I had very limited success using the standard lures when I was fishing for spanish mackerel in Florida. 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 used small jigs which had a attached worm.
Spoons
Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. These spoons are very effective in catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.
Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass will be attracted to spoons with long and thin bodies. For sunny days, the spoons should be shiny and matte. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons on the coast waters is a great and easy way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. You'll find plenty of action around St. Augustine as well as Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons attract more 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. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. To avoid tangling the line, you will need to swivel behind a diving planer. Other options include a spoon umbrella rig. Trolling at speeds of seven miles an hour is a good idea, since this can lead to a lower catch rate.
Hard-Baits
When drifting for Spanish mackerel, anglers have the option to use either live or artificial baits. Bait fish and shrimp are good drift baits. It is advisable to use a large hook to reduce the chance of cutting offs. For casting to the reefs, a 1/0 hook is a good choice. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.
A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. These baits can be used to locate Spanish mackerel both in the Atlantic and Gulf. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. Flat-bottomed fish will be more likely to take your bait, and you'll have a better chance of hooking one.
For Spanish mackerel fishing, Spoons and Gotcha lures work well. These lures are long-lasting and can be used to catch fish at any depth in the water column. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures feature built-in rattles to attract Spanish mackerel. Rat-L-Traps, MirrOdines, and other baits are also effective.
Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. You should be ready for battles and fights! You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. You should also allow for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.
Jigs
The first step to catching big Spanish fish is choosing the right jig. These fish have a slim and slender body, which makes it easy to handle. Use a long shank hook when you tie your hook. You can also use treble hooks with a long leader for best results. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.
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 have a reputation for being very fishy. Therefore, it is important to have the fish ready as soon you can. It is recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.
While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim's favorite bait is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait, which he says is a great mimic of a small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorites. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.
Inlets
Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided good action for Spanish Mackerel and other species. While fishing for Spanish mackerel, fishermen have also been reporting catches of Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. Anglers are using spoons or jigs to target Spanish mackerel, while live shrimp are biting on the north jetty. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.
Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near inlets and 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. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.
Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. 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. Bring your fishing poles.
These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located along the coast. These fish can be caught inshore or offshore by trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. It can either be fished cast or trombled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.
Inlets in South Florida
Inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing are a good option for fishing south Florida's coastal waters. 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. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. For example, Capt. Capt. Their website has more information about where to fish. You can also listen online to the show by searching the keywords "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” and "Small Inlets".
The Flagler Bridge is a great spot to find Spanish mackerel. Anglers also have the option to catch other species on the Intracoastal Waterway. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. Fishing with yellow feathers and trolling spoons have been effective.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times
When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They should begin to appear when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. They will stick around until water temperatures drop 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 the water temperatures for the best times to fish.
If you want to surf fish for Spanish Mackerel, make sure there is clear water and calm seas. To increase your chances of catching these species, fish at least two to three hours offshore. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.
Most experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish in the inshore waters of the Florida Panhandle in April. There are plenty of fish and they are eating well. Fish can now find water easier because the rains that started in March have stopped. The waters are still warm enough to support a few pomona. If you're in search of red or whiting in the surf, try a tube lure or jigs. Spanish mackerel often swim offshore of bars.
FAQ
Is it possible to fish during the day?
You can fish at any time of the day. Only when fishing is prohibited is it not allowed to fish.
Do I need to wear special clothing while fishing?
You need protection from the elements. While fishing, you will often wear a waders costume. Waders cover the legs and feet with waterproof pants. Wader suits can have boots attached. Some wader suits come with boots, while others can be worn without them.
What happens if a person is caught fishing illegally
You could face penalties, jail time, or even losing your fishing license. Before you go out fishing, it's crucial that you understand the rules.
What is the time it takes to catch a fish.
It depends on the size and skill level of your fisherman. A fish can be caught in between one and an hour. The longer you wait, the better chance you have of catching a big fish.
How do you clean a fish?
There are many options for cleaning fish. One way is to remove the head and guts. After that, rinse the fish with cold running water. Another option is to gut your fish. This involves removing the intestines from the fish and cleaning out the cavity. Finally, you might ask someone else for assistance in cleaning the fish.
Statistics
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
External Links
How To
How do I clean my fishing equipment?
There are many different types of cleaning methods available for your fishing equipment. Some are simple, while others require more advanced techniques. You can use soap and warm water. Always rinse your item after washing it. There is a possibility that dirt may remain inside the item, which can lead to bacteria growth. This would lead to a bad smell and even worse infections if left untreated. This can be prevented by drying the items thoroughly before storing them. Avoid touching the item's surface when cleaning. You risk spreading germs to objects if you touch them.
Apart from using soap, water, there are many ways you can improve the quality and performance of your fishing gear. You may want to use different detergents or solvents, depending on the type and model of your fishing gear. There are certain things that you should never use, though, because they could damage your goods. One of these things is bleach. Bleach has been known to disintegrate plastic and metal so it shouldn't be used to clean fishing gear. Use warm water and a dishwashing liquid instead. Dishwashing liquids that are specifically designed for cleaning fish should be used only. Dishwashing liquids have enzymes and chemical that help to break down organic material such as scales. They also contain surfactants, which help to remove dirt and grime. If you are concerned about stain removal, you can use a stain remover. Oils and fats left on the surface cause most stains. Applying stain removal products directly to areas where the oil and fat are located will remove the stain while not damaging the underlying materials.
Your local home improvement store will have many options for cleaning your fishing gear. 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. The one that best suits your needs is available.