I’ll go into great detail about how to catch Spanish mackerel in this article. Spanish mackerel are a very popular inshore saltwater game fish. They are found all over the world in temperate waters. Beautiful Spanish mackerel fight hard and taste great when eaten fresh.
Capt. Jim here in Siesta Key, Florida, where I captain charter boats. I fish for many different species, but my favorite is Spanish mackerel. On light spinning gear, they put up a great fight, frequently making blistering runs, especially with fish over three pounds.
How to Fish for Spanish Mackerel
Trolling is the most well-liked method of catching Spanish Mackerel. People in our region either use number-one or number-two diving planers, followed by a small gold or silver spoon at a distance of 15 to 20 feet on a 30-pound test leader. To avoid line twist, it’s crucial to use a swivel behind the planer. A one- to three-ounce in-line sinker is also sometimes pulled by some anglers in front of a spoon. Spoon umbrella rigs can also be effective. The typical trolling speed ranges from five to seven miles per hour, but if bluefish and striped bass are present and you only want to target mackerel, increasing the speed by one or two miles per hour can decrease the bluefish catch.
When you troll for Spanish mackerel, you frequently catch multiple fish because they tend to travel in packs.
Another strategy to capture these speedsters is to cast toward them. When fish can be seen in a school chasing bait on the surface, casting small spoons and sinking plugs is effective. A fishing tip is to reel in quickly after casting spoons or plugs because Spanish mackerel enjoy pursuing moving baits.
Now that you are familiar with the fundamentals of catching Spanish mackerel in the Mid-Atlantic region, you must be aware of the rules that apply in the tristate region:
See How to Target Spanish Mackerel for additional advice on catching Spanish mackerel specifically.
When and Where to Fish for Spanish Mackerel
The Florida stocks of Spanish mackerel are the ones that migrate north to the Chesapeake Bay, although they are also found off the Atlantic coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico. Typically, they arrive in the late spring and arrive at the Bay’s mouth in May or June. In the fall, when they migrate back to Florida, they frequently leave the Bay waters abruptly after a few early-fall cold fronts pass by and the water starts to rapidly cool.
Warm-water fish called Spanish mackerel make summer trips to the Mid-Atlantic region.
Spanish mackerel are primarily caught at the mouth of the bay early in the season, in the Lower Bay throughout the summer and into the fall, and in the Middle Bay from mid-summer through early fall because the season is relatively short and these fish migrate with the seasonal temperature changes. Although less common than in Maryland and Virginia waters, Spanish Mackerel can be found in Delaware’s lower Delaware Bay and off the coast into the Atlantic Ocean. They are typically only present in the middle of summer.
Wholly Spanish Mackerel!
You’ll miss this speed demon of Florida waters if you blink twice.
You guessed it: another Spanish mackerel appeared as the reel in line was neatly cut near the leader.
The superior fighting skills of this slim, colorful, and powerful species make them worth the effort even though they aren’t particularly prized for their eating quality.
There are a few wise recommendations to take into account before hunting this species.
FAQ
What is the best time of day to catch Spanish mackerel?
Typically, Spanish mackerel feed aggressively in the morning and again frequently in the late afternoon. They do, however, occasionally become picky eaters once the water warms into the 80s, especially in the middle of the day.
How do you target Spanish mackerel?
- Try using a small gold spoon. …
- Watch for those gray-hounding fish. …
- Utilize a quick retrieve, and if you’re trolling, increase the speed to eight or nine knots.
- Planer or weights can be used to lower a lure below the surface.
- Watch for birds.
Where are Spanish mackerel found?
Spanish mackerel can be found in the Gulf of Mexico and off the Atlantic coast of the United States.
What is the best bait to catch Spanish mackerel?
Spanish mackerel, which can be caught using bait and lures, will eat almost anything, including sardines, mullet, cut bait, squid, and shrimp. Although they favor quickly moving bait, they are not particularly picky when they are feeding. Anglers with experience always have shiny spoons and other heavy metal lures available.
