I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish in Florida. I found that 1- to 1.5-ounce, metal jigs were a better choice but still didn't catch my target fish. I tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them 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. These spoons are very effective in catching these fish. Spoons can move freely on their own and you can cast them far, covering a lot water. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. Here are some tips for using spoons in Florida.
Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass will love spoons that have a thin and long body. 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. 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 make a great and delicious meal because of their quick swimming. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can also use a weedless, plastic bait to catch more fish.
You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. A swivel behind your diving planer is required to prevent the line from getting tangled. Other options include a spoon umbrella rig. 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 shrimp are good drift baits. 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. Fishing for Spanish mackerel in Florida waters can be a great adventure, so make sure you take advantage of the many possibilities!
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. Another option is to use a spoon, or a hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits can cover more water, increasing your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.
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. Florida is very fond of Get-Cha lures. These lures come with built-in rattles, which attract Spanish mackerel. They can be reeled quickly. Rat-L -Traps, MirrOdines and other baits can also be effective.
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be challenging so be ready to face some stiff competition. You should be ready for battles and fights! Daniel Flinn is an expert. By visiting local marinas or reading fishing reports, you can find out the location of Spanish mackerel. Be sure to allow space for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.
Jigs
A key step towards catching Spanish is selecting the right bait. This fish is easy to handle because of its slim, slender bodies. A long shank hook is best for tying a hook. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. Live shrimp makes a great choice if you prefer to use a live bait.
Spanish mackerel fishermen worry about their taste buds. You may not like the taste, so it's a good idea to prepare the fish for cooking right after you catch them. Spanish mackerel is known for being quite fishy so make sure to get it cooked as soon 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 likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. For him, olive and white work best. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.
Inlets
Fort Pierce's Inlets have been producing good Spanish mackerel fishing action and other species. Fisherman are also reporting Snook, Redfish catches, Sheepshead, Black Drum, while fishing Spanish mackerel. For Spanish mackerel fishing, anglers use spoons and jigs. On the north jetty, live shrimp are being caught. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.
Spanish fish are best targeted by anglers who target them near inlets or 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. Inlets are ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fishing.
Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Spanish mackerel love silverside minnows. Inshore waters are rich with them. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, and inlets. Make sure to bring your fishing gear!
These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. These fish are abundant inshore and offshore and can be caught using a tube lure. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. It can be fished cast or trolled. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.
Inlets of South Florida
Inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing are a good option for fishing south Florida's coastal waters. Anglers should be aware that Mackerel feed close to the surface and are a good target. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.
Fort Lauderdale might be a good choice if you are looking to find a great spot for fishing. Capt. Capt. Their website has more information about where to fish. You can also listen to the show live on the internet by searching for "Spanish Mackerel fishing in South Florida" and "Small Inlets."
Another great place to find Spanish mackerel is along the shoreline near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers also have the option to catch other species on the Intracoastal Waterway. Flounder, jack crevalle, and sand perch are all commonly caught from the Boynton area to the Flagler Bridge. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times
Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. The NOAA website gives information about water temperatures for U.S. coastal areas. To determine the best time to fish, you can use water temperatures.
For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. To maximize your chances of catching these fish, you should fish at least two hours offshore. If you prefer murky water, fish close 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. The fish are abundant and still feeding well. The rains that had begun in March have stopped, making it easier to find water. The waters are warm enough for a few pompano to survive during this period. Try jigs and tube lures if you are looking for red or whiting while surfing. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid 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, which are waterproof pants that cover the legs or feet, are waterproof pants. Wader suits can have boots attached. Some wader suits come with boots, while others can be worn without them.
What kind of fishing gear do I need?
A rod, reel line, hooks, line, bait, tackle box and some snacks. A cast is essential if you want to catch fish. You also need to know how to rig a hook. Most importantly, you must be patient and wait until the right moment to strike!
Is it safe and legal to eat fish caught from another source?
Always check with the seller to see if there is a freshness date. The fish is safe to eat if it doesn't have an expiration. You shouldn't eat fish that smells or looks old.
Do I need special licenses to fish?
No, not unless you plan to take fish out of state or across county lines. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. Check with your local Fish & Wildlife agency to see what is required.
Where can I find quality fishing guides?
Many services are provided by fishing guides. A fishing guide can offer advice on where to catch the most fish, provide tips on how you catch them, and even teach you how they use different types or equipment.
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)
- 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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
External Links
How To
Why would you want to use a spinning rod instead?
Spinning rods are used to cast your lure into water without having to leave the boat. If you don’t want take too much time returning to your boat after each cast, this is the best choice. A spinning rod is designed to allow you to make casts from any position while still maintaining control of your line. There are three major components to the rod; handle, butt and reel section. You hold the rod with your fingers and grip the shaft. The rod's tips are attached to the hook by the butt portion. The reel seat holds the line to which it is attached. There are many options for rods. Some are designed to be used only for certain types of fishing, such as casting or trolling. 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. For example, if you intend to catch large predatory species like pike or bass, you'll need a heavy-duty fishing rod. For smaller species such as salmon or trout, a lighter rod might be better. You could even purchase multiple rod sizes depending upon how big you plan to catch the fish.
Spinning Rods are not limited to just freshwater fishing. They are commonly used for saltwater fishing too. Saltwater spinning rods are generally heavier than their freshwater counterparts because they require stronger materials to withstand the rigors of saltwater. Saltwater spinners have a longer rod length and a bigger diameter. This allows them to cast farther distances. However, keep in mind that there are some downsides to using a spinning rod for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning rods are not like freshwater ones. You must buy one individually. They can also be very expensive. A spinning rod is an option if you like to catch bigger fish.
A method of fishing that involves using a spinning rod and a weighted lure to cast into the water is called spin fishing. The lure spins around the center point of the weighted lure as it swims through the water. The lure will move in a erratic manner, making it hard for fish to recognize the lure. Fish might also mistake the lure as food and start eating it. As a result, the lure will attract more fish to it. 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.