The usual lures didn't work well for me when I tried spanish mackerel fishing with them in Florida. I found that 1 to 1.5-ounce metal jigs were a better choice, but they still didn't catch the fish that I was looking for. I also tried spoons and inlets but they didn't work. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.
Spoons
Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. These spoons are very effective in catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. They are perfect for catching kingfish which can weigh up to thirty pounds. These are some tips on how to use spoons Florida.
Pick a spoon that is long and stocky. It should also not be too short. Spanish bass will love spoons that have a thin and long body. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. For fishing in the dark, you should use a single-hook rigged with a split ring. It can result in missed strikes if you use a double hook.
Casting spoons into the Florida coast has been a great method to catch Spanish mackerel. Their fast swimming action makes them an enjoyable and tasty meal. 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 tend to attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can catch more fish with a weedless bait.
You can also try trolling to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this, tie a small spoon onto the planer and attach a 30 pound leader to it. 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
Anglers can utilize live or artificial baits when drifting for Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. If you are casting to the reefs, 1/0 is a good all-around size. Fishing for Spanish mackerel in Florida waters can be a great adventure, so make sure you take advantage of the many possibilities!
A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. These baits can be used in both the Atlantic and Gulf to find Spanish mackerel. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. Flat-bottomed baits cover more water which increases your chances of hooking a 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 a favorite place to use Get-Cha lures. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be challenging so be ready to face some stiff competition. You should be ready for battles and fights! Daniel Flinn is an expert. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. You should also allow for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider, also suggests using a Bobber.
Jigs
The first step to catching big Spanish fish is choosing the right jig. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.
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 notorious for being a bit fishy. You should prepare it as soon as possible. It is best to cook the mackerel within 24 hours after it has been caught.
Although jigs can work well for Spanish mackerel fishing, live bait is the best. Capt Jim's favorite bait, according to him, is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. This bait mimics a small baitfish. Olive and white are his favorite colors. Consider a color that resembles the local forage.
Inlets
Inlets around Fort Pierce have been producing good action for Spanish mackerel and other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. Live shrimp can also be a good option in the evening.
Spanish fish anglers are more likely to succeed if they fish for them in schools close to reefs or inlets. They should use long lines that troll along the edge of a school, as running through or across a school of fish will cause the fish to dive, which will only lead to missed bites. Inlets are ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fishing.
Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. Although they can be difficult to catch, you will be rewarded! These are the best areas to find Spanish mackerel anywhere in Florida. Make sure to bring your fishing gear!
Inlets and bridges along the coast can be great places to capture these aggressive acrobats. These fish can be caught inshore or offshore by trolling a tube lure. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. You can fish it cast or trolled. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.
Inlets in South Florida
If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Anglers should be aware that Mackerel feed close to the surface and are a good target. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. Spanish mackerels can be found in schools.
Fort Lauderdale may be the place to go if your goal is to find great fishing spots. Capt. For example, Capt. Their website has more information about where to 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 be found along the coast near Flagler Bridge. Anglers have other options. Flounder, jack crevalle, and sand perch are all commonly caught from the Boynton area to the Flagler Bridge. 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 show up once the water temperatures have reached 70 degrees. They will not leave the area until it drops to 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.
When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. You want to catch these fish as soon as possible, so make sure you are at least two hours off the coast. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the shore. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. These fish are aggressive and will not slow down if you keep them moving.
Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during 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 warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. If you're in search of red or whiting in the surf, try a tube lure or jigs. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.
FAQ
How deep should I go with my line?
Cast your line as deep as possible. To ensure the line doesn't twist, your arm should be straightened when casting a slender line.
How can I tell if my lure is working?
If your lure is moving when you place it in the water, pay attention. If your lure moves, it is functioning properly.
Is it safe for me to eat fish that has been caught by another person?
Always check with the seller to see if there is a freshness date. 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.
What are the different types of lures you can use?
Yes, there are many kinds of lures. Some lures are specifically made for certain fish species. Some lures mimic insects, frogs or crayfish while others are designed to mimic grasshoppers, worms, and other frogs. Lures come in many sizes and shapes. Some lures are even shaped like real bugs.
Statistics
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- 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
Finding the Best Fishing Spot
It is important to know the type of fish that you are looking for in order to find the best spots for fishing. You need to decide if you want deep sea fishing, or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing requires a boat. This is expensive. Shallow water fishing can be done from shore and is therefore free of cost. Deep water fishing would be the best option for trout fishermen. However, if your goal is to catch barracuda you will have to venture out into deeper waters.
Depending on your preference, there are many types of fishing spots. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. For example, some places are known for their bass fishing while others specialize in fly fishing. Some places are well-known for their shark fishing and crabbing.
It all depends on what you enjoy doing, your budget and how long you plan to stay. Do you enjoy camping? Then you might want to check out a place near a lake. Are you more interested in city life? You might prefer the beach. Maybe you enjoy the beach, kayaking, canoeing or sailing.
It doesn't matter if you don’t know anything about fishing. You could always ask someone who does. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You could even try searching online for "fishing spots near me." You will get many ideas. It would be wonderful if you could narrow your selections by reviewing and rating each product. This is possible on a variety of websites.
After you have chosen a location, you should make it a point to visit it before you go. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. Be sure to have all you will need. Make sure to pack your bait, tackle box and sunscreen.
It's also a good idea to research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. Look at the forecast to determine when is the best time to fish. If the weather is changing, it's a good idea to make changes to your plans.
You can now plan your trip once you know where you are going. The next step is to decide what kind of fish you will be using.