I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish 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 using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. 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 highly 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 ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 pounds. Here are some tips for using spoons in 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. If you are fishing in twilight, use a single hook rigged on a split ring. Do not use a treble hook, as it can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons in coastal waters has been a great way to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida. They make a great and delicious meal because of their quick swimming. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more likely to attract fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. Use a weedless pvc bait if you want to catch more.
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. To avoid the line from getting tangled, a swivel should be placed behind the diving planeer. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.
Hard-Baits
You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and shrimp are good drift baits. A large size hook is recommended for reducing the risk of cutoffs. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!
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. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. 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. They are durable and catch the fish from all depths of 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. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.
While you are fishing for Spanish mackerel, be prepared for a bit of competition. Prepare for battle and fight! Daniel Flinn, an expert on the subject, can give you some advice. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. You should also allow for other boats. Daniel Flinn is an insider who also recommends using his bobber.
Jigs
For big Spanish catches, it is important to select the right type of 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. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. Live shrimp makes a great choice if you prefer to use a live bait.
Spanish mackerel fishermen worry about their taste buds. Even though many anglers dislike eating them, they may enjoy cooking the fish right away. Spanish mackerel are known for being a bit fishy, so you should try to have it prepared as soon as possible. However, it is best to prepare the fish within 24 hours of its capture.
While jigs are effective for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, the best bait is a live fish. Capt Jim's favorite bait, according to him, is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. This bait mimics a small baitfish. White and olive are the best colors for him. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.
Inlets
Inlets around Fort Pierce have been producing good action for Spanish mackerel and other species. While fishing for Spanish mackerel, fishermen have also been reporting catches of Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. To catch Spanish mackerel, anglers will use spoons or jigs. Meanwhile, live shrimp are eating on the north shore. Live shrimp can also be a good option in the evening.
Spanish fish anglers will have better luck if they are able to target schools near reefs and inlets. Anglers should use long lines to troll along the edges of schools of fish. Fish will dive if they are running across or through them. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders in the early morning and later afternoon. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! You can find Spanish mackerel in Florida's best spots, including flats, passes and inlets. Bring your fishing poles.
These aggressive acrobats love inlets and bridges that are found along the coast. 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. It can be fished cast, or trolled. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.
Inlets in South Florida
If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Anglers can target Mackerel because they prefer to feed near the surface. When the water is shallow, troll your lure or live bait in the inlet. Look out for active diving birds as well as churned waters. If you spot a school, you've found a Spanish mackerel.
Fort Lauderdale might be a good choice if you are looking to find a great spot for fishing. 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 for more information about where to fish. You can also listen to the show live on the internet by searching for "Spanish Mackerel fishing in South Florida" and "Small Inlets."
Spanish mackerel can also be found along the coast near Flagler Bridge. 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
When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate in spring and fall. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. The NOAA website gives information about water temperatures for U.S. coastal areas. Then, you can use the water temperatures to determine the best times to fish for them.
If you want to surf fish for Spanish Mackerel, make sure there is clear water and calm seas. You want to catch these fish as soon as possible, so make sure you are at least two hours off the coast. Fish closer to shore if you prefer murky waters. Cast artificial lures using heavy fluorocarbon leaders in clear waters. These aggressive fish require speed.
The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. The fish are abundant and still feeding well. The rains that began in March have ceased, making it easier for fish to find the water. During this time, the waters are warm enough to support a few pompano. Tube lures and jigs are great options for whiting or redfishing in the surf. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.
FAQ
Is it safe to consume fish caught by others?
Always ask your seller where you bought your fish. If there is no expiration date on the fish, it is probably safe to eat. But, don't eat the fish if it smells or looks old.
How do I bait my hooks
Your hooks will be baited by attaching a piece if meat to its end. Attach the meat to the eye of the hook.
What happens to me if I'm caught fishing illegally?
You could face fines or jail time as well as losing your fishing permit. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.
Which rod should you choose?
Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This composite is strong and lightweight with excellent casting characteristics. To learn how to cast better, you will need to practice with graphite rods.
Statistics
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- 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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
External Links
How To
Why should you use spinning rods?
The spinning rod is useful when you need to throw your lure in the water and not have to get out of the boat. If you don't want your casts to take too long, a spinning rod is a good choice. A spinning rod will allow you to cast from any position, while maintaining control over your line. There are three major components to the rod; handle, butt and reel section. The handle is the part that holds the rod in your hand and grips the shaft. Attach the rod's end to the hook in the butt area. The reel seat is where the line is attached to the reel. There are many types of rods today. Some are designed to be used only for certain types of fishing, such as casting or trolling. Others are intended to be used for different purposes, such fly fishing or spin fishing, as well as bait fishing.
The type and species of fish that you are trying to catch will dictate the type of rod you use. You would need a heavy-duty rod if your goal is to catch large predatory fish like pike and bass. If you are fishing for smaller species, such a trout or salmon, a lighter weight rod may work better. You could even consider buying multiple rod sizes, depending on how large the fish you are trying to catch.
Spinning Rods aren't limited to freshwater fisherman. They can also be used for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning rods weigh more than their freshwater counterparts, as they need stronger materials to withstand saltwater's harsh conditions. Saltwater spinners have a longer rod length and a bigger diameter. They are able to cast farther distances thanks to this rod. You should be aware that saltwater fishing can have its drawbacks. Saltwater spinning reels come without reels, which is a big difference from freshwater rods. Instead, you will have to buy one separately. Secondly, they are typically quite expensive. A spinning rod is an option if you like to catch bigger fish.
A method of fishing that involves using a spinning rod and a weighted lure to cast into the water is called spin fishing. The weighted center of the lure turns as the lure moves through water. This causes the lure to move erratically in the water, making it difficult for fish to detect the lure. Fish may mistakenly consider the lure food and begin eating it. The lure will therefore attract more fish. The lure will then attract more fish to the angler's reel. After the lure has been recovered, the fisherman will be able to reel in the line until he captures the desired amount of fish.