Casting spoons and got-cha baits for Spanish mackerel fishing is easy if you know a few basics. Bucktails can come in various sizes. You can adjust bucktail size to match the size you are after.
Casting spoons
When choosing a rig, Spanish bass are a prime candidate. Casting spoons should have a large, flat body with no cupping, and a short overall length. Spanish bass feed on small baitfish. Shiny finishes are best for bright sunlight, while matte finishes work well for cloudy day. A single hook is all you need to set up your Spanish bass fishing rod. A treble hook will cause missed strikes and a hiccup, so don't use it.
A metal casting spoon will catch a variety of fish, but the primary species to target are Spanish mackerel and Bluefish. These species will generally be attracted by lures that are fast to retrieve. A jigging spool will produce a fluttering action which fish enjoy. A jigging spoon is also useful if you are fishing in a lake or river.
Spanish mackerel are not very strong and will be attracted to light lures. Casting spoons with a thin wire will prevent the lure from bursting during a fight. Spanish mackerel are small and can be hooked with a treblehook. You can protect your hands from the sharp teeth by using a light wire. Your cast will be more effective if you have a smaller bait.
Got-Cha lures
If you are trying to catch a school of Spanish mackerel, the classic Got-Cha lure is an excellent choice. This treble-hook bait sinks fast at the end of the cast and can be retrieved quickly. You can make a deadly darting underwater action by jerking your rod tip. Spanish fish cannot resist the darting action. Before jigging the lure, let it sink to the bottom. To increase your chances at hooking a Spanish mackerel, aim to probe the whole water column with the lure.
A leader should be chosen that is appropriate for the situation when using Got-Cha baits for Spanish makerel fishing. You could lose many fish if you use a lengthy leader. You may not attract many Spanish mackerel if you use a long leader. If you are fishing in a river or stream, you should fish with a shorter leader.
Many charter boat captains have a secret weapon: the diamond jig. These jigs can be light-weighted and are very effective when Spanish mackerel feed on clear water glass minnows. 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
Many anglers prefer monofilament to braided line for Spanish mackerel fishing. Monofilament lines have a stretch that stops the hook pulling against the fish's teeth. A leader 20 pounds is unlikely to be eaten by these fish, as they live in open seas. The type of Spanish Mackerel you wish to catch is key in choosing 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 more resistant to snapping or fraying when the fish bites and also holds knots well. Mono is also much more flexible than fluoro, and it is less expensive.
Spanish mackerel can often be caught using live bait. You can use shrimp or baitfish, but live sardines are the best. Live bait will be more appealing to Spanish mackerel if it's flashy and fast-moving. Trolling spoons are designed for trolling at high speeds, covering a wide area. Trolling can be a good option when Spanish mackerel are not working on the surfaces.
Braided line
For more fish and more bites, it is important to choose the right leader. Every mistake you make when you are targeting Spanish fish will be magnified. It's best to use a graphite rod that is between 8 and 10 feet long. This doesn't feel heavy and has enough reach to reach Spanish-speaking schools. It's possible to cast longer distances using heavier wire but this is not necessary.
Spanish mackerel love a gotcha lure. This lure sinks quickly at the end of the cast, and jerking the tip causes a deadly darting action under the water. The lure is so deadly that Spanish fish will not hesitate to attack it. Once you have pulled your lure out of the water, bring it down to the bottom to check the entire column for fish.
You will need an 8 to 9-weight fly rod that has a great drag system for Florida fishing. A floating line is best for fishing on the surface while an intermediate sinker will do fine in the deeper flats. A wire leader could cause vision problems for the fish. While monofilament leaders are ideal for surface fishing, you'll find that Spanish mackerel will snag a wire leader.
Speck Rigs
There are many options for how to use Speck rigs as Spanish makers. A speck rod can catch some the most impressive Spanish, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Pete recommends that you trolling a speck lure far behind the boat. To ensure that the bait is not disturbed, Pete recommends that you extend the line as far as possible behind the boat. A free-spool of small menhaden is another technique, also known as peanut buner or pogy.
Speck rigs can be fished from a pier or the beach. Quarter casts of 45 degrees are recommended to get the best out of the speck rig. You can fish from the pier with the "Water Walker", which replaces your in-line sinker by a weighted popping core. It allows fishes to mimic baitfish by flipping over the rig. The Love Lures Speck Rig is another popular Speck rig. It has two dropper loop jigs and a fluorocarbon lead of 20 to 30 pounds.
