Ocean Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By David McKinney 26/10/2022 6 mins read

I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. 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 using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. I instead chose to use small jigs attached with a tiny worm.

Spoons

Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. They are highly 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. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.

A spoon should have a long, sturdy body, and not be too long. Spanish bass may be attracted by spoons with a long, thin body. Shiny spoons are best for sunny days and matte ones for rainy days. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. Do not use a treble hook, as it can cause missed strikes.

Casting spoons along the coast has been an excellent 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 are more effective at attracting fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.

Trolling can also be used to catch Spanish mackerel. You can tie a small spoon to your planer, and then trail it with a 30-pound leader. To avoid the line from getting tangled, a swivel should be placed behind the diving planeer. An umbrella spoon rig is also an option. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.

Hard-Baits

When drifting for Spanish mackerel, anglers have the option to use either live or artificial baits. Bait fish, live shrimp, and live shrimp make good drift baits. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. If you are casting to the reefs, 1/0 is a good all-around size. Florida waters can provide great opportunities to fish for Spanish mackerel.

The most effective lure for Spanish mackerel is a flies or spoon that imitates its prey. These baits are very effective in locating Spanish mackerel, both in the Atlantic or Gulf. You can also use a spoon to bait the fish. Flat-bottomed baits can cover more water, increasing your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

Spoons and Got-Cha lures are effective for catching Spanish mackerel. These lures are long-lasting and can be used to catch fish at any depth in the water column. Florida is very fond of Get-Cha lures. These lures feature built-in rattles to attract Spanish mackerel. Rat-L -Traps, MirrOdines and other baits can also be effective.

You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. You should be ready for battles and fights! Learn from experts such as 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. Daniel Flinn, an insider member, recommends using abobber.

Jigs

It is crucial to choose the right jig to catch Spanish. These fish have a slim and slender body, which makes it easy to handle. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.

Spanish mackerel fishermen worry about their taste buds. While many anglers don't enjoy eating them, you may want to consider preparing the fish for cooking the same day you catch it. Spanish mackerel are known for being a bit fishy, so you should try to have it prepared as soon as possible. It is best to cook the fish within 24hrs of it being caught.

While jigs are effective for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, the best bait is a live fish. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorites. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.

Inlets

Fort Pierce has been producing great action for Spanish mackerel as well as 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. Live shrimp are also available during the evening.

Spanish fish are best targeted by anglers who target them near inlets or reefs. Long lines should be used to troll along a school's edge. Running through or across schools of fish can cause them to dive. This will result in missed opportunities. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.

Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. While they can be difficult to catch, the reward is well worth it. Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. Don't forget your fishing poles!

These aggressive acrobats are often found along the coast inlets and bridges. 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. You can cast it or troll it. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.

Inlets in South Florida

The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Look out for active diving birds as well as churned waters. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.

Fort Lauderdale may be the place to go if your goal is to find great fishing spots. Capt. Capt. 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."

The Flagler Bridge is a great spot to find Spanish mackerel. Anglers also have the option to catch other species on the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area to Flagler Bridge, you can catch flounder, jack crevalle and sandperch. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.

Best times to surf fish for Spanish mackerel

What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.

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. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. In clear water, cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.

The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. There, the fish are still plentiful and feeding heavily. 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 are known to be a bit more aggressive than the bars.

FAQ

Is fishing considered safe?

Fishing has a lot of safety. Fishing is an excellent way to unwind and enjoy the natural world. If you adhere to safety rules, there will be no problems.

How do you bait your hooks?

Your hooks will be baited by attaching a piece if meat to its end. Next, tie the meat around your hook's eye.

What gear is necessary for fishing?

A rod, reel line, hooks, line, bait, tackle box and some snacks. To catch fish you need to be able to cast, set up hooks, and use the bobber. The most important thing is patience and waiting for the right moment to strike.

What happens if a person is caught fishing illegally

You could face fines or jail time as well as losing your fishing permit. Before you go out fishing, it's crucial that you understand the rules.

Is it possible for me to fish both at night and during the day?

Yes, but make sure to use artificial light. Fisherman use artificial lights to lure fish. They work well when the sun goes down because fish become more active after dark.

Is it safe and legal to eat fish caught from another source?

No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. If there is no expiration date on the fish, it is probably safe to eat. However, if the fish is old or smells bad you should not eat them.

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)
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)
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)