I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish in Florida. 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 tried spoons, inlets and worms but none of them worked. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.
Spoons
Spoons are an excellent tool to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely effective in catching these fish. Spoons can be cast far and covered a lot of water. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips about how to use spoons Florida.
If you are looking for a spoon to use, make sure it has a large, well-built body that isn't too long. Spanish bass may be attracted by spoons with a long, thin body. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on 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 in coastal waters has been a great way to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida. Their fast swimming action makes them an enjoyable and tasty meal. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons tend to attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. You can also use a weedless, plastic bait to catch more fish.
Trolling is another option to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this, tie a small spoon onto the planer and attach a 30 pound leader to it. A swivel behind your diving planer is required to prevent the line from getting tangled. Another option is a spoon umbrella. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low catch rate.
Hard-Baits
You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the water. To reduce cutoffs, it is best to use a large-sized hook. For casting to the reefs, a 1/0 hook is a good choice. Florida waters offer many opportunities for fishing for Spanish mackerel.
Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits can be used in both the Atlantic and Gulf to find Spanish mackerel. Another option is to use a spoon, or a hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits will cover more water, which increases the odds of hooking a Spanish mackerel.
Spoons, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. These lures are long-lasting and can be used to catch fish at any depth in the water column. 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. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be challenging so be ready to face some stiff 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. You should also allow for other boats. Daniel Flinn recommends using the bobber as well.
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. When tying a hook, you should use a hook with a long shank. For the best results, you can use trebles hooks with long leaders. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.
Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their 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 is known for being quite fishy so make sure to get it cooked as soon possible. However, it is recommended to cook the fish within 24 hours of catching it.
While jigs are effective for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, the best bait is a live fish. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of 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 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. You can also find live shrimp in the evening.
Spanish fish anglers will have better luck if they are able to target schools near reefs and inlets. The best way to catch fish is to use long lines and troll around the edge of the school. If the fish are moving through the school or across it, they will dive. Inlets are ideal for winter Spanish mackerel fishing.
Spanish mackerel can be aggressive feeders at both the dawn and dusk. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. Although they can be difficult to catch, you will be rewarded! You can find Spanish mackerel in Florida's best spots, including flats, passes and inlets. Bring your fishing poles.
These aggressive acrobats love inlets and bridges that are found along the coast. These fish can be caught inshore or offshore by trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can be fished cast or trolled. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.
Inlets in South Florida
Fishing south Florida's beaches is easy with the Spanish Mackerel Inlets. Anglers are prime targets because Mackerel prefer to feed close to the surface. You can fish your lure or live bait into the inlet if the water level is low. Look out for active diving birds as well as churned waters. Spanish mackerel are easy to spot.
Fort Lauderdale may be the place to go if your goal is to find great fishing spots. Capt. The weekly fishing report of Norm Bekoff on Fox Sports 940 Miami can be viewed online and also broadcast live on Nautical Ventures Facebook page. Visit their website for more information about where to fish. You can also listen live online by searching "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida" or "Small Inlets."
Spanish mackerel can also found near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers may also be able to target other species in the Intracoastal Waterway. 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 times to surf fish for Spanish mackerel
Which is the best time for Spanish mackerel surf fishing? Mackerel migrate from spring to fall. They should begin to appear when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. The NOAA website gives information about water temperatures for U.S. coastal areas. You can then use these water temperatures to determine when is the best time to fish.
When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. To maximize your chances of catching these fish, you should fish at least two hours offshore. If you prefer murky water, fish close to shore. In clear water, cast artificial lures with 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 rains that had begun in March have stopped, making it easier 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 often swim offshore of bars.
FAQ
Can I fish in the morning?
Yes, you can fish anytime of the day. You can only fish during bans.
Is it necessary to wear special clothing for fishing?
You need protection from the elements. Fishing requires the use of a waders suit. Waders, which are waterproof pants that cover the legs or feet, are waterproof pants. Wader suits can be purchased with boots. Some wader suits come with boots, while others can be worn without them.
What is the best way to get my kids hooked on fishing?
Absolutely! Kids love to fish. Most children who grow up fishing never stop doing so. Encourage your child to learn how to fish. For example, you could teach them how to tie knots, build a fishing pole, and learn about fishing etiquette. It is possible to show them pictures of fish and tell stories about fishing.
Are there any restrictions on when I can fish?
Yes, but make sure to use artificial light. Fisherman use artificial lighting to attract them. These lights work best after the sun sets because fish are more active at night.
What happens if I get caught fishing illegally?
You could face fines or jail time as well as losing your fishing permit. Before you start fishing, it is important to be familiar with the rules.
How can I tell if my lures are working?
Look out for movement as you cast your lure into water. If your lure moves, it is functioning properly.
How big should my tackle bag be?
You will need ample storage space for all your fishing gear so a large tacklebox is important. Tackle boxes range in size depending on the number of items stored inside.
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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
External Links
How To
How to fish in freshwater
Freshwater fishing means catching fish from freshwater streams, lakes and rivers. Common fish species include bass, catfish and crappie as well as trout, trout, sunfish and walleye. These fish can be caught using a variety of methods. Some popular methods include casting, trolling, jigging, spinnerbaits, flyfishing, baitcasting, and ice fishing.
Finding the right location to catch fish is an important step. This usually means choosing a spot near your water supply. Next, you need to decide on the type of equipment that you want.
Live bait should look like food to fish, so that they will eat it. Live bait is made up of worms (minnows), crickets (frogs), bloodworms (bloodworms), grasshoppers, and any other small insects.
Artificial lures can also be used. They are made from plastics, woods, feathers or metals. Artificial lures come in many shapes and sizes. Artificial lures can mimic natural prey such as minnows and crawfish or shiners and grubs. People prefer to use lures as they don't require any skill to cast them in the water. Easy to set up, and easy to retrieve when they reach their target.
You might want to learn how to cast if you don’t want live bait or want to try new techniques. Casting is one of most effective ways to catch fish. Casting requires little effort and does not require any special skills.
All you need is a rod, reel, line, sinkers, floatant, hooks, and possibly weights. A simple pole can be used to cast. Casting is as easy as holding the rod vertically high above the water. Then you slowly lower the tip of the rod until it touches the water. Once it touches the water, the line will begin to unwind from your reel. After the line reaches its maximum length, let go of the rod. The lure will then fall back into water.
Trolling is another method of catching fish. Trolling is the use of a boat to transport a lure across the water.
Fishing can be fun and rewarding. There are many kinds of fishing and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Some techniques are easier than others. However, they require patience and practice.