One of the most popular approaches for catching these fish is to troll around structure. Kingfish are found close to buoys and beaches. You can use live shrimp, alewives or small menhaden as baits. For those who want to target them near structure, a speckrig with fresh or live shrimp should be used. Trolls are the best way to catch Spanish mackerel. However, you can also use other lures.
Drifting
You need to be able to drift for Spanish mackerel before you can start. A 30-foot leader is necessary to start. You can either hand line it or attach it to your boat. But, be sure to watch for strikes. As you make 90-degree turns, your lures' speed will change. Lines on the inside of the turn will slow down, while lines on the outside will speed up. Match the speed of your lines catching more fish.
Drifting baits are either made of live or artificial bait. A variety of baits are available, including live shrimp, bait fish and dead bait. Drifting can also benefit from split shot. To decrease the risk of cutoffs, a long-shanked Hook is required. You can use a 1/0 hook. You can cover a lot of ground with a 1/0 Hook. Drifting works well in both offshore or inshore waters.
Artificial reefs are another option to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can also be found near the bottom, close to tunnel tubes. Cut bait or baited pops can be used if you are fishing from a pier. Drifting live bait is the best method to catch these species. You could also fish off Virginia's coast in the summer. If the current is strong, aggressive fish will likely 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 a single hook you'll be using two smaller bucktails along with one No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails vary in size depending on the size of your baitfish.
You can either use live bait, such as shrimps or small silvery fish. If you like, you can throw it into a school to break fish or let it drift across an open ocean. You can also use chumming to catch a strike, whether you are fishing offshore or inshore. Live bait is generally the best method to catch Spanish mackerel. These fish can be cleaned easily at your local bait store.
For Spanish mackerel drifting, you can also use live or artificial bait. Drifting is a good way to catch Spanish mackerel. You can use live shrimp and bait fish, or split shot. Long-shanked hooks work best with this type of fish. This reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 size is a good choice for all-around use.
FAQ
Which is the best time of year to fish?
It's best to fish early in the morning and late at night. The fish will be active feeding during these times.
How deep should my line go?
Cast your line as deep as possible. When casting a line, keep your arm straight so that the line doesn't twist.
How often should I change my lures
Change your lures once a day. After being exposed to the sun for too long, lures lose their effectiveness.
Is it safe to eat fish caught by someone else?
Always ask your seller where you bought your fish. It's safe to eat if the fish doesn't have an expiration date. But if the fish looks old or smells bad, then you shouldn't eat it.
How far should I be from the shore when fishing?
The closer you are to the shore, the greater your chances of catching fish. But, you also have a higher chance of getting wet.
What length is the perfect fishing rod length?
The kind of fish that you are looking to catch determines the length of your fishing line. If you want to catch smallmouth bass, a rod of 6'6 inches would be the best. A 7'5" rod would be better if your goal is largemouth bass.
Statistics
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How do I clean my fishing equipment?
There are many ways to clean your fishing equipment. Some methods are simple while others require more complex techniques. Most people use soap and water. It is important to rinse the item well after washing it. If you don't rinse it well enough, there's a chance that some dirt remains inside, which could cause bacteria growth. If it is not cleaned properly, it could lead to an unpleasant odor or worse infections. Drying the items thoroughly before placing them in storage is a good way to avoid this. Avoid touching the item's surface 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. You may need to use solvents or detergents that are specific to your gear. Certain things are best avoided as they can cause damage to your goods. Bleach is a common example. Bleach is known to dissolve plastic and metal, so you shouldn't ever use it to clean your fishing gear. Instead, use warm water with a dishwashing solution. Use only dishwashing fluids specifically made for cleaning fish. Dishwashing fluids contain chemicals and enzymes that break down organic materials, such as blood, slime and scales. They also contain surfactants that help loosen dirt and grime from surfaces. But, if staining is a concern, you might consider using a stain eliminator. Oils and fats left on the surface cause most stains. Applying stain-removal products directly to the affected area will help remove the stain and not damage the underlying material.
There are many cleaners available for fishing gear at your local hardware store. You will find a wide variety of cleaners in your local store, all designed for different purposes. Some of them are meant to deal with small amounts of grease, while others are intended to handle larger quantities. You can pick the one that is most suitable for you.