Artificial Lures

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rigis

By Dylan Smith 7 February, 2023 7 mins read

You should be familiar with the basics of casting spoons and gotchas for Spanish mackerel fish fishing. For example, bucktails come in many sizes. They can be as small as 1/16 ounce up to half-ounce. The bucktails can be adjusted to fit the size of your baitfish.

Casting spoons

Spanish bass are a good choice when selecting a rig. Casting spoons should have a large, flat body with no cupping, and a short overall length. Spanish bass feed on small baitfish, so a shiny finish is ideal for bright sunlight and a matte finish for cloudy days. You can rig your Spanish Bass fishing rig using a single hook on split rings. Avoid using a triple hook as it will increase your chances of missing strikes and cause 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. Fish will love a jigging spoon's fluttering action. You can also use a jigging stick to fish in rivers or lakes.

Spanish mackerel do not have strong teeth and are drawn to light lures. Casting spoons made of light wire will help prevent the lures from coming apart during a fight. Despite being small, Spanish mackerel can be hooked by using a treble hook. You can protect your hands from the sharp teeth by using a light wire. Casting will be more successful if the bait is smaller.

Got-Cha lures

The classic Got-Cha lure makes a great choice if you want to catch Spanish mackerel schools. The treblehook bait will sink quickly and can be quickly retrieved. The rod tip can be jerked underwater to create a deadly darting action. Spanish fish will not resist this darting action. Before jigging, make sure the lure sinks to bottom. Aim to probe the entire water column with the lure to increase your chances of hooking a Spanish mackerel.

Choose a leader that suits the needs of your Spanish makerel fishing setup when you use Got-Cha Lures. You could lose many fish if you use a lengthy leader. Spanish mackerel will not like a leader that is longer than a medium length. Use a shorter leader when fishing in rivers or streams.

Charter boat captains know the value of a diamond jig. These jigs weigh only a few grams and can be used when Spanish mackerel consume glass minnows. Their flashy jigs give them just enough of an incentive to strike. Diamond jigs tend to be trolled. However, larger versions can be used vertically jigging over structures.

Monofilament line

You can use braided or monofilament lines for your Spanish mackerel fishing gears. However, many anglers prefer monofilament. Monofilament lines have a stretch that stops the hook pulling against the fish's teeth. These fish are not likely to bite a leader weighing 20 pounds because they live in open water. It is difficult to choose the right leader for you. This will depend on what type of Spanish mackerel your are looking to catch.

Although fluorocarbon line can be more expensive than monofilament but has many benefits over monofilament. Fluorocarbon lines are better for live trap and bait angling as they can't be detected submerged. Mono is less likely than fluorocarbon to snap or fray when a fish bites it. It also holds knots very well. Mono is more forgiving and cheaper than fluoro.

Live bait is an effective way to catch Spanish mackerel. There are two options for baitfish and shrimp, but a live shark is better. Spanish mackerel will appreciate live bait that's flashy, fast-moving and attractive. Trolling spoons can cover large areas and are intended to be trolled at high speed. Trolling is a great option for Spanish mackerel that aren't active on the surface.

Braided line

For more fish and more bites, it is important to choose the right leader. Every mistake you make when you are targeting Spanish fish will be magnified. Using a light graphite rod between eight and ten feet is ideal because it doesn't feel too heavy and extends far enough to reach schools of Spanish. Although you can use heavier wire if you're casting long distances, it's not necessary.

Spanish mackerel will be attracted to a gotcha bait. This lure sinks quickly at the end of the cast, and jerking the tip causes a deadly darting action under the water. It is so dangerous that Spanish fish will eat it! Once you have retrieved the lure from water, place it in the bottom of the pool and check for any fish.

You will need an 8 to 9-weight fly rod that has a great drag system for Florida fishing. A floating line will be most effective for fishing at the surface. An intermediate sinker is better for deeper flats. A wire leader can block the fish's view. Monofilament leaders work well for surface fishing. However, Spanish mackerel can snag wire leaders.

