts. You can choose one that suits your needs best.