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Spanish Mackerel Fishing rigs

By Ken Roberts 28/08/2022 7 mins read

Casting spoons and got-cha baits for Spanish mackerel fishing is easy if you know a few basics. Bucktails can come in various sizes. You can adjust the size and shape of the bucktails according to the baitfish that you are pursuing.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass are the best choice when it comes to choosing a rod. Casting spoons must have a large flat body, with no cupping and a shorter overall length. Spanish bass eat small baitfish so a shiny finish is best for bright sunlight. A matte finish is better for cloudy days. Use a single hook to rig your Spanish bass fishing gear. Use a single hook on a split ring. This will reduce the chance of missing strikes or a hiccup.

A metal casting spoon can catch a variety fish but the primary ones to target are Spanish mackerel or Bluefish. These species will be attracted to lures that have a quick retrieve. A jigging spool will produce a fluttering action which fish enjoy. A jigging bowl is also an option for fishing on rivers and lakes.

Spanish mackerel can't eat hard food and prefer light lures. Casting spoons with a thin wire will prevent the lure from bursting during a fight. Spanish mackerel is small but can still be hooked using a triple hook. The light wire will shield your hand from the razor-sharp teeth. The smaller your bait, the better the casting.

Got-Cha lures

The classic Got-Cha lure makes a great choice if you want to catch Spanish mackerel schools. This treble-hook bait sinks fast at the end of the cast and can be retrieved quickly. You can make a deadly darting underwater action by jerking your rod tip. Spanish fish will not resist this darting action. Before you start jigging the lure make sure it sinks to its bottom. To increase your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel, you should probe the entire water column.

Choose a leader that suits the needs of your Spanish makerel fishing setup when you use Got-Cha Lures. 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. You should use a shorter leader if you are fishing in a stream or river.

A diamond jig has been the secret weapon for many charter boat captains. These jigs are lightweight and extremely useful when Spanish mackerel eat glass minnows in transparent water. Their flashy jigs give them just enough of an incentive to strike. Although diamond jigs can be rolled, larger versions are better for vertical jigging than structure.

Monofilament line

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you can use braided rope but monofilament is preferable by many anglers. Monofilament is a flexible line that doesn't pull the hook when the fish bites. Because these fish live in open water, they are not likely to bite a 20-pound leader. It is difficult to choose the right leader for you. This will depend on what type of Spanish mackerel your are looking to catch.

Fluorocarbon line is a more expensive choice than monofilament, but it has a number of advantages over mono. For baits and live trap angling, fluorocarbon line is better because it is undetectably submerged. Mono is less likely than fluorocarbon to snap or fray when a fish bites it. It also holds knots very well. Mono is cheaper and more flexible than fluoro.

Spanish mackerel are caught with live bait. While you could use shrimp or baitfish to catch Spanish mackerel, live sardine is most effective. Spanish mackerel will appreciate live bait that's flashy, fast-moving and attractive. Trolling spoons are designed to be troled at high speeds over a large area. Trolling is a great option for Spanish mackerel that aren't active on the surface.

Braided lines

You will catch more fish and have more bites if you choose the right leader. 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. It's possible to cast longer distances using heavier wire but this is not necessary.

A gotcha lure is a must-have when Spanish mackerel are in the area. The lure sinks quickly after being cast. A jerking of the tip can cause a deadly darting action below the water. The lure is so deadly that Spanish fish will not hesitate to attack it. Once you have removed your lure, drop it to the bottom. Then look for fish in the water column.

A fly rod of 8-9 lb weight with a good drag system is required for Florida fishing. A floating line works best when fishing on the top, while a sinker can be used in the deeper flats. A wire leader will interfere with the fish's vision. While monofilament leaders are ideal for surface fishing, you'll find that Spanish mackerel will snag a wire leader.

