Lake Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Mike Richardson 04/06/2022 6 mins read

I had very limited success using the standard lures when I was fishing for spanish mackerel 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 with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I used small jigs which had a attached worm.

Spoons

Spoons are an excellent tool to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons are easy to cast and can wiggle by themselves. They are ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.

When choosing a spoon, choose one that has a long, stocky body and is not too long. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. For sunny days, the spoons should be shiny and matte. A single hook should be used if you are fishing at night. A treble hook can lead to missed strikes.

Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. Their fast swimming action makes them an enjoyable and tasty meal. You will find great action in St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish can also be caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons will attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can also use a weedless, plastic bait to catch more fish.

Trolling for Spanish mackerel is also an option. 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. A spoon umbrella rig is another option. Trolling should be limited to seven miles per annum. This will reduce your catch rate.

Hard-Baits

For Spanish mackerel drifting, anglers can use live and artificial baits. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. A large hook is recommended to lower the likelihood of cutoffs. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters can provide great opportunities to fish for Spanish mackerel.

A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. 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.

Spoons and Got-Cha lures are effective for 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 and MirrOdines are also highly effective.

When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Be prepared for a fight. You can learn from experts like Daniel Flinn. Check out fishing reports and local marinas to find out the exact location of Spanish mackerel. Don't forget to leave room for other boats. Daniel Flinn is an insider who also recommends using his bobber.

Jigs

Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. Use a long shank hook when you tie your hook. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.

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 known for being a bit fishy, so you should try to have it prepared as soon as possible. It is recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.

While jigs work well in Florida for Spanish mackerel fish fishing, they are not the best. Capt Jim's favorite bait is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait, which he says is a great mimic of a small bait fish. For him, olive and white work best. 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. 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.

Spanish fish anglers have the best chance of success if they aim for schools within close proximity to inlets and reefs. 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. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.

Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Silverside minnows are abundant in the waters offshore, which Spanish mackerel enjoy eating. It can be hard to catch them, but it is worth the effort. Flats, passes, and inlets are the best places to catch Spanish mackerel. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!

These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located along the coast. These fish are prolific inshore and offshore, and can be caught by casting and trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can either be fished cast or trombled. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Anglers can target Mackerel because they prefer to feed near the surface. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. 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. 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 live online by searching "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida" or "Small Inlets."

A great place to look for Spanish mackerel in Florida is near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers may also be able to target other species in the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area up to the Flagler Bridge, flounder, jack crevalle, or sand perch can all be caught. Fishing with yellow feathers and trolling spoons have been effective.

When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel?

When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate to spring and fall. When water temperatures hit 70 degrees, they should start to show up. They will continue to appear until the water temperature drops below 70°F. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. Then, you can use the water temperatures to determine the best times to fish for them.

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. For the best chances of catching these fish you need to fish at least 2 hours offshore. If you prefer murky or muddy water, you should fish closer to the shore. Cast artificial lures in clear water using a heavy fluorocarbon leader. These aggressive fish require speed.

The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. The fish are still abundant and eating well there. The March rains have ended, which has made it easier for the fish to find water. 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

How often should I change my lures

Lures should be changed every few days. After too much exposure to the sun, lures will lose their effectiveness.

What is the ideal length of a fishing rod?

The right fishing rod length depends on what kind of fish you want to catch. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. A 7'5" rod would be better if your goal is largemouth bass.

What type of fishing permit do I require?

You must have a fishing licence if you want to fish in state waters (e.g. lakes, rivers, or bays). State laws require anglers to obtain a valid fishing license before fishing. If you are planning to fish in federal waters (e.g. oceans, Great Lakes etc.), you will need a fishing license. A fishing license is not required. You must check with your local authorities if you plan on taking any fish home.

Statistics

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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)