I had little success with traditional lures while fishing for spanish mackerel fish 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 spoons with inlets, worms, and spoons. But none of these worked. Instead, I used small jigs with attached worms.
Spoons
Spoons can be used to catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida. They are extremely efficient at catching these fish. Spoons move on their own so they can be cast quite far and cover a lot. They are great for catching kingfish. Kingfish can be over 30 pounds. Here are some tips to use spoons in Florida.
Choose a spoon with a stocky, long body. Spanish bass will be attracted to spoons with long and thin bodies. For sunny days, the spoons should be shiny and matte. Use a single hook, rigged on a split-ring if you fish at twilight. Avoid using a treble or double hook as they can cause missed strikes.
Casting spoons into the Florida coast has been a great method to catch Spanish mackerel. 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 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.
You can also try trolling 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. You can also use a spoon umbrella to rig. Trolling is best done at seven miles an hours. If you exceed this speed, your catch rate will be low.
Hard-Baits
You can use artificial or live baits to catch Spanish mackerel. Bait fish, live shrimp, and live shrimp make good drift baits. 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.
Spanish mackerel prefer spoons or flies that mimic their prey. These baits work well in the Atlantic as well as the Gulf for Spanish mackerel. Also, you can use a spoon and hard bait. Flat-bottomed baits can cover more water, increasing your chances of hooking Spanish mackerel.
Spoons, Got-Cha and other lures can be effective in catching Spanish mackerel. They are durable and catch the fish from all depths of the water column. Get-Cha lures are a popular choice in Florida. These lures are equipped with rattles which attract Spanish mackerel when they are quickly reeled in. Rat-L–Traps, MirrOdines or other baits work as well.
Be prepared to compete with other fishermen while you fish for Spanish mackerel. Prepare for a fight. Daniel Flinn, an expert on the subject, can give you some advice. Check out fishing reports and local marinas to find out the exact location of Spanish mackerel. 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 has a thin and slim body that makes them easy to handle. When tying a hook, you should use a hook with a long shank. 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 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. It is recommended that you cook the fish within 24hrs after catching it.
While jigs work well in Florida for Spanish mackerel fish fishing, they are not the best. Capt Jim's favorite bait, according to him, is the Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. This bait mimics a small baitfish. For him, olive and white work best. Choose a color that mimics the forage in your local area.
Inlets
Fort Pierce's Inlets have been producing good Spanish mackerel fishing action and other species. Fisherman are reporting catch reports of Redfish, Sheepshead and Black Drum while fishing for Spanish Mackerel. 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. Winter Spanish mackerel fishing is best done in small, protected areas.
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders in the early morning and later afternoon. Spanish mackerel love to eat silverside minnows found in coastal waters. Although they can be difficult to catch, you will be rewarded! These are the best areas to find Spanish mackerel anywhere in Florida. Make sure to bring your fishing gear!
These aggressive acrobats love inlets and bridges that are found along the coast. These fish are abundant inshore and offshore and can be caught using a tube lure. One of the best lures you can use is the Gotcha Tube lure. You can fish it cast or trolled. You may also want to try fishing off piers or causeways.
Inlets in South Florida
Fishing south Florida's beaches is easy with the Spanish Mackerel Inlets. Anglers should be aware that Mackerel feed close to the surface and are a good target. When the water is shallow, troll your lure or live bait in the inlet. Look for churned-up water and active diving birds. If you spot a school, you've found a Spanish mackerel.
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 listen live online by searching "Spanish Mackerel fishing South Florida" or "Small Inlets."
Another great place to find Spanish mackerel is along the shoreline near the Flagler Bridge. Anglers can also target other species along the Intracoastal Waterway. Flounder, jack crevalle, and sand perch are all commonly caught from the Boynton area to the Flagler Bridge. It has been successful to fish with trolling spoons and yellow feathers.
Best times to surf fish for Spanish mackerel
When is the best time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel? Mackerel migrate in spring or fall. They should begin to appear when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. They will remain until water temperatures fall below 70 degrees. You can look up water temperatures for coastal areas of the U.S. on the NOAA website. The water temperatures can be used to determine the best times of the year to fish.
If you want to surf fish for Spanish Mackerel, make sure there is clear water and calm seas. Fish at least two hours offshore to maximize your chances of catching these fish. Fish closer to shore if you prefer murky waters. Cast artificial lures with a heavy fluorocarbon leader in clear water. These aggressive fish require speed.
The Florida Panhandle's inshore waters are where most experienced surf fishermen prefer fishing in April. The fish are still abundant and eating well there. The rains that had begun in March have stopped, making it easier to find water. The waters are warm enough for a few pompano to survive during this period. Tube lures and jigs are great options for whiting or redfishing in the surf. Spanish mackerel inshore tend to avoid bars.
FAQ
Where can I buy my fishing supplies?
All of these items are available in most sporting goods stores. You can also shop online if you need something in particular. There are many websites that sell everything, including rods and reels as well as tackle boxes and lures.
How can I get my children to fish?
Absolutely! Kids love to fish. Fishing is something that most children love to do. You can encourage your child to fish by doing many things. You could show them how to tie knots and build a fishing rod, or teach them about proper fishing manners. You could also show them pictures of what fish look like and tell them stories about fishing.
How long does it take for a fisherman to be an expert?
You will need years of experience to become an expert fisherman. Learning new techniques and improving your skills will help you become a more successful fisherman.
Where can you fish the most?
Fishing near freshwater bodies is the best option. These areas provide plenty of food for the fish.
What should I wear while fishing?
Wear clothes that are waterproof. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and gloves are all good choices. Insect repellent is also a good idea.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- To substantiate this theory, Knight attempted a systematic inquiry by considering the timing of 200 'record' catches, more than 90 percent were made during a new moon (when no moon is visible). (myfwc.com)
- 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
Finding The Best Fishing Spot
Knowing what kind of fish is best for you to find the best fishing spots is essential. It is important to decide whether you prefer deep sea fishing or shallow-water fishing. Deep sea fishing will require a boat which is costly. Shallow water fishing requires no boat and can be done from shore. If you're interested in catching trout, you'd probably choose shallow water fishing. However, if your goal is to catch barracuda you will have to venture out into deeper waters.
Depending on what you prefer, there are many options for fishing spots. Some places offer only one type of fishing while others have several options. 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? A place close to a lake might appeal to you. Are you more drawn to city life? You might prefer the beach. You might even enjoy taking part in a sport such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, or surfing.
You can always ask someone who is knowledgeable about fishing if you don't have a lot of knowledge. They could tell you about all kinds of things, including where to go.
You could also try searching online for "fishing spots close to me." You will get many ideas. It would be fantastic if you could narrow down the choices by reviewing ratings and reviews. There are plenty of websites that allow you to do this.
Once you've decided on a specific location, make sure to visit it before you leave. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. You should also make sure that you have everything you need. Also, don't forget to pack your tackle box, bait, as well as sunscreen.
It is also a good idea research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. The forecast can help you determine the best time to go. If the weather is changing, it's a good idea to make changes to your plans.
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.