When I was spanish mackerel fishing in Florida, I had limited success with the usual lures. 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 using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. I instead chose to use small jigs attached with a tiny worm.
Spoons
Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. 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 are ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 pounds. These are some ways to use spoons when you're in Florida.
Pick a spoon that is long and stocky. It should also not be too short. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. Shiny spoons are best for sunny days and matte ones for rainy days. A single hook should be used if you are fishing at night. It can result in missed strikes if you use a double hook.
Casting spoons into the Florida coast has been a great method to catch Spanish mackerel. They are an excellent and tasty fish, thanks to their speed swimming. Good action can be found around St. Augustine or Matanzas. These fish are also a popular catch for beach fishermen. Cast spoons will 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. You can tie a small spoon to your planer, and then trail 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. However, you should not exceed seven miles per hour while trolling, as this will result in a low 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. For reducing cutoffs, a large hook is recommended. A good size for all purposes is 1/0 if you're casting to the reefs. Florida waters can provide great opportunities to fish for Spanish mackerel.
A spoon or flies that imitate the prey is the best lure for Spanish mackerel. These baits are very effective in locating Spanish mackerel, both in the Atlantic or Gulf. You can also use a spoon or hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits can cover more water, increasing your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.
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. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures come with built-in rattles, which attract Spanish mackerel. They can be reeled quickly. Rat-L-Traps, MirrOdines, and other baits are also effective.
Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. You should be ready for battles and fights! Experts like Daniel Flinn can help you. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. Remember to make room for other boats. Daniel Flinn, an insider, also suggests using a Bobber.
Jigs
The first step to catching big Spanish fish is choosing the right jig. These fish are easy to handle due to their slim bodies. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. You can also use treble hooks with a long leader for best results. A live bait is a good choice, such as live shrimp.
Spanish mackerel fishermen are concerned about their taste. While many anglers don't enjoy eating them, you may want to consider preparing the fish for cooking the same day 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.
Although jigs can work well for Spanish mackerel fishing, live bait is the best. Capt Jim loves the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait because it mimics small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorites. Consider a color that resembles the local forage.
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. For Spanish mackerel fishing, anglers use spoons and jigs. On the north jetty, live shrimp are being caught. Live shrimp are also an option.
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 is best done in small, protected areas.
Spanish mackerel feed aggressively during the morning and evening. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. 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. Make sure to bring your fishing gear!
These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located along the coast. These fish are abundant inshore and offshore and can be caught using a tube lure. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can be fished cast or trolled. Fishing off causeways or piers is another option.
Inlets in South Florida
The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Anglers are prime targets because Mackerel prefer to feed close to the surface. 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 mackerels can be found in schools.
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. 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. You can find more information at their website 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."
Spanish mackerel can also found near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers have other options. From the Boynton area up to the Flagler Bridge, flounder, jack crevalle, or sand perch can all be caught. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.
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 show up once the water temperatures have reached 70 degrees. They will not leave the area until it drops to 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.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel requires that you choose a spot with calm waters and clear water. To increase your chances of catching these species, fish at least two to three hours offshore. You may prefer murky water so fish closer to shore. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into clear water. For these aggressive fish, keep your speed up.
The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. There are plenty of fish and they are eating well. The rains of March have stopped making it easier and more convenient for fish to find water. The waters are warm enough that a few pompano can be found in the water. You can use jigs or tube lures to find red and whiting in surf. Spanish mackerel prefer to swim inshore, and they are not attracted to bars.
FAQ
Where can I find good fishing guides?
A wide range of services are offered by fishing guides. They can provide advice on which areas are most productive, give tips on catching specific kinds of fish, and even teach you how to use different types of fishing equipment.
Where can I buy my fishing supplies?
These items are available at most sporting good stores. If you're looking for something more specific, you might want to look online. There are many websites that sell everything, including rods and reels as well as tackle boxes and lures.
What kind of fishing license do I need?
You must have a fishing licence if you want to fish in state waters (e.g. lakes, rivers, or bays). State laws require anglers to obtain a valid fishing license before fishing. If you plan on fishing in federal waters (e.g., oceans or Great Lakes), you must obtain a valid fishing licence. A fishing license is not required. However, if you plan to take any fish home with you, then you must first check with local authorities to make sure you aren't breaking any laws.
What happens to a fish that is lost while I'm fishing?
It is part of the game to lose a fish. Sometimes you may catch a fish, then lose it. You can keep trying even if you lose the fish. You will eventually catch another fish.
What is the best season to fish?
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.
Statistics
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to cast a fishing rod perfectly
First, you need to know how to cast a fishing line. To ensure that the rod is parallel to ground, it should be held at an angle. When you start moving the rod forward, keep the tip of the rod perpendicular to the surface of the water. The fish won't eat if the tip touches water's surface sooner than the line reaches bottom. This technique can be used to increase distance between the tip and water surface.
These tips will help you feel more comfortable casting a fishing rod.
First, hold the rod as close to your chest as possible. This will allow you to control the rod's movement without having to bend.
The tripod may be set up on the shoreline and/or on a rock edge to aid in casting a heavy-duty rod. This will allow you to secure the rod while still holding the reel.
A third option is to buy a smaller reel than an expensive one. A cheaper spinning reel will let you cast farther distances and help you improve your hand-eye coordination.
A fourth option is to purchase a fishing rod holder. These holders hold the rod securely and keep it upright. They're easy to store away after use and protect the rod from getting damaged.
Fifth, practice casting until your muscles get used to it. Casting a fish rod is a skill that takes time.
Sixth, remember that the key to successful fishing is patience. You must wait for the right moment to strike and then fight hard to bring the fish in.