I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. I found that 1- to 1.5-ounce, metal jigs were a better choice but still didn't catch my target fish. I also tried spoons (inlets, worms) and spoons. However, none of these methods worked. Instead, I opted for small jigs with a worm attached.
Spoons
Spoons are an excellent tool to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely efficient at catching these fish. Spoons can move freely on their own and you can cast them far, covering a lot water. They are perfect for catching kingfish which can weigh up to thirty pounds. These are some tips on 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. Shiny spoons are best for sunny days and matte ones for rainy days. If you are fishing in twilight, use a single hook rigged on a split ring. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons along the coast has been an excellent way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are a tasty and enjoyable meal due to their fast swimming speed. There is plenty of action in St. Augustine, Matanzas and elsewhere. Beach fishermen also have good success catching these fish. Cast spoons will attract more fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. A weedless plastic lure is a better option if you are looking to catch more fish.
You could also trolling for Spanish mackerel. To do this, tie a small spoon onto the planer and attach a 30 pound leader to it. To avoid the line from getting tangled, a swivel should be placed behind the diving planeer. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. Trolling at speeds of seven miles an hour is a good idea, since this can lead to a lower catch rate.
Hard-Baits
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. A large size hook is recommended for reducing the risk of cutoffs. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters can offer great fishing opportunities.
A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. These baits can be used to locate Spanish mackerel both in the Atlantic and 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 as well as Got-Cha lures make it easy to catch 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 feature built-in rattles to attract Spanish mackerel. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.
You should be ready for some competition when you're fishing for Spanish mackerel. Prepare for a fight. Experts like Daniel Flinn can help you. Find out where Spanish mackerel are at sea by visiting local marinas and reading fishing reports. Be sure to allow space for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider, also suggests using a Bobber.
Jigs
For big Spanish catches, it is important to select the right type of jig. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. A long shank hook is best for tying a hook. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. You can also use live shrimp as a bait if you prefer.
One of the main concerns for Spanish mackerel fishermen is the 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 are notorious for being a bit fishy. You should prepare it as soon as possible. However, it is recommended to cook the fish within 24 hours of 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. White and olive are the best colors for him. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.
Inlets
Fort Pierce has been producing great action for Spanish mackerel as well as other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. While Spanish mackerel are being targeted by anglers using spoons and/or jigs, the northern jetty is home to live shrimp. 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. Long lines should be used to troll along a school's edge. Running through or across schools of fish can cause them to dive. This will result in missed opportunities. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.
Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Spanish mackerel love silverside minnows. Inshore waters are rich with them. While they can be difficult to catch, the reward is well worth it. The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, and inlets. 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 best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. It can be fished cast, or trolled. You might also like to try fishing from causeways and piers.
Inlets in South Florida
For fishing south Florida's coast waters, inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing can be a great option. Anglers are prime targets because Mackerel prefer to feed close to the surface. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Look out for active diving birds as well as churned waters. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.
Fort Lauderdale might be a good choice if you are looking to find a great spot for fishing. 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. Visit their website to find out more about where you can fish. You can also listen online to the show by searching the keywords "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida” and "Small Inlets".
Spanish mackerel can also be found along the coast near Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also fish for other species along 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.
Best times to surf fish for Spanish mackerel
What is the best time of year to surf fish for Spanish mackerel in Spain? Mackerel migrate from spring to 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 these water temperatures to determine when is the best time to fish.
If you want to surf fish for Spanish Mackerel, make sure there is clear water and calm seas. To maximize your chances of catching these fish, you should fish at least two hours offshore. Fish closer to shore if you prefer murky waters. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into clear water. These aggressive fish will require you to maintain a high speed.
Most surf fishermen inexperienced prefer to fish the inshore waters off the Florida Panhandle in April. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish to find water. The waters are warmer enough to support a few sandpipers during this time. You can use jigs or tube lures to find red and whiting in surf. Spanish mackerel are known to be a bit more aggressive than the bars.
FAQ
How do you bait your hooks?
You can bait your hooks by attaching a piece de meat to the end of your hook. Tie the meat around the hook's eye.
What is the ideal length of a fishing rod?
The type of fish that you are trying to catch is a key factor in the length and style of your fishing rod. A 6'6' rod would work best if you are looking for smallmouth Bass. A 7'5" rod would be better if your goal is largemouth bass.
Are there special clothes I should wear when fishing?
You need protection from the elements. A waders suit is usually worn while fishing. Waders are waterproof trousers that cover the legs, feet and ankles. Wader suits can be purchased with boots. Others wader suits can be used without boots.
How often should I change my lures?
Change your lures once a day. Lures tend to lose effectiveness after being left out in the sun too long.
Are there different types or lures?
Yes, there is a wide range of lures. Some lures are designed specifically for certain species of fish. Others are made to imitate insects, worms, frogs, crayfish, grasshoppers, etc. There are many types of lures. Some lures are even shaped like real bugs.
Which rod should I choose?
Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This composite is strong and lightweight with excellent casting characteristics. To be able to cast better with graphite, you need to practice.
How long does it take to catch fish?
It depends on the size and skill level of your fisherman. A fish can be caught in between one and an hour. The better your chances of landing a big fish are, the longer you wait.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Why would you want to use a spinning rod instead?
Spinning rods are used to cast your lure into water without having to leave the boat. It's a great choice if you don't want to lose too much time getting back into the boat after every cast. A spinning rod will allow you to cast from any position, while maintaining control over your line. The rod consists of three main components: the handle and the reel seat. You hold the rod with your fingers and grip the shaft. The rod's tip is attached to the hook at the butt section. Finally, the reel's seat holds the line and the reel. There are many options for rods. Some rods are made for fishing specific techniques, like trolling or casting. Others can be used in a variety ways, such as fly fishing and spin fishing.
The type of fish that will be caught determines the type and size of the rod. For example, if you intend to catch large predatory species like pike or bass, you'll need a heavy-duty fishing rod. For smaller species, like salmon and trout, a lighter-weight rod might be better. You could even go so far as to buy several rod sizes depending on how big the fish you hope to catch is.
Spinning Rods can be used for more than just freshwater fishing. They are commonly used for saltwater fishing too. Saltwater spinningrods are heavier than their freshwater counterparts. They require stronger materials in order to withstand saltwater. Saltwater spinners are more likely to use a longer length rod and have a wider diameter. They are able to cast farther distances thanks to this rod. A spinning rod is not the best choice for saltwater fishing. First, unlike freshwater spinning rods, saltwater ones do not come with reels. You will need to purchase one on its own. They are also quite costly. A spinning rod is an option if you like to catch bigger fish.
A spin fishing method is when a fisherman uses his spinning rod to cast a weighted lure in the water. When the lure moves through the water it turns around its weighted center point. This causes the lure's motion to be unpredictable in the water and makes it difficult for fishes to see. Fish may mistakenly consider the lure food and begin eating it. It will then attract more fish to the lure. The lure's line can then be reeled in by a fisherman. Once the lure is recovered, the fisherman may continue this process until he has caught all the fish he desires.