I had very limited success using the standard lures when I was fishing for spanish mackerel 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 also tried spoons with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.
Spoons
Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. They are also great for catching kingfish, which can weigh more than thirty pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.
When choosing a spoon, choose one that has a long, stocky body and is not too long. Spanish bass will love spoons that have a thin and long body. For sunny days, the spoons should be shiny and matte. For fishing in the dark, you should use a single-hook rigged with a split ring. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.
Casting spoons on the coast waters is a great and easy way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. Their fast swimming action makes them an enjoyable and tasty meal. You'll find plenty of action around St. Augustine as well as Matanzas. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons tend to attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. A weedless plastic lure is a better option if you are looking to catch more fish.
Trolling for Spanish mackerel is also an option. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. 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
You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and shrimp are good drift baits. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. For casting to the reefs, a 1/0 hook is a good choice. Fishing for Spanish mackerel in Florida waters can be a great adventure, so make sure you take advantage of the many possibilities!
Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits can be used in both the Atlantic and Gulf to find Spanish mackerel. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. Flat-bottomed baits can cover more water, increasing your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.
Spoons as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch Spanish mackerel. They are strong and can catch fish from all depths of water. Florida is very fond of Get-Cha lures. These lures include rattles built in that attract Spanish mackerel and can be quickly reeled into. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.
Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. Prepare for a fight. You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. By visiting local marinas or reading fishing reports, you can find out the location of Spanish mackerel. Don't forget to leave room for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.
Jigs
For big Spanish catches, it is important to select the right type of jig. This fish is easy to handle because of its slim, slender bodies. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. You can also use treble hooks with a long leader for best results. Live shrimp makes a great choice if you prefer to use a live bait.
The taste is a major concern for Spanish mackerel fishermen. 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 can be a bit finicky so it is best to prepare them as soon as you catch them. It is best to cook the mackerel within 24 hours after it has been caught.
While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. White and olive are the best colors for him. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.
Inlets
Inlets around Fort Pierce have been producing good action for Spanish mackerel and other species. Fisherman are also reporting Snook, Redfish catches, Sheepshead, Black Drum, while fishing Spanish mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. Live shrimp are also available during the evening.
Spanish fish anglers are more likely to succeed if they fish for them in schools close to reefs or inlets. 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 love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Silverside minnows are abundant in the waters offshore, which Spanish mackerel enjoy eating. Although they can be difficult to catch, you will be rewarded! Flats, passes, and inlets are the best places to catch Spanish mackerel. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!
These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located along the coast. These fish are both prolific inshore as offshore. You can catch them by casting and trolling a lure tube. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. It can be fished cast, or trolled. Fishing off causeways or piers is another option.
Inlets in South Florida
If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Anglers can target Mackerel because they prefer to feed near the surface. 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 mackerels can be found in schools.
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. Capt. Norm Bekoff's weekly fishing report on Fox Sports 940 Miami is available online, and it's also broadcast 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 found near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also target 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.
Best time to surf fish Spanish mackerel
Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate between spring and autumn. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. The NOAA website allows you to check the water temperatures in the U.S. coasts. To determine the best time to fish, you can use water temperatures.
When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. You want to catch these fish as soon as possible, so make sure you are at least two hours off the coast. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.
Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. The rains that had begun in March have stopped, making it easier to find water. During this time, the waters are warm enough to support a few pompano. Tube lures and jigs are great options for whiting or redfishing in the surf. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.
FAQ
How do I know if my lure works?
Look out for movement as you cast your lure into water. If you see movement, then your lure is working properly.
What happens when I get caught illegally fishing
You may face fines, jail time, and even loss of your fishing license. Before you go out fishing, it's crucial that you understand the rules.
Can I fish during daylight?
You can fish at any time of the day. Fishing is only allowed during periods when it is prohibited.
What amount of money can I spend on fishing equipment?
Fishing gear doesn't need to cost a lot. There are many low-cost options. You can buy a cheap line, hook, and reel. You can also buy a reel and reel set.
Is fishing safe
Fishing has a lot of safety. Fishing can be an enjoyable way to relax, enjoy nature and have fun. It is possible to fish safely as long you do not break any safety rules.
How far away from shore should I stand when fishing?
The further you are from the shore the more likely it is that you will catch fish. However, it also increases the chance of getting soaked.
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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Perfectly
First, you need to know how to cast a fishing line. To ensure that the rod is parallel to ground, it should be held at an angle. Keep the rod's tip parallel to the water when you move it forward. If the tip of the rod touches the water's surface, fish won’t bite. You can increase the distance between the tip of the rod and the surface of the water by practicing this technique.
These tips will help you feel more comfortable casting a fishing rod.
The first thing you should do is to hold the rod at your chest. This way, you can easily control the rod's direction without bending down.
Second, when casting a heavy rod, you may want to set up a tripod on the shoreline or on a rock ledge. This will allow you secure your rod and reel while keeping it in place.
Third, you may want to consider buying a small reel instead of an expensive one. A cheap spinning reel will allow you to cast longer distances and will help you develop good hand-eye coordination.
Fourth, you might also consider buying a fishing pole holder. These holders are designed to keep the rod upright and hold it securely. These holders are easy-to-store and prevent rod damage.
Fifth, practice casting until the motion becomes natural. Casting a fishing pole takes practice.
Sixth, patience will be your key to successful fishing. Wait for the right time to strike, then work hard to catch the fish.