I had very limited success using the standard lures when I was fishing for spanish mackerel in Florida. I found that 1 to 1.5-ounce metal jigs were a better choice, but they still didn't catch the fish that I was looking for. I also tried using worms, inlets, and spoons, but neither of these proved to be successful. Instead, I used small jigs which had a attached worm.
Spoons
Spoons are a great tool for catching Spanish Mackerel. They are highly effective in catching these fish. Spoons can move freely on their own and you can cast them far, covering a lot water. They are ideal for catching Kingfish, which can reach 30 pounds. These are some tips on how to use spoons Florida.
A spoon should have a long, sturdy body, and not be too long. Spoons that are long and thin can attract Spanish bass. For bright sunlight, they should shine and be matte for cloudy days. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. Do not use a treble hook, as it can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons in coastal waters has been a great 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 are often caught by beach fishermen. Cast spoons are more likely to attract fish. For bottom feeders, use dead bait instead. Use a weedless pvc bait if you want to catch more.
Trolling can also be used to catch Spanish mackerel. To do this, you should tie a small spoon to the front of the planer and 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. Another option is a spoon umbrella. Trolling at speeds of seven miles an hour is a good idea, since this can lead to a lower catch rate.
Hard-Baits
For Spanish mackerel drifting, anglers can use live and artificial baits. Drift baits that work well are live shrimp and bait fish. They are usually chummed in water. A large hook is recommended to lower the likelihood of cutoffs. 1/0 is the best size to use for casting to reefs. Florida waters offer many opportunities for fishing for Spanish mackerel.
Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits can be used in both the Atlantic and Gulf to find Spanish mackerel. A spoon or hard bait can also be used. Flat-bottomed fish will be more likely to take your bait, and you'll have a better chance of hooking one.
Spoons, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. They are tough and catch the fish at all depths. 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, and other baits are also effective.
Fishing for Spanish mackerel can be challenging so be ready to face some stiff competition. You should be ready for battles and fights! Daniel Flinn, an expert on the subject, can give you some advice. You can find out where the Spanish mackerel are by checking out local marinas and fishing reports. You should also allow for other boats. The insider member Daniel Flinn also recommends using a bobber.
Jigs
A key step towards catching Spanish is selecting the right bait. This fish is easy to handle because of its slim, slender bodies. If you are tying your hook, make sure to use a long shank hook. Treble hooks can be tied with a leader that is long for the best results. If you prefer a live bait, live shrimp is an excellent choice.
One of the main concerns for Spanish mackerel fishermen is the taste. Although many anglers do not enjoy the taste of Spanish mackerel, it is worth considering cooking the fish the day after you catch it. Spanish mackerel are notorious for being a bit fishy. You should prepare it 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's favorite bait is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait, which he says is a great mimic of a small bait fish. Olive and white are his favorite colors. Pick a color to mimic the local forage.
Inlets
Fort Pierce's inlets have seen good fishing for Spanish mackerel, and other species. While fishing for Spanish mackerel, fishermen have also been reporting catches of Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum. 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 an option.
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 are aggressive feeders in the early morning and later afternoon. Silverside minnows are abundant in the waters offshore, which Spanish mackerel enjoy eating. It can be hard to catch them, but it is worth the effort. Inlets, passes, and flats are some of the best places to find Spanish mackerel in Florida. Don't forget your fishing poles!
These aggressive acrobats can be found inlets and bridges, which are located along the coast. This fish is prolific offshore and inshore, and can easily be caught by casting a tube-tailed lure. The Gotcha tube lure is one of the best lures to use. It can be fished cast, or trolled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.
Inlets of South Florida
For fishing south Florida's coast waters, inlets for Spanish Mackerel fishing can be a great option. 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. Look out for active diving birds as well as churned waters. Spanish mackerel is if you see a school.
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to fish if you're looking for the best fishing spot. Capt. Capt. Their website has more information about where to 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 have other options. From the Boynton area to Flagler Bridge, you can catch flounder, jack crevalle and sandperch. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.
Surf fishing for Spanish mackerel: Best times
What's the best time to surffish for Spanish mackerel at sea? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They will start showing up when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. They will stick around until water temperatures drop below 70 degrees. On the NOAA website, you can find out the water temperature for the coasts of the U.S. Then, you can use the water temperatures to determine the best times to fish for them.
If you want to surf fish for Spanish Mackerel, make sure there is clear water and calm seas. To maximize your chances of catching these fish, you should fish at least two hours offshore. Fish closer to shore if you prefer murky waters. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. These aggressive fish will require you to maintain a high speed.
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. Fish can now find water easier because the rains that started in March have stopped. 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. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.
FAQ
How often should I replace my lures?
You should change your lures every few days. When left out in direct sunlight for too long, lures tend to lose their effectiveness.
Can I get my kids interested in fishing?
Absolutely! Absolutely! Fishing is something that kids love to do. Many children who grow up fishing never stop. 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. They could be shown pictures of fish and told stories about fishing.
What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?
The best bait for freshwater fishing is live shrimp. Shrimp are great for freshwater fishing because they are cheap and easy to catch.
What type of fishing gear do you require?
A rod, reel line, hooks, line, bait, tackle box and some snacks. To catch fish you need to be able to cast, set up hooks, and use the bobber. Remember to be patient and wait for the right moment before you strike.
How big should my tacklebox 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.
Is it possible to fish at night or during the day?
But you must ensure that you use artificial light. Fishermen use artificial lights to attract fish. They are most effective after the sun sets, when fish are more active.
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)
- 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
Find the Best Fishing Spot
To find the best fishing spots, you must know what kind of fish you want to catch. Decide whether you want to fish deep or shallow waters. Deep sea fishing will require a boat which is costly. The cost of shallow water fishing is minimal as it's done from shore. If you're interested in catching trout, you'd probably choose shallow water fishing. However, if barracuda is what you're after, you should go to deeper waters.
You can choose from many different kinds of fishing spots depending on your preferences. Some spots offer one type of fishing, while others offer several. Some places are famous for their fly fishing, while others are better at bass fishing. Other places are known for their shark-fishing and crabbing.
The best way to figure out where to go depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, and what you like doing. Do you enjoy camping? You might consider a location near a lake. Do you prefer the city? Maybe you prefer the ocean. You might even enjoy taking part in a sport such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, or surfing.
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." This will give you lots of ideas. You might be able to narrow down your choices by looking at reviews and ratings. Many websites allow you to do so.
After you have chosen a location, you should make it a point to visit it before you go. You should always have the directions handy as sometimes it can take longer to get there than you expected. Be sure to have all you will need. You should also bring bait, sunscreen, and a tackle box.
It is also a good idea research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. You can check the weather forecast to find the best times to go. You might need to adjust your plans if the weather changes.
You can now plan your trip once you know where you are going. The next step is deciding what you're going to use to fish.