Speck Rigs

There are many options for how to use Speck rigs as Spanish makers. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned fisherman, a speck rig can catch some of the biggest Spanish in the world. Pete suggests trolling a lure made of specks well behind your boat. To ensure that the bait is not disturbed, Pete recommends that you extend the line as far as possible behind the boat. A free-spool of small menhaden is another technique, also known as peanut buner or pogy.

Speck rigs are fished from a beach or pier. Quarter casts of 45° are recommended in order to get the most from the speck-rig. 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 fishes to mimic baitfish by flipping over the rig. The Love Lures Speck Rig is another popular Speck rig. It includes two jigs with dropper loops, and a fluorocarbon leader weighing 20 or 30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is one way to catch these fish. Kingfish are found close to buoys and beaches. The best baits are small menhaden (or alewives), live shrimp, and alewives. A speck rig containing fresh or live shrimp is a good option for targeting them close to structure. Other lures can be used, as well as trolls.

Drifting

Knowing the basics of drifting for Spanish mackerel is essential. To start, you need a 30-foot leader. You can either hand line it or attach it to your boat. But, be sure to watch for strikes. The speed of your lures will change as you turn 90 degrees. Lines to the inside will slow down while lines to the outside will speed it up. Match the speeds of lines that are catching fish more often.

Drifting baits are either made of live or artificial bait. There are many choices for bait fish, live shrimp and dead bait. You can also use split shot for drifting. To lower the risk of cutoffs you will need to use a long-shanked line. It will work well with a 1/0 hook. A 1/0 hook allows you to cover a larger area. Drifting works well in both offshore or inshore waters.

To attract Spanish mackerel, artificial reefs are also a good idea. These fish can also be found near the bottom, close to tunnel tubes. You can also use baited plugs and cut bait if you're on a pier. The best technique to fish these species is to drift back live bait. You can also try fishing off the coast of Virginia during the summertime. If the current is strong, aggressive fish will likely attack metal spoons.

Live bait

Make sure you use the right rig when using live bait to catch Spanish mackerel. Spanish mackerel fishing equipment is basically the same as for king mackerel. Instead of one hook, use two smaller and one larger bucktails. 6 treble hook. These bucktails may be small or big depending on the size your baitfish.

You can either use live bait, such as shrimps or small silvery fish. If you prefer, you can cast it into a school of breaking fish or drift it across an open ocean. Chumping can also be used to strike a strike. Generally, live bait is the most effective method of catching Spanish mackerel. These fish can be cleaned easily at your local bait store.

Artificial or live bait can be used to drift for Spanish mackerel. Bait fish and live shrimp are effective when drifting, but you can also use split shot to attract more Spanish mackerel. A long-shanked hook is the best for this type fish. It reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 hook is ideal for all-around usage.

FAQ

How often should I change my lures

Change your lures once a day. If left in the sun for too much time, lures can lose their effectiveness.

What are the different types of lures you can use?

Yes, there is a wide range of lures. Some lures have been specifically designed for certain fish species. Others mimic insects, grasshoppers and frogs. You can find lures in many shapes and sizes. Some lures are even designed to look like real bugs.

How do you clean a squid?

There are many ways to clean a salmon. One way is to take out the head and guts. Wash the fish well with cold water. Another option is for you to gut the fish. This involves removing the intestines and cleaning the inside cavity. You can also ask another person to clean the fish.

Which rod should i choose?

Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This material is lightweight and strong with great casting capabilities. To be able to cast better with graphite, you need to practice.

How much are basic fishing tools?

Basic fishing equipment can be purchased for between $100-$200. This includes rod/reel combos and bait as well as a tackle box. For a larger boat, you will need to pay between $500 and $1,000.

Where can I find good fishing guides?

There are many services that fishing guides can offer. They can advise you on the best areas to fish, give tips on catching particular types of fish, and even teach how to use different types fishing equipment.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
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)