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Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Dylan Smith 13 December, 2022 6 mins read

I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. 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 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. These spoons are very effective in catching these fish. Spoons can be cast far and covered a lot of water. They are perfect for catching kingfish which can weigh up to thirty pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.

Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. 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. It can result in missed strikes if you use a double hook.

Casting spoons on the coast waters is a great and easy way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are a tasty and enjoyable meal due to their fast swimming speed. You'll find plenty of action around St. Augustine as well as Matanzas. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. 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 for Spanish mackerel is also an option. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. To avoid tangling the line, you will need to swivel behind a diving planer. Other options include a spoon umbrella rig. Trolling is best done at seven miles an hours. If you exceed this speed, your catch rate will be low.

Hard-Baits

For Spanish mackerel drifting, anglers can use live and artificial baits. Bait fish and shrimp are good drift baits. It is advisable to use a large hook to reduce the chance of cutting offs. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.

A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. These baits can be used to locate Spanish mackerel both in the Atlantic and Gulf. Another option is to use a spoon, or a hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits cover more water which increases your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

Spoons as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch Spanish mackerel. They are strong and can catch fish from all depths of water. 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.

While you are fishing for Spanish mackerel, be prepared for a bit of competition. You should be ready for battles and fights! 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. Don't forget to leave room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider member, recommends using abobber.

Jigs

A key step towards catching Spanish is selecting the right bait. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. 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.

One of the main concerns for Spanish mackerel fishermen is the taste. Although many anglers do not enjoy the taste of Spanish mackerel, it is worth considering cooking the fish the day after you catch it. Spanish mackerel have a reputation for being very fishy. Therefore, it is important to have the fish ready as soon you can. It is best to cook the fish within 24hrs of it being caught.

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. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided 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 are also available during the evening.

Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near inlets and reefs. They should use long lines that run along the edge or near the school to get the best results. The fish will dive if the line runs through or across the school. Ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fish fishing are inlets.

Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. These minnows can be difficult to catch but they are worth it! The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, and inlets. Make sure to bring your fishing gear!

These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located 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. You can cast it or troll it. Fishing off causeways or piers is another option.

Inlets in South Florida

Fishing south Florida's beaches is easy with the Spanish Mackerel Inlets. Anglers can target Mackerel because they prefer to feed near the surface. You can fish your lure or live bait into the inlet if the water level is low. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. Spanish mackerel can be spotted in schools.

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."

Another great place to find Spanish mackerel is along the shoreline near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also fish for other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. Fishing with yellow feathers and trolling spoons have been effective.

Best times to surf fish for Spanish mackerel

Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate between spring and autumn. They should show up once the water temperatures have reached 70 degrees. They will stick around until water temperatures drop below 70 degrees. On the NOAA website, you can find out the water temperature for the coasts of the U.S. 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. To maximize your chances of catching these fish, you should fish at least two hours offshore. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the shore. Cast artificial lures using heavy fluorocarbon leaders in clear waters. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.

Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. The fish are still abundant and eating well there. 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. Try jigs and tube lures if you are looking for red or whiting while surfing. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.

FAQ

Which rod should i choose?

Graphite composite is the best rod for fly-fishing. This material is lightweight and strong with great casting capabilities. You must practice using a graphite rod to learn how to cast better.

Where can I find good fishing spots?

There are lots of places to fish all over the world. Fishing is a popular pastime in many places, including public parks, private lakes, rivers, streams, or other bodies of water.

How long does it take to become an expert fisherman?

You will need years of experience to become an expert fisherman. Learning new techniques and improving your skills will help you become a more successful fisherman.

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)
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)