Fishing Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rigis

By Ken Roberts 13 May, 2023 7 mins read

There are some things that you need to know about spoon fishing and got-cha lures when Spanish mackerel fishing. Bucktails can come in various sizes. You can adjust bucktail size to match the size you are after.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass are the best choice when it comes to choosing a rod. Casting spoons should be flat and have no cupping. They also need to be short in length. Spanish bass eat small baitfish so a shiny finish is best for bright sunlight. A matte finish is better for cloudy days. Use a single hook to rig your Spanish bass fishing gear. You should not use a double hook. This will increase the likelihood of missed strikes or a hiccup.

A metal casting spoon will catch a variety of fish, but the primary species to target are Spanish mackerel and Bluefish. These species will generally be attracted by lures that are fast to retrieve. A jigging stick will give you a fluttering sound that attracts fish. If you're fishing on a river or lake, you can also try a jigging spoon.

Spanish mackerel are not very strong and will be attracted to light lures. Casting spoons with a lightweight wire will prevent the lures breaking during a fight. Spanish mackerel is small but can still be hooked using a triple hook. You can protect your hands from the sharp teeth by using a light wire. The more effective the cast, the smaller the bait.

Got-Cha lures

A classic Got-Cha lure can be used to catch Spanish mackerel schools. The treblehook bait will sink quickly and can be quickly retrieved. You can make a deadly darting underwater action by jerking your rod tip. Spanish fish will not resist this darting action. Before you start jigging the lure make sure it sinks to its bottom. To increase your chances at hooking a Spanish mackerel, aim to probe the whole water column with the lure.

Use Got-Cha lures to Spanish makerel fish rigs. Make sure you choose the right leader. The risk of losing a lot is high if the leader is too long. A medium-length leader may be difficult to attract Spanish mackerel. Use a shorter leader when fishing in rivers or streams.

The secret weapon of many charter boat captains is the diamond jig. Lightweight, these jigs are incredibly effective when Spanish mackerel are feeding on glass minnows in clear water. The jigs are flashy enough to give them the incentive to strike. Diamond jigs may be rolled but are more effective for vertical jigging.

Monofilament line

Although braided lines can be used on Spanish mackerel fishing rods, many anglers prefer monofilament line. Monofilament line has a stretch that prevents the hook from pulling when the fish bites. This is because these fish can live in open waters and are unlikely to bite a leader of 20 pounds. Choosing a leader is a balancing act that depends on the type of Spanish mackerel you want to catch.

Monofilament line is more expensive but fluorocarbon lines are a better choice than monofilament. Fluorocarbon lines are better for live trap and bait angling as they can't be detected submerged. Mono is less likely than fluorocarbon to snap or fray when a fish bites it. It also holds knots very well. But mono is much more forgiving than fluoro and is cheaper.

Spanish mackerel can often be caught using live bait. While you could use shrimp or baitfish to catch Spanish mackerel, live sardine is most effective. Spanish mackerel will appreciate live bait that's flashy, fast-moving and attractive. Trolling spoons can cover large areas and are intended to be trolled at high speed. Trolling is a great option for Spanish mackerel that aren't active on the surface.

Braided line

Choosing the right leader is crucial for catching more bites and landing more fish. When you're targeting Spanish, any mistake you make will be magnified. The ideal graphite rod is eight to ten foot in length. It doesn't feel too heavy, and it can reach Spanish schools. It's possible to cast longer distances using heavier wire but this is not necessary.

When Spanish mackerel are around, a gotcha lure is essential. The lure sinks quickly after being cast. A jerking of the tip can cause a deadly darting action below the water. The lure's action is so fatal that Spanish fish will be forced to attack it. Once you've removed the lure from the water, allow it to drop to the bottom. Next, check the entire water column for fish.

A 8 to 9-pound fly rod is necessary for Florida fishing. It should have a strong drag system. For fishing on the surface, a floating line will work best. A sinker or intermediate sinker will work well in deeper flats. A wire leader will interfere with the fish's vision. Monofilament leader are best for surface fishing. Spanish mackerel, however, will not be able to see a wire leader.

Speck rigs

There are many options for how to use Speck rigs as Spanish makers. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned fisherman, a speck rig can catch some of the biggest Spanish in the world. Pete suggests trolling a lure made of specks well behind your boat. The longer the line, the further behind the boat the lure should be trolled, so that the bait is not disturbed by the boat's motor. Another option is to use a free-spool small menhaden (known as peanut bunker, or pogy).

The speck rig can be fished from the beach or from a pier. To get the most out of the rig, quarter casts of 45 degrees are recommended. If you are fishing from the pier, you can use the "Water Walker" fishing rig, which replaces the in-line sinker with a weighted popping cork. It allows fishes to mimic baitfish by flipping over the rig. Love Lures Speck Rigs is another popular Speck rig. It has two dropper loop jigs and a fluorocarbon lead of 20 to 30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is one of most popular ways to catch these fish. Kingfish can often be found near buoys and the beach. Excellent baits include alewives and small menhaden. A speck rig containing fresh or live shrimp is a good option for targeting them close to structure. While trolls are the most popular method for catching Spanish mackerel, other types of lures can be used.

Drifting

Knowing the basics of drifting for Spanish mackerel is essential. A 30-foot leader is necessary to start. Although you can hand line it to the boat, it is important to be aware of where strikes are coming. You will notice a change in the speed of your lures when you turn 90 degrees. Lines to the inside will slow down while lines to the outside will speed it up. Match the speeds of lines that are catching fish more often.

Live or artificial bait are effective drifting baits. A variety of baits are available, including live shrimp, bait fish and dead bait. Drifting can also benefit from split shot. You will need a long-shanked hook to decrease the risk of cutoffs. A 1/0 Hook will work well. Using a 1/0 hook will allow you to cover a large area. Drifting is a great technique for both inshore and offshore waters.

You should also use artificial reefs to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can be found near the bottom of the Bay near tunnel tubes. For piers, you can use baited and cut bait. The best technique to fish these species is to drift back live bait. In summer, you might also want to fish off Virginia's coast. If the current is running hard, the fish will most likely be aggressive and attack metal spoons.

Live bait

The proper rig is essential if you intend to use live bait for Spanish mackerel fishing. Spanish mackerel fishing equipment is basically the same as for king mackerel. Instead of using one hook, two smaller bucktails will be used and a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails are either small or large, depending on the size of your baitfish.

A shrimp or small fish can be used as live bait. If you prefer, you can cast it into a school of breaking fish or drift it across an open ocean. Inshore or offshore, chumming can also be used to get a strike. Live bait is generally the best method to catch Spanish mackerel. These fish are easy to clean, too, and you can find them at your local bait shop.

For Spanish mackerel drifting, you can also use live or artificial bait. Drifting is easy with live shrimp and bait fish. However, split shot is also an option to attract more Spanish marlin. A long-shanked hook is the best for this type fish. It reduces cutoffs. For all-purpose use, the 1/0 size is a great choice.

FAQ

How deep should my line go?

Cast your line as deep as possible. When casting a line, keep your arm straight so that the line doesn't twist.

Which rod should i choose?

Graphite fiberglass composite makes the best fly fishing rod. This material is lightweight and strong with great casting capabilities. To cast better, you must practice with graphite rods.

How big is my tackle box?

You will need ample storage space for all your fishing gear so a large tacklebox is important. Tackle boxes range in size depending on the number of items stored inside.

Statistics

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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)