Fly Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Trey Gordon 24 August, 2023 6 mins read

I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish in Florida. 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 also tried spoons and inlets but they didn't work. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.

Spoons

Spoons are an excellent tool to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely effective at catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. Here are some tips for using spoons in Florida.

A spoon should have a long, sturdy body, and not be too long. Spanish bass will love spoons that have a thin and long body. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.

Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. Their quick swimming makes them a delicious and enjoyable fish. There is plenty of action in St. Augustine, Matanzas and elsewhere. These fish are also caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more likely to attract 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. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. A spoon umbrella rig is another option. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your catch rate.

Hard-Baits

Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live 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.

Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits are effective for locating Spanish mackerel in both the Gulf and Atlantic. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. Flat-bottomed baits will cover more water, which increases the odds of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, Spoons and Gotcha lures work well. They are strong and can catch fish from all depths of water. Florida is very fond of Get-Cha lures. These lures feature built-in rattles to attract Spanish mackerel. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.

You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. You should be ready for battles and fights! Experts like Daniel Flinn can help you. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. You should also allow for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.

Jigs

It is crucial to choose the right jig to catch Spanish. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. You can also use treble hooks with a long leader for best results. Live shrimp is a great option if live bait is your preference.

The taste is a major concern for Spanish mackerel fishermen. Many anglers don’t like eating them so you might want to cook the fish as soon as you catch it. 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 using jigs for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida can be effective, some of the best bait is a live one. Capt Jim loves the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait because it mimics small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorite colors. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce's inlets have seen good fishing for Spanish mackerel, and other species. Fisherman are reporting catch reports of Redfish, Sheepshead and Black Drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. For Spanish mackerel fishing, anglers use spoons and jigs. On the north jetty, live shrimp are being caught. Live shrimp are also an option.

Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near inlets and reefs. 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. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing can be done from inlets.

Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Spanish mackerel love silverside minnows. Inshore waters are rich with them. Although they can be difficult to catch, you will be rewarded! These are the best areas to find Spanish mackerel anywhere in Florida. Remember to bring your fishing rods!

Located along the coast, inlets and bridges can be excellent places to catch these aggressive acrobats. These fish are prolific inshore and offshore, and can be caught by casting and trolling a tube lure. One of the most effective lures is the Gotcha tube lure. It can be fished cast or trolled. Fishing off causeways or piers is another option.

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. 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 mackerel are easy to spot.

Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. 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. 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".

Another great place to find Spanish mackerel is along the shoreline near the Flagler Bridge. 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 trolling spoons or yellow feathers has proven to be effective.

Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times

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 stick around until water temperatures drop below 70 degrees. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. You can then use the water temperatures for the best times to fish.

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. Make sure to keep the speed up for these aggressive fish.

The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. The fish are abundant and still feeding 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. Try jigs and tube lures if you are looking for red or whiting while surfing. Spanish mackerel often swim offshore of bars.

FAQ

What size should my tackle box be

A large tackle chest is required to keep all your fishing gear. Tackle boxes range in size depending on the number of items stored inside.

Where can I find quality fishing guides?

Many services are provided by fishing guides. They can provide advice on which areas are most productive, give tips on catching specific kinds of fish, and even teach you how to use different types of fishing equipment.

How far should I go?

Cast your line as deep as possible. Make sure your arm is straight while casting a long line.

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)
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)