Fly Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Florida

By Mike Richardson 01/10/2022 6 mins read

I had limited success fishing with standard lures in Florida for spanish-mackerel fishing. 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 and inlets but they didn't work. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.

Spoons

Spoons are an excellent tool to catch Spanish Mackerel. They are extremely efficient at catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. They can also be used to catch kingfish that can exceed thirty pounds. These are some tips on 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 can be attracted to spoons that are too long or thin. Shiny spoons are best for sunny days and matte ones for rainy days. For fishing in the dark, you should use a single-hook rigged with a split ring. A treble hook can lead to 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 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 at the front of your planer and follow it with a 30 pound leader. To avoid tangling your line, it is important to have a swivel at the end of the diving planer. An umbrella spoon rig is also an option. You should not trot at seven miles per hour, as this can result in a poor catch rate.

Hard-Baits

Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be done with either artificial or live baits. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective drift baits and are often chummed in the 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 are a great place to fish for Spanish mackerel. Make sure you make the most of it!

Spanish mackerel are attracted to flies and spoons that imitate 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 lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.

For Spanish mackerel, you can use Spoons or Got-Cha lures. They are strong and can catch fish from all depths of water. Florida's most popular lure is the Get-Cha. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.

When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. Prepare for battle and fight! Learn from experts such as 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, an insider member, recommends using abobber.

Jigs

Choosing the right jig for catching Spanish is an important step in your quest for big catches. The body of these fish is slim and light, making it easy to hold. A long shank hook is best for tying a hook. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. Live shrimp is a great option if live bait is your preference.

The taste is a major concern for Spanish mackerel fishermen. Even though many anglers dislike eating them, they may enjoy cooking the fish right away. Spanish mackerel have a reputation for being very fishy. Therefore, it is important to have the fish ready as soon you can. It is recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.

While using jigs for Spanish mackerel fishing in Florida can be effective, some of the best bait is a live one. Capt Jim likes the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. He says it is a great imitation of small bait fish. White and olive are the best colors for him. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.

Inlets

Fort Pierce has been producing great action for Spanish mackerel as well as other species. Fisherman are also reporting Snook, Redfish catches, Sheepshead, Black Drum, while fishing 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 a great option during the evening.

Anglers targeting Spanish fish will have the best luck if they target schools of these fish near 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 can be done from inlets.

Spanish mackerel love to feed aggressively in the morning and afternoon. Inshore waters are rich in silverside minnows, which Spanish mackerel love to feed on. These minnows can be difficult to catch but they are worth it! The best places to spot Spanish mackerel are in Florida's passes, flats, and inlets. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!

Located along the coast, inlets and bridges can be excellent places to catch these aggressive acrobats. These fish can be caught inshore or offshore by trolling a tube lure. The Gotcha tube is one of our favorite lures. You can cast it or troll it. You might also consider fishing from piers and causeways.

Inlets in South Florida

The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Anglers should be aware that Mackerel feed close to the surface and are a good target. If the water is very shallow, you can troll your lure and live bait in the inlet. Be on the lookout for active divers and churned up water. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.

Fort Lauderdale may be the place to go if your goal is to find great fishing spots. 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 target 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. 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 between spring and autumn. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. On the NOAA website, you can find out the water temperature for the coasts of the U.S. You can then use the water temperatures for the best times to fish.

When to surf fish for Spanish mackerel, choose a spot with clear water and a calm sea. Fish at least two hours offshore to maximize your chances of catching these fish. Fish close to shore if murky water is your preference. Cast artificial lures using heavy fluorocarbon leaders in clear waters. These fish are aggressive and will not slow down if you keep them moving.

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 that began in March have ceased, making it easier for fish to find the water. The waters are still warm enough to support a few pomona. If you're in search of red or whiting in the surf, try a tube lure or jigs. Spanish mackerel prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.

FAQ

Can I fish throughout the day?

You can fish at any time of the day. Only when fishing is prohibited is it not allowed to fish.

How long does it take for a fish to be caught?

It depends on the size of the fish and the skill level of the fisherman. Landing a fish can take anywhere from one to an hour. The longer you wait, the better chance you have of catching a big fish.

How far away from shore should I stand when fishing?

The farther you are from the shore, you're more likely to catch fish. But, you also have a higher chance of getting wet.

How do I know if my lure works?

You should watch out for movement in your lure when it is thrown into the water. If you see movement, then your lure is working properly.

Which rod should I choose?

Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This material is strong, lightweight and has great casting properties. To cast better, you must practice with graphite rods.

Do I need to wear special clothing while fishing?

You need protection from the elements. When fishing, a waders outfit is worn. Waders cover the legs and feet with waterproof pants. Some wader suits come with boots attached to them. Other waders suits are designed to be used without boots.

Statistics

You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)