Fly Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Trey Gordon 11 January, 2023 6 mins read

When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. While I found the 1 to 1.5-ounce jigs to be a better option, they still failed me in catching the fish I was seeking. I tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them worked. Instead, I chose small jigs that had a worm attached.

Spoons

If you are interested in catching Spanish Mackerel in Florida, you should consider using spoons. They are extremely effective in catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They are perfect for catching kingfish which can weigh up to thirty pounds. Here are some tips about how to use spoons Florida.

Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass can be attracted to spoons that are too long or thin. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. 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 in coastal waters has been a great way to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida. They are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons 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.

You can also try trolling to catch Spanish mackerel. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. 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. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.

Hard-Baits

Anglers can utilize live or artificial baits when drifting for Spanish mackerel. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. A large hook is recommended to lower the likelihood of cutoffs. If you're fishing for reef fish, a size of 1/0 is an ideal all-round size. Florida waters are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!

Spanish mackerel love spoons and flies that imitate their prey. These baits can be used in both the Atlantic and Gulf to find Spanish mackerel. Also, you can use a spoon and hard bait. Flat-bottomed fish will be more likely to take your bait, and you'll have a better chance of hooking one.

Spoons, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. They are tough and catch the fish at all depths. Florida is a favorite place to use Get-Cha lures. These lures feature built-in rattles to attract Spanish mackerel. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.

When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Be ready for a fight and a battle! You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. Remember to make 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. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. 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. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.

Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their taste. Even though many anglers dislike eating them, they may enjoy cooking the fish right away. Spanish mackerel are notorious for being a bit fishy. You should prepare it as soon as possible. However, it is recommended to cook the fish within 24 hours of catching it.

While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim says that the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait is his favorite bait. It mimics small bait fish well. Olive and white are his favorites. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided good action for Spanish Mackerel and other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. 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.

Spanish fish anglers will have better luck if they are able to target schools near reefs and inlets. The best way to catch fish is to use long lines and troll around the edge of the school. If the fish are moving through the school or across it, they will dive. For winter Spanish mackerel fishing, inlets are the best.

Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Spanish mackerel love silverside minnows. Inshore waters are rich with them. It can be hard to catch them, but it is worth the effort. You can find Spanish mackerel in Florida's best spots, including flats, passes and inlets. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!

These aggressive acrobats love inlets and bridges that are found 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. You can cast it or troll it. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

For fishing south Florida's coast waters, inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing can be a great option. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. If the water is very shallow, you can troll your lure and live bait in the inlet. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. 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. 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. Visit their website to find out more about where you can fish. You can also watch the show online by searching for "Spanish Mackerel Fishing in South Florida" as well as "Small Inlets."

Spanish mackerel can also found near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers have other options. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. Fishing with trolling spoons or yellow feathers has proven to be effective.

Best time to surf fish Spanish mackerel

When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate between spring and autumn. They should begin to appear when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. They will stick around until water temperatures drop below 70 degrees. The NOAA website allows you to check the water temperatures in the U.S. coasts. Then, you can use the water temperatures to determine the best times to fish for them.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel requires that you choose a spot with calm waters and clear water. You want to catch these fish as soon as possible, so make sure you are at least two hours off the coast. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into clear water. These aggressive fish will require you to maintain a high speed.

Most surf fishermen inexperienced prefer to fish the inshore waters off the Florida Panhandle in April. The fish are abundant and still feeding well. 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. You can use jigs or tube lures to find red and whiting in surf. Inshore Spanish mackerel tend to run outside of bars.

FAQ

What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?

Live shrimp are the best bait to use for freshwater fishing. Shrimp are cheap, easy to catch and great tasting!

What type of fishing license do you need?

You must have a fishing licence if you want to fish in state waters (e.g. lakes, rivers, or bays). A valid fishing license is required by state law for anglers before they can fish. You must have a valid fishing license if you intend to fish in federal waters, such as the Great Lakes and oceans. You do not require a fishing licence to fish in federal waters. You must check with your local authorities if you plan on taking any fish home.

Is it safe to eat fish caught by someone else?

Always ask your seller where you bought your fish. If there is no expiration date on the fish, it is probably safe to eat. If the fish smells or looks bad, you should not eat it.

How do I get started fishing?

You need to learn a few things about fishing before you can go out on the water. You need to be familiar with the types of fish that are found in your area. You also need to know where they like to hang out to find them. After you've identified the best areas to search for fish, practice casting. This involves learning to throw a lure in the air and let it sink back onto the water. Practice makes perfect!

Statistics

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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)