Ocean Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing rigs

By Dylan Smith 23 June, 2023 7 mins read

When it comes to casting spoons or got-cha lures for Spanish mackerel fishing, there are a few things you should know about these rigs. Bucktails can come in various sizes. You can adjust the size of the bucktails to match the size of the baitfish you're pursuing.

Casting spoons

When choosing a rig, Spanish bass are a prime candidate. Casting spoons should have a large, flat body with no cupping, and a short overall length. Spanish bass prefer small baitfish and so a shiny, glossy finish is great for sunny days. For cloudy days, a matte finish will work well. You can rig your Spanish Bass fishing rig using a single hook on split rings. Use a single hook on a split ring. This will reduce the chance of missing strikes or a hiccup.

A metal casting bowl can catch a variety, but the primary species to aim for are Bluefish or Spanish mackerel. These species will generally be attracted by lures that are fast to retrieve. A jigging stick will give you a fluttering sound that attracts fish. A jigging spoon is also useful if you are fishing in a lake or river.

Spanish mackerel don't have very strong teeth and are attracted to light lures. Casting spoons with a light wire will keep the lure from breaking off during a fight. Spanish mackerel is small but can still be hooked using a triple hook. Your hand will be protected from the sharp teeth of the light wire. Your cast will be more effective if you have a smaller bait.

Got-Cha lures

A classic Gotcha lure is an excellent choice for catching Spanish mackerel schools. The treblehook bait will sink quickly and can be quickly retrieved. Jerking the rod tip creates a deadly darting action underwater. Spanish fish will not resist this darting action. Before you jig the lure, be sure it sinks to the bottom. To increase your chances at hooking a Spanish mackerel, aim to probe the whole water column with the lure.

You need to use Got-Cha lures in Spanish makerel fishing rigs. If you use a long leader, you may lose a lot of fish. If you use a medium-length leader, you may have trouble attracting a lot of Spanish mackerel. If you are fishing in a river or stream, you should fish with a shorter leader.

A diamond jig is the secret weapon of many charter boat captains. These jigs weigh only a few grams and can be used when Spanish mackerel consume glass minnows. They are enticed to strike with their flashy jigs. Diamond jigs should be trod but larger ones are best for vertical jigging.

Monofilament line

Although braided lines can be used on Spanish mackerel fishing rods, many anglers prefer monofilament line. Monofilament has a stretch to prevent the hook from pulling on the fish when it bites. These fish are not likely to bite a leader weighing 20 pounds because they live in open water. It is difficult to choose the right leader for you. This will depend on what type of Spanish mackerel your are looking to catch.

Monofilament line is more expensive but fluorocarbon lines are a better choice than monofilament. For baits and live trap angling, fluorocarbon line is better because it is undetectably submerged. Mono is less likely snap or fray if the fish bites. Additionally, it holds knots well. Mono is also much more flexible than fluoro, and it is less expensive.

Spanish mackerel are caught with live bait. Although you can use shrimp and baitfish, a live Sardinia is more effective. Spanish mackerel will prefer live bait that is flashy and quick-moving. Trolling spoons can be trolled at high speeds to cover a large area. Trolling is an ideal method of trolling when Spanish mackerel have stopped working on the surface.

Braided lines

It is essential to select the right leader for your catch and landing of fish. Every mistake you make when you are targeting Spanish fish will be magnified. Because it is light and doesn't feel bulky, a light graphite wire between 8-10 feet is the best. It can reach Spanish schools and will not feel too heavy. You can cast long distances with heavier wire, but it is not required.

Spanish mackerel will be attracted to a gotcha bait. This lure sinks quickly at the end of the cast, and jerking the tip causes a deadly darting action under the water. It is so dangerous that Spanish fish will eat it! Once you have retrieved the lure from water, place it in the bottom of the pool and check for any fish.

For fishing in Florida, you'll need a 8 to nine-weight fly rod with an excellent drag system. For fishing on the surface, a floating line will work best. A sinker or intermediate sinker will work well in deeper flats. A wire leader can block the fish's view. Monofilament leaders work well for surface fishing. However, Spanish mackerel can snag wire leaders.

Speck rigs

There are many ways to use Speck rigs for Spanish makers. You can catch some amazing Spanish regardless of whether you are a novice fisherman or a veteran. Pete suggests trolling a lure made of specks well behind your boat. The longer the line, it is better to troll the lure further behind the boat, so that the boat's engine doesn't disturb the bait. Another option is to use a free-spool small menhaden (known as peanut bunker, or pogy).

The speck rig can be fished from the beach or from a pier. Quarter casts of 45 degrees are recommended to get the best out of the speck rig. The "Water Walker" fishing gear can be used to fish from the shore. This replaces an in-line sinker, with a weighted popping cok. It allows fishes to mimic baitfish by flipping over the rig. Love Lures Speck Rigs is another popular Speck rig. It is composed of two jigs attached to dropper loops and an fluorocarbon leader that weighs 20 or 30 lbs.

Trolling around structures is one of most popular ways to catch these fish. Kingfish are found close to buoys and beaches. Baits that work well are alewives, small menhaden, live shrimp and alewives. If you are targeting them near structures, you can use a speck-rig with fresh shrimp or live shrimp. Trolls are the best way to catch Spanish mackerel. However, you can also use other lures.

Drifting

Knowing the basics of drifting for Spanish mackerel is essential. For your first drift, you will need a 30-foot leader. You can hand line it to your boat, but it is important to pay attention to where strikes are coming from. As you make 90-degree turns, your lures' speed will change. The speed of your lines will vary depending on which side you're turning. Match the speed of the lines that are catching more fish.

Drifting baits can be made from either live or artificial bait. There are many choices for bait fish, live shrimp and dead bait. You can also use split shot for drifting. You will need a long-shanked hook to decrease the risk of cutoffs. A 1/0 hook will work well. Using a 1/0 hook will allow you to cover a large area. Drifting can be used in both offshore and inshore waters.

You should also use artificial reefs to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can be found near the bottom of the Bay near tunnel tubes. You can also use baited plugs and cut bait if you're on a pier. Drifting live bait is the best way to fish for these species. In summer, you might also want to fish off Virginia's coast. Fish will attack metal spoons if the current is strong.

Live bait

If you're planning to use live bait to catch Spanish mackerel, you'll want to make sure to create the proper rig. Spanish mackerel fisherman rigs work in the same way as king mackerel. Instead of using one hook, two smaller bucktails will be used and a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails are either small or large, depending on the size of your baitfish.

You can use live bait as a shrimp, or small silvery fish. If you like, you can throw it into a school to break fish or let it drift across an open ocean. Chumping can also be used to strike a strike. Spanish mackerel are best caught with live bait. These fish are easy to clean, too, and you can find them at your local bait shop.

Artificial or live bait can be used to drift for Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective when drifting, but you can also use split shot to attract more Spanish mackerel. This type of hook works best because it reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 hook is ideal for all-around usage.

FAQ

What happens when I get caught illegally fishing

You could face penalties, jail time, or even losing your fishing license. Before you go fishing, it's important that you know the rules.

What are the different types of lures you can use?

Yes, there is a wide range of lures. Some lures are designed specifically for certain species of fish. Others mimic insects and frogs. There are many types of lures. Some lures are even designed to look like real bugs.

Are special clothing requirements for fishing?

You need protection from the elements. While fishing, a waders suits is often worn. Waders are waterproof trousers that cover the legs, feet and ankles. Wader suits may have boots attached. Other waders suit are made without boots.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
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)