When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. Although I found them to be more effective than the usual lures, I still couldn't catch any of the fish I was after using them. I also tried spoons with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I opted for small jigs with a worm attached.
Spoons
Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are extremely effective at catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. Here are some tips for using spoons in Florida.
A spoon should have a long, sturdy body, and not be too long. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. They should be shiny in bright sunlight and matte on cloudy days. You can fish in the twilight with a single hook that is rigged on split rings. It can result in missed strikes if you use a double hook.
Casting spoons on the coast waters is a great and easy way to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They make a great and delicious meal because of their quick swimming. There is plenty of action in St. Augustine, Matanzas and elsewhere. These fish can also be caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more likely to attract fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. If you want to catch more fish, you can use a weedless plastic bait.
You can also try trolling to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this tie a small spoon at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. A swivel behind the diving planer is necessary to avoid tangling the line. An umbrella spoon rig is also an 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. Bait fish and shrimp are good drift baits. A large size hook is recommended for reducing the risk of cutoffs. If you are casting to the reefs, 1/0 is a good all-around size. 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 effective for locating Spanish mackerel in both the Gulf and Atlantic. You can also use a spoon or 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 sturdy and catch the fish from every depth of the water column. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures feature built-in rattles to attract Spanish mackerel. Rat-L–Traps and MirrOdines are also highly effective.
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be challenging so be ready to face some stiff competition. Be prepared for a fight. Experts like Daniel Flinn can help you. 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 is an insider who also recommends using his bobber.
Jigs
A key step towards catching Spanish is selecting the right bait. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. You should tie a hook with an extended shank when tying it. For best results, treble hooks can be used with a long leader. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.
Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their taste. 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. However, it is best to prepare the fish within 24 hours of its capture.
While using jigs for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida can be effective, some of the best bait is a live one. Capt Jim says that the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait is his favorite bait. It mimics small bait fish well. The colors that work best for him are olive and white. You should choose a color that is similar to the forage found in your area.
Inlets
Fort Pierce and its surrounding islands have provided good action for Spanish Mackerel and other species. Fisherman report catching redfish, sheepshead, redfish and black drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. Anglers are using spoons or jigs to target Spanish mackerel, while live shrimp are biting on the north jetty. Live shrimp are also available during the evening.
Spanish fish are best targeted by anglers who target them near inlets or 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 can be done from inlets.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders in the early morning and later 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. You can find Spanish mackerel in Florida's best spots, including flats, passes and inlets. Remember to bring your fishing rods!
These aggressive acrobats love inlets and bridges that are found along the coast. These fish are prolific inshore and offshore, and can be caught by casting and trolling a tube lure. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. You can cast it or troll it. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.
Inlets in South Florida
If you're looking for Spanish Mackerel fishing, there are many options. Mackerel tend to feed near the surface, so this makes them a prime target for anglers. You can fish your lure or live bait into the inlet if the water level is low. Active diving birds and churned-up waters are good indicators. Spanish mackerel can be spotted in schools.
Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice for you if fishing is your passion. For example, Capt. Capt. Their website has more information about where to fish. You can also listen to the show live on the internet by searching for "Spanish Mackerel fishing in South Florida" and "Small Inlets."
The Flagler Bridge is a great spot to find Spanish mackerel. Anglers can also target other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. From the Boynton area to Flagler Bridge, you can catch flounder, jack crevalle and sandperch. Fishing with trolling and yellow spoons as well as yellow feathers has proved to be very effective.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times
When is the best season to surf fish Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate in spring and fall. They should appear once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They will stick around until water temperatures drop below 70 degrees. The NOAA website provides information on water temperatures in coastal U.S. areas. You can then use these water temperatures to determine when is the best time to fish.
For Spanish mackerel fishing, you should choose a spot that has clear water and calm waters. You want to catch these fish as soon as possible, so make sure you are at least two hours off the coast. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. In clear water, cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.
Experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish inshore waters in the Florida Panhandle during April. There, the fish are still plentiful and feeding heavily. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for 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. Inshore Spanish mackerel tend to run outside of bars.
FAQ
Are there any restrictions on when I can fish?
You can, but it is important to make sure that artificial light is used. Fisherman use artificial lighting to attract them. These lights work best after the sun sets because fish are more active at night.
Can I get my kids interested in fishing?
Absolutely! Children love fishing. Most children who grow up fishing never stop doing so. There are many ways you can encourage your child fishing. You could show them how to tie knots and build a fishing rod, or teach them about proper fishing manners. You could also show them pictures of what fish look like and tell them stories about fishing.
What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?
Live shrimp is the best bait for freshwater fishing. Shrimp are great for freshwater fishing because they are cheap and easy to catch.
How do I bait my hooks
You can bait your hooks by attaching a piece de meat to the end of your hook. You can then tie the meat around one eye of your hook.
Do I need special clothing when fishing?
Yes, you definitely need some type of clothing that protects you from the elements. When fishing, a waders outfit is worn. Waders are waterproof pants which cover the legs as well as the feet. Some wader suits come with boots attached to them. Some wader suits come with boots, while others can be worn without them.
Where can I find my fishing gear?
All of these items can be purchased at most sporting goods shops. If you're looking for something more specific, you might want to look online. Many websites sell everything, from rods to reels to tackle boxes to lures.
What happens to me if I'm caught fishing illegally?
You could face penalties, jail time, or even losing your fishing license. It's important to know the rules before you go fishing.
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)
- 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)
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. If you don’t have the time or desire to get back in your boat quickly after each cast, it’s a great choice. A spinning rod is designed to allow you to make casts from any position while still maintaining control of your line. The main components of the rod are the handle, reel seat, and butt section. The handle is the part that holds the rod in your hand and grips the shaft. Attach the rod's end to the hook in the butt area. Finally, the reel seat holds the reel onto which the line is attached. There are many types of rods today. Some rods can only be used for trolling and casting. Others are intended to be used for different purposes, such fly fishing or spin fishing, as well as bait fishing.
The type and species of fish that you are trying to catch will dictate the type of rod you use. 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 don't have to be limited to freshwater fishing. They can also be used for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning reels are typically heavier than freshwater rods. This is because saltwater requires stronger materials 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. But, there are some drawbacks to saltwater fishing with a spinning rod. Saltwater spinning reels come without reels, which is a big difference from freshwater rods. Instead, you will have to buy one separately. You will also find them quite expensive. A spinning rod is worth considering if you enjoy catching bigger fish.
A method of fishing that involves using a spinning rod and a weighted lure to cast into the water is called spin fishing. When the lure is in the water, it will spin around the weighted central point. The lure will move in a erratic manner, making it hard for fish to recognize the lure. Fish may mistakenly consider the lure food and begin eating it. It will then attract more fish to the lure. The line attached to the lure can be reeled in by the fisherman. Once the lure has been retrieved, he can repeat this process until the desired number of fish has been caught.