Speck Rigs

There are many methods to use Speck rigs in Spanish maker fishing. A speck rod can catch some the most impressive Spanish, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Pete recommends trolling the lure behind your boat. The lure should be trolled further behind the boat than the length of the line. This will ensure that the bait does not get disturbed by the motor. You can also use small menhaden free-spools, which are known as peanut bunker and pogy.

Speck rigs are fished from a beach or pier. Quarter casts of 45° or more are recommended to get maximum use of the speckrig. 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 fish to imitate baitfish by flipping the rig. Love Lures Speck Rigs is another popular Speck rig. It has two dropper loop jigs and a fluorocarbon lead of 20 to 30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is a popular way to catch these fish. Kingfish are often found close to beaches and buoys. You can use live shrimp, alewives or small menhaden as baits. A speck rig containing fresh or live shrimp is a good option for targeting them close to structure. Although trolls are most commonly used to catch Spanish mackerel in the wild, there are other options.

Drifting

Knowing the basics of drifting for Spanish mackerel is essential. You will need a leader of 30 feet to get started. You can hand line it to your boat, but it is important to pay attention to where strikes are coming from. When you are making 90-degree turns, you will notice the speed of your lures change. The speed of your lures will change depending on where you are turning. Lines that run inside the turn will be slower, while lines that run outside will go faster. Match the speeds of lines that are catching fish more often.

Drifting baits are either made of live or artificial bait. You have many options. You can also use split shot for drifting. To decrease the risk of cutoffs, a long-shanked Hook is required. It will work well with a 1/0 hook. A 1/0 hook allows you to cover a larger area. Drifting is a great technique for both inshore and offshore waters.

To attract Spanish mackerel, artificial reefs are also a good idea. These fish can often be found at the bottom of the Bay, near tunnel tubes. For piers, you can use baited and cut bait. Drifting live bait is the best method to catch these species. You can also try fishing off the coast of Virginia during the summertime. If the current is running hard, the fish will most likely be aggressive and attack metal spoons.

Live bait

It is important to have the correct rig for Spanish mackerel fishing if you are using live bait. The Spanish mackerel fishing gear is the same as the king mackerel rigs. Instead of using one hook, you will use two smaller bucktails with a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails come in a variety of sizes, depending on how big your baitfish are.

A shrimp or small fish can be used as live bait. You have the option to either throw it into a schooling of breaking fish, or you can drift it across an open sea. Chumming, either inshore or offshore can also be used for a strike. Spanish mackerel are best caught with live bait. These fish can be cleaned easily at your local bait store.

If you are drifting for Spanish marlin, live or artificial bait is also an option. Drifting is a good way to catch Spanish mackerel. You can use live shrimp and bait fish, or split shot. The best hook for this type of fish is a long-shanked one, which reduces cutoffs. For all-purpose use, the 1/0 size is a great choice.

FAQ

How can I tell if my lure is working?

If your lure is moving when you place it in the water, pay attention. If you observe movement, your lure may be working properly.

What is the best way to get my kids hooked on fishing?

Absolutely! Fishing is a favorite pastime of children. Fishing is something that most children love to do. There are many things you can do to encourage your child to try fishing. You could show them how to tie knots and build a fishing rod, or teach them about proper fishing manners. You can also show them photos of fish and tell them stories about fishing.

Are there any restrictions on when I can fish?

Yes, but you will need to ensure that you are using artificial light. Artificial lights are used by fishermen to attract fish. These lights work best after the sun sets because fish are more active at night.

When fishing, how far from shore should you stand?

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

What is the average time it takes to become a professional fisherman?

Expert fishermanship takes practice over many years. You will be a better fisherman if you learn new techniques and improve your skills.

What happens if a person is caught fishing illegally

You may face fines, jail time, and even loss of your fishing license. It's important to know the rules before you go fishing.

Is it safe?

It doesn't matter where you buy fish. Always ask the seller if their fish has a freshness expiration date. It's safe to eat if the fish doesn't have an expiration date. But, don't eat the fish if it smells or looks old.

Statistics

Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
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)
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)