Deep Sea Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rigis

By David McKinney 31 July, 2023 7 mins read

There are some things that you need to know about spoon fishing and got-cha lures when Spanish mackerel fishing. Bucktails, for example, come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 1/16 ounce to a half-ounce. You can adjust the size of the bucktails to match the size of the baitfish you're pursuing.

Casting spoons

When choosing a rig, Spanish bass are a prime candidate. 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. Use a single hook on a split ring. This will reduce the chance of missing strikes or a hiccup.

A metal casting spoon will catch a variety of fish, but the primary species to target are Spanish mackerel and Bluefish. These species prefer lures that can be quickly retrieved. A jigging spoon will produce a fluttering action that fish like. 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. The light wire will protect you from the razor-sharp teeth. The smaller your bait, the better the casting.

Got-Cha lures

A classic Gotcha lure is an excellent choice for catching Spanish mackerel schools. This treblehook bait can be quickly pulled out of the water and sinks quickly. Underwater, jerking the rod tip produces a deadly darting effect. Spanish fish will not resist this darting action. Be sure to let the lure sink to the bottom before jigging it. To increase your chances at hooking a Spanish mackerel, aim to probe the whole water column with the lure.

You need to use Got-Cha lures in Spanish makerel fishing rigs. 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. If you are fishing in a river or stream, you should fish with a shorter leader.

A diamond jig is the secret weapon of many charter boat captains. These jigs can be light-weighted and are very effective when Spanish mackerel feed on clear water glass minnows. They are enticed to strike with their flashy jigs. Diamond jigs tend to be trolled. However, larger versions can be used vertically jigging over structures.

Monofilament line

Many anglers prefer monofilament to braided line for Spanish mackerel fishing. Monofilament is a flexible line that doesn't pull the hook when the fish bites. 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.

Monofilament has monofilament as a cheaper option, but fluorocarbon is still a good choice. Fluorocarbon lines are better for live trap and bait angling as they can't be detected submerged. Mono is less likely for the fish to bite and fray, and it also holds knots better. Mono is also much more flexible than fluoro, and it is less expensive.

Spanish mackerel can be caught using live bait. You can use shrimp or baitfish, but live sardines are the best. Live bait will be more appealing to Spanish mackerel if it's flashy and fast-moving. Trolling spoons can be trolled at high speeds to cover a large area. Trolling is the best option when Spanish mackerel don't work on the surface.

Braided line

Choosing the right leader is crucial for catching more bites and landing more fish. 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. It's possible to cast longer distances using heavier wire but this is not necessary.

When Spanish mackerel are around, a gotcha lure is essential. This lure sinks fast at the end, and jerking its tip causes deadly darting actions under the surface. The action is so deadly that Spanish fish will have no choice but 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 options for how to use Speck rigs as Spanish makers. A speck rig is a great way to catch the largest Spanish fisherman in the world, whether you are a beginner or an experienced fisherman. Pete recommends trolling a speck lure well behind the boat. The longer the line, it is better to troll the lure further behind the boat, so that the boat's engine doesn't disturb the bait. Another technique is to use a free-spool of small menhaden, known as peanut bunker or pogy.

Speck rigs are fished from a beach or pier. To get the most out of the rig, quarter casts of 45 degrees are recommended. You can fish from the pier with the "Water Walker", which replaces your in-line sinker by a weighted popping core. This allows fish to mimic baitfish by flipping it. 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.

One of the most popular approaches for catching these fish is to troll around structure. Kingfish are often found close to beaches and buoys. Baits that work well are alewives, small menhaden, live shrimp and alewives. If you are targeting them near structures, you can use a speck-rig with fresh shrimp or live shrimp. Trolls are the best way to catch Spanish mackerel. However, you can also use other lures.

Drifting

It is important to learn the ropes of Spanish mackerel drifting. You will need a leader of 30 feet to get started. It is possible to hand-line it to your boat. However, it is important that you pay attention to where strikes are coming. As you make 90-degree turns, your lures' speed will change. Lines on the inside of the turn will slow down, while lines on the outside will speed up. Match the speeds of lines that are catching fish more often.

Live or artificial bait are effective drifting baits. You have many options. For drifting, split shot is also a good choice. A long-shanked hook is needed to reduce the possibility of cutoffs. An 1/0 hook is ideal. Using a 1/0 hook will allow you to cover a large area. Drifting in offshore and onshore waters is an efficient technique.

Artificial reefs are another option to attract Spanish mackerel. These fish can often be found at the bottom of the Bay, near tunnel tubes. For piers, you can use baited and cut bait. The best technique to fish these species is to drift back live bait. You can also fish the Virginia coast during summer. If the current is running hard, the fish will most likely be aggressive and attack metal spoons.

Live bait

You will need to ensure that you have the right rig if you plan to use live bait to catch Spanish Mackerel. Spanish mackerel fishing equipment is basically the same as for king mackerel. Instead of using a single hook, you'll use two smaller bucktails and a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails vary in size depending on the size of your baitfish.

You can use live bait as a shrimp, or small silvery fish. You can also cast it in a school of fish breaking or drag it across open ocean. Chumming, either inshore or offshore can also be used for a strike. Generally, live bait is the most effective method of catching Spanish mackerel. These fish are easy enough to clean. You can also find them at your local shop.

Artificial or live bait can be used to drift for Spanish mackerel. Drifting is a good way to catch Spanish mackerel. You can use live shrimp and bait fish, or split shot. A long-shanked hook is the best for this type fish. It reduces cutoffs. The 1/0 size hook is great for all-around use.

If you liked this article, check the next - You won't believe this

FAQ

What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?

Losing a fish is part of the game. Sometimes you may catch a fish, then lose it. If this happens, keep trying. You will eventually catch another fish.

What should you wear when fishing?

Protect your skin from the elements with clothes. Sunscreen, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen are all great options. You should also bring insect repellent.

How do I bait my hooks

Attach a piece of meat to your hook to bait it. You can then tie the meat around one eye of your hook.

Which is the best time of year to fish?

Fishing is best done in the early morning or late evening. These are the best times to fish because the fish are moving and eating.

What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?

Freshwater fishing requires live shrimp as the best bait. Shrimp are cheap, easy to catch and great tasting!

How can I tell if my lures are working?

If your lure is moving when you place it in the water, pay attention. If your lure moves, it is functioning properly.

Statistics

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