When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. Although they were more effective, I found 1 to 1.5-ounce metal lures to be a better option. However, they didn't catch the fish I was after. I also tried spoons with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.
Spoons
If you are interested in catching Spanish Mackerel in Florida, you should consider using spoons. They are extremely effective in catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips for using spoons in Florida.
Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass will be attracted to spoons with long and thin bodies. For sunny days, the spoons should be shiny and matte. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons in the Florida coast is a great way of catching Spanish mackerel. Their quick swimming makes them a delicious and enjoyable fish. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. These fish are also caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. Use a weedless pvc bait if you want to catch more.
You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. To avoid tangling the line, you will need to swivel behind a diving planer. A spoon umbrella rig is another option. Trolling is best done at seven miles an hours. If you exceed this speed, your catch rate will be low.
Hard-Baits
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Drift baits are made from live shrimp or bait fish. These baits are often chummed in salt water. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to reefs. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.
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. Also, you can use a spoon and hard bait. 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 tough and catch the fish at all depths. Florida's most popular lure is the Get-Cha. These lures have built-in rattles that attract Spanish mackerel as they are reeled in quickly. Other baits such as MirrOdines and Rat-L-Traps are also very effective.
When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Be prepared for a fight. Learn from experts such as Daniel Flinn. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. Remember to make room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider member, recommends using abobber.
Jigs
Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. These fish have a slim and slender body, which makes it easy to handle. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.
Spanish mackerel fishermen worry about their taste buds. You may not like the taste, so it's a good idea to prepare the fish for cooking right after you catch them. Spanish mackerel have a reputation for being very fishy. Therefore, it is important to have the fish ready as soon you can. However, it is recommended to cook the fish within 24 hours of catching it.
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. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.
Inlets
Fort Pierce's inlets have seen good fishing for Spanish mackerel, and other species. Fisherman are reporting catch reports of Redfish, Sheepshead and Black Drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. The best way to catch Spanish mackerel is for anglers to use spoons or lures. Live shrimp can be found on the north side of the jetty. Live shrimp are also an option.
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. Inlets are ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fishing.
Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Silverside minnows are abundant in the waters offshore, which Spanish mackerel enjoy eating. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. Don't forget your fishing poles!
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. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. You can fish it cast or trolled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.
Inlets in South Florida
Fishing south Florida's beaches is easy with the Spanish Mackerel Inlets. Anglers have a prime opportunity to catch Mackerel as they tend to feed close the surface. Troll your lure or live bait when the water is shallow. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.
If you are looking for a great fishing location, you might want to try Fort Lauderdale. 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. From the Boynton to Flagler Bridge area, fish such as flounder, Jack Crevalle, and Sand Perch are all common. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel is best done at night
When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They should begin to appear when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. They will continue to appear until the water temperature drops below 70°F. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. You can then use the water temperatures for the best times to fish.
Choose calm water and clear waters when surfing for Spanish mackerel. For the best chances of catching these fish you need to fish at least 2 hours offshore. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into clear water. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.
Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. There are plenty of fish and they are eating well. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish to find water. The waters are warm enough for a few pompano to survive during this period. A tube lure or jig is a good option if you want to catch red or white whiting in the surf. Spanish mackerel prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.
FAQ
Are there special clothes I should wear when fishing?
You will need clothing that is waterproof to protect you from the elements. While fishing, you will often wear a waders costume. Waders, which are waterproof pants that cover the legs or feet, are waterproof pants. Wader suits are sometimes equipped with boots. Other waders suits are designed to be used without boots.
How much can I afford to buy fishing gear?
Fishing gear doesn't need to cost a lot. You can find many affordable options. A cheap hook, line, and reel could be your best option. You could also invest in a rod and reel set.
What is the best season to fish?
It is best to fish in the morning or at night. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.
Where can I get good fishing guides?"
Many services are provided by fishing guides. A fishing guide can offer advice on where to catch the most fish, provide tips on how you catch them, and even teach you how they use different types or equipment.
What is the best fishing spot?
The best place to fish is near freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, etc. These areas are rich in fish food.
What kind of fishing licence do I need?
You will need a fishing permit if your plan is to fish on state waters (i.e. the lakes, rivers and beaches). Fishing licenses are required by law in every state. You must have a valid fishing license if you intend to fish in federal waters, such as the Great Lakes and oceans. A fishing license is not necessary. However, you will need to check with the authorities before you take any fish home.
Which rod should I choose?"
Graphite fiberglass composite makes the best fly fishing rod. This material is strong, lightweight and has great casting properties. You will be able cast better if you practice with graphite.
Statistics
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- 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
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. It's important to decide if deep sea fishing is for you or shallow water. Deep sea fishing is expensive and requires a boat. It's possible to fish from the shore for shallow water, which is free. If you are looking to catch trout, shallow water fishing is your best choice. If you want to catch barracuda however, you will need to go deeper.
You can choose from many different kinds of fishing spots depending on your preferences. Some places only offer one type, while others offer multiple options. For example, some places are known for their bass fishing while others specialize in fly fishing. Others are known for their shark fishing, crabbing, and other activities.
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. Do you prefer city life? Perhaps you prefer the beaches. You might even enjoy taking part in a sport such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, or surfing.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They can tell you everything, even where to go.
You can also search online for "fishing spots nearby me" This will give many options. You can narrow down your options by reading customer reviews and rating. This is possible on a variety of websites.
Once you've chosen a place, go to it before you leave. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. Be sure to have all you will need. Also, don't forget to pack your tackle box, bait, as well as sunscreen.
Researching the weather conditions is a great idea. You can check the weather forecast to find the best times to go. Changes in the weather can cause you to alter your plans.
Once you have a good idea of where you want to go, it's time to start planning your trip. The next step in planning your trip is to choose what type of fish you are going to use.