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 opted for small jigs with 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 are easy to cast and can wiggle by themselves. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. Here are some tips about how to use spoons Florida.
When choosing a spoon, choose one that has a long, stocky body and is not 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. 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. They are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons will attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. If you want to catch more fish, you can use a weedless plastic bait.
You can also try trolling 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. Other options include a spoon umbrella rig. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.
Hard-Baits
When drifting for Spanish mackerel, anglers have the option to use either live or artificial baits. Bait fish and shrimp are good drift baits. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to reefs. Florida waters offer many opportunities for fishing for Spanish mackerel.
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. You can also use a spoon or hard bait. Flat-bottomed fish will be more likely to take your bait, and you'll have a better chance of hooking one.
Spoons, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. They are sturdy and catch the fish from every depth of the water column. Florida is very fond of Get-Cha lures. These lures include rattles built in that attract Spanish mackerel and can be quickly reeled into. Rat-L -Traps, MirrOdines and other baits can also be effective.
Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. Prepare for a fight. Daniel Flinn, an expert on the subject, can give you some advice. By visiting local marinas or reading fishing reports, you can find out the location of Spanish mackerel. Make sure to allow room for other boats. Daniel Flinn recommends using the bobber as well.
Jigs
A key step towards catching Spanish is selecting the right bait. This fish is easy to handle because of its slim, slender bodies. A long shank hook is best for tying a 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 are concerned about their taste. Many anglers don’t like eating them so you might want to cook the fish as soon as 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 recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.
While jigs in Florida are useful for Spanish mackerel fishing there, a live bait is better. Capt Jim says that the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait is his favorite bait. It mimics small bait fish well. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. Look for a color which is close to the natural colors of your area.
Inlets
Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided 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. 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.
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. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders during early morning and late afternoon. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. These minnows can be difficult to catch but they are worth it! Flats, passes, and inlets are the best places to catch Spanish mackerel. 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 abundant inshore and offshore and can be caught using a tube lure. One of the most effective lures is the Gotcha tube lure. You can fish it cast or trolled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.
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. If the water is very shallow, you can troll your lure and live bait in the inlet. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. If you spot a school, you've found a Spanish mackerel.
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. Capt. Capt. 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."
The Flagler Bridge is a great spot to find Spanish mackerel. Anglers have other options. From the Boynton area to Flagler Bridge, you can catch flounder, jack crevalle and sandperch. Fishing with trolling spoons or yellow feathers has proven to be effective.
Best time to surf fish Spanish mackerel
When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate to spring and fall. They should show up once the water temperatures have reached 70 degrees. They will stick around until water temperatures drop below 70 degrees. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.
For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. 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 in clear water using a heavy fluorocarbon leader. These fish are aggressive and will not slow down if you keep them moving.
Most experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish in the inshore waters of the Florida Panhandle in April. The fish are abundant and still feeding well. The March rains have ended, which has made it easier for the fish to find 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
To fish, do you need a rod?
Yes. A bobber keeps the bait safe from being taken by other fisherman when they are fishing. The bobber is made up of the float as well as the line. To cast a lure, attach the hook to one end of the line. Then, pull the rod out and release the line. The lure can sink in the water if the bobber isn't used.
What kind of gear do you need for fishing?
A rod, reel with line, hooks and bait, as well as some snacks. Casting, setting up a hook and using a bobber are essential skills for catching fish. The most important thing is patience and waiting for the right moment to strike.
How deep should my line go?
Cast your line as deep as possible. Make sure your arm is straight while casting a long line.
What should I wear while fishing?
Protect yourself from the elements by wearing clothes. You can protect yourself from the elements with gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Also, bring along insect repellent.
Which rod should you choose?
Graphite fiberglass composite makes the best fly fishing rod. This material is strong, lightweight and has great casting properties. To learn how to cast better, you will need to practice with graphite rods.
What happens if I am caught illegally fishing?
Fines, jail time and even the loss of your fishing licence could be your options. Before you go out fishing, it's crucial that you understand the rules.
Statistics
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Spot
Knowing what kind of fish is best for you to find the best fishing spots is essential. You need to decide if you want deep sea fishing, or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing will require a boat which is costly. Shallow water fishing is done from shore, so there's no cost involved. Deep water fishing would be the best option for trout fishermen. You'll need to travel to deeper water if you are looking for barracuda.
Depending on what you prefer, there are many options for fishing spots. Some places offer just one type of fishing; others offer several. 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? If so, you might be interested in a spot near a lake. Are you more interested in city life? Maybe you prefer to be on the beach. You might enjoy canoeing and sailing, scubadiving, kayaking, and surfing.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking 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." This will give you many options. You can narrow down your options by reading customer reviews and rating. You can do this on many websites.
Once you've chosen a place, go to it before you leave. Because sometimes getting there can take you longer than you anticipated, make sure to have directions. It is important to take everything you might 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 changes, you might want to change your plans.
You can now plan your trip once you know where you are going. Next, decide what fish you want to catch.