I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish in Florida. Although they were more effective, I found 1 to 1.5-ounce metal lures to be a better option. However, they didn't catch the fish I was after. 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 are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. These spoons are very effective in catching these fish. Spoons wiggle on their own, so you can cast them quite far and cover a lot of water. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips about how to use spoons Florida.
A spoon should have a long, sturdy body, and not be too long. Spanish bass can be attracted to spoons that are too long or thin. For sunny days, the spoons should be shiny and matte. A single hook should be used if you are fishing at night. Do not use a treble hook, as it can cause missed strikes.
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. You can find good action around St. Augustine and Matanzas. These fish are also caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons 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. A small spoon should be tied to the planer's front and a 30 pound leader should be attached. A swivel behind your diving planer is required to prevent the line from getting tangled. Other options include a spoon umbrella rig. Trolling at speeds of seven miles an hour is a good idea, since this can lead to a lower catch rate.
Hard-Baits
You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Drift baits are made from live shrimp or bait fish. These baits are often chummed in salt 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 provide great opportunities to fish for Spanish mackerel.
Spanish mackerel love spoons and flies that imitate their prey. These baits are effective for locating Spanish mackerel in both the Gulf and Atlantic. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. Flat-bottomed lures will cover more water and increase your chances of hooking 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 have built-in rattles that attract Spanish mackerel as they are reeled in quickly. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.
When you are fishing for Spanish Mackerel, expect some competition. You should be ready for battles and fights! Daniel Flinn is an expert. Look for local marinas, fishing reports, and you'll be able to determine where Spanish mackerel live. Remember to make room 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. A treble hook with a long lead can also be used. Live shrimp makes a great choice if you prefer to use a live bait.
Spanish mackerel fishermen have a main concern about the taste. You may not like the taste, so it's a good idea to prepare the fish for cooking right after you catch them. Spanish mackerel are known for being a bit fishy, so you should try to have it prepared as soon as possible. However, it is recommended to cook the fish within 24 hours of catching it.
While jigs work well in Florida for Spanish mackerel fish fishing, they are not the best. 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. While fishing for Spanish mackerel, fishermen have also been reporting catches of Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. For Spanish mackerel fishing, anglers use spoons and jigs. On the north jetty, live shrimp are being caught. Live shrimp are also a great option during the evening.
Spanish fish anglers are more likely to succeed if they fish for them in schools close to reefs or inlets. Anglers should use long lines to troll along the edges of schools of fish. Fish will dive if they are running across or through them. For winter Spanish mackerel fishing, inlets are the best.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders during early morning and late afternoon. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. They can be a difficult catch, but you will be rewarded for your effort! These are the best areas to find Spanish mackerel anywhere in Florida. And don't forget to bring your fishing poles!
Inlets and bridges along the coast can be great places to capture these aggressive acrobats. These fish are both prolific inshore as offshore. You can catch them by casting and trolling a lure tube. The Gotcha tube lure can be one of the most effective lures. It can either be fished cast or trombled. It is also possible to fish off piers or causeways.
Inlets in South Florida
The best option to fish south Florida's coastline waters is Spanish Mackerel fishing inlets. Anglers have a prime opportunity to catch Mackerel as they tend to feed close the surface. Fish for live bait or lures in shallow water. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. 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. Capt. Visit their website for 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 also have the option to catch other species on the Intracoastal Waterway. The Boynton region to Flagler Bridge is a popular spot for flounder, yellow perch, and jack crevalle. Fishing with trolling spoons or yellow feathers has proven to be effective.
Best times to surf fish for Spanish mackerel
What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate between spring and autumn. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. They will stay until the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. The NOAA website allows you to check the water temperatures in the U.S. coasts. 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. For the best chances of catching these fish you need to fish at least 2 hours offshore. If you prefer murky water, fish close to shore. Cast artificial lures with heavy fluorocarbon leaders into clear water. These aggressive fish will require you to maintain a high speed.
Most experienced surf fishermen prefer to fish in the inshore waters of the Florida Panhandle in April. The fish are plentiful there and they are still eating heavily. The rains that began in March have ceased, making it easier for fish to find the water. The waters are warm enough for a few pompano to survive during this period. 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 deep should my line go?
Cast your line as deep as possible. Make sure your arm is straight while casting a long line.
Is fishing safe
Fishing can be very safe. Fishing is a wonderful way to relax and take in the beauty of nature. As long as you follow safety rules, you will have no problems.
How long does it take for a fisherman to be an expert?
To become a skilled fisherman, it takes many years of practice. Being a successful fisherman will require you to master new techniques and enhance your skills.
How big should my tackle bag be?
A large tackle box is necessary because you'll need plenty of space to store all of your fishing gear. The size of your tackle box depends on the amount of items you store inside.
How do I clean a fish?
There are many options for cleaning fish. You can remove the head, guts and fins. Then wash the fish thoroughly with cold water. Another option is to gut your fish. This involves removing intestines and cleaning inside cavity. Finally, you can ask someone else to help you clean the fish.
Statistics
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Spot
The best places to fish are those where you know what kind you want. It is important to decide whether you prefer deep sea fishing or shallow-water fishing. Deep sea fishing is expensive and requires a boat. The cost of shallow water fishing is minimal as it's done from shore. Shallow water fishing is the best option if you want to catch trout. You'll need to travel to deeper water if you are looking for barracuda.
You can choose from many different kinds of fishing spots depending on your preferences. Some places offer just one type of fishing; others offer several. For example, some places are known for their bass fishing while others specialize in fly fishing. Other locations are famous for their shark fishing and crabbing.
The best way for you to decide where to go is to consider your budget, what you want to do, and how long it will take. Do you enjoy camping? You might consider a location near a lake. Do you prefer city life? Maybe you prefer to be on the beach. Maybe you enjoy the beach, kayaking, canoeing or sailing.
It doesn't matter if you don’t know anything about fishing. You could always ask someone who does. You could ask them about everything, including where to go.
You could even try searching online for "fishing spots near me." You will get many ideas. You might be able to narrow down your choices by looking at reviews and ratings. Many websites offer this feature.
Once you have selected a location to visit, it is important that you actually go there. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. Also, make sure you bring everything you think you'll need. Make sure to pack your bait, tackle box and sunscreen.
It is also a good idea research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. Check the forecast and see when the best times are to go. If the weather changes, you might want to change your plans.
Now that you know where to go, you can start planning your trip. The next step is deciding what you're going to use to fish.