Lake Fishing

Spanish Mackerel Fishing Rigs

By Mike Richardson 22 November, 2022 7 mins read

There are some things that you need to know about spoon fishing and got-cha lures when Spanish mackerel fishing. Bucktails can come in various sizes. To match the size or baitfish size, you can adjust the bucktails.

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 prefer small baitfish and so a shiny, glossy finish is great for sunny days. For cloudy days, a matte finish will work well. A single hook is all you need to set up your Spanish bass fishing rod. You should not use a double hook. This will increase the likelihood of missed strikes or a hiccup.

A metal casting bowl can catch a variety, but the primary species to aim for are Bluefish or Spanish mackerel. These fish are attracted to lures which have a fast retrieve. A jigging spool will produce a fluttering action which fish enjoy. A jigging spoon is also useful if you are fishing in a lake or river.

Spanish mackerel have weak teeth so they are attracted by light lures. Casting spoons made of light wire will help prevent the lures from coming apart during a fight. Spanish mackerel is small but can still be hooked using a triple hook. The light wire will shield your hand from the razor-sharp teeth. The more effective the cast, the smaller the bait.

Got-Cha lures

If you are trying to catch a school of Spanish mackerel, the classic Got-Cha lure is an excellent choice. 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 can't resist this action. Before jigging the lure, let it sink to the bottom. 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. The risk of losing a lot is high if the leader is too long. A medium-length leader may be difficult to attract Spanish mackerel. Use a shorter leader when fishing in rivers or streams.

Charter boat captains know the value of a diamond jig. These jigs can be light-weighted and are very effective when Spanish mackerel feed on clear water glass minnows. The jigs are flashy enough to give them the incentive to strike. Although diamond jigs can be rolled, larger versions are better for vertical jigging than structure.

Monofilament line

For Spanish mackerel fishing, you can use braided rope but monofilament is preferable by many anglers. Monofilament is a flexible line that doesn't pull the hook when the fish bites. This is because these fish can live in open waters and are unlikely to bite a leader of 20 pounds. The type and size of Spanish mackerel to be caught will play a major role in selecting a leader.

Although fluorocarbon line can be more expensive than monofilament but has many benefits over monofilament. Fluorocarbon line works better with baits and live trap angling because it can be hidden from the eye. Mono is more resistant to snapping or fraying when the fish bites and also holds knots well. But mono is much more forgiving than fluoro and is cheaper.

Live bait is an effective way to catch Spanish mackerel. Although you can use shrimp and baitfish, a live Sardinia is more effective. Spanish mackerel are more likely to eat live bait if it is flashy and moves quickly. Trolling spoons can be trolled at high speeds to cover a large area. Trolling is a great option for Spanish mackerel that aren't active on the surface.

Braided lines

The key to catching more fish and landing more is choosing the right leader. Every mistake you make when you are targeting Spanish fish will be magnified. It's best to use a graphite rod that is between 8 and 10 feet long. This doesn't feel heavy and has enough reach to reach Spanish-speaking schools. 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 quickly, and jerking your tip causes deadly darting below the surface. The lure's action is so fatal that Spanish fish will be forced 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 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 leads are great for surface fishing but Spanish mackerel will grab a wire leader.

Speck rigs

There are many different ways to use Speck rigs with Spanish makers. A speck rod can catch some the most impressive Spanish, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Pete recommends that you trolling a speck lure far behind the boat. The longer the line, the further behind the boat the lure should be trolled, so that the bait is not disturbed by the boat's motor. Another technique is to use a free-spool of small menhaden, known as peanut bunker or pogy.

The speck rig can be fished from the beach or from a pier. Quarter casts of 45 degrees are recommended to get the best out of 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. Fish can imitate baitfish by flipping this rig. Another popular Speck rig is the Love Lures Speck Rig. It comprises two jigs that are attached to dropper loops. A fluorocarbon leader is 20-30 pounds.

Trolling around structures is one of the best ways to catch these fish. Kingfish can be found near the beach and buoys. You can use live shrimp, alewives or small menhaden as baits. For those who want to target them near structure, a speckrig with fresh or live shrimp should be used. Although trolls are most commonly used to catch Spanish mackerel in the wild, there are other options.

Drifting

Knowing the basics of drifting for Spanish mackerel is essential. For your first drift, you will need a 30-foot leader. Although you can hand line it to the boat, it is important to be aware of 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 speed of your lines catching more fish.

Drifting baits work well with either artificial or live bait. Dead bait, live shrimp, and bait fish are all good options. You can also use split shot for drifting. A long-shanked hook is needed to reduce the possibility of cutoffs. An 1/0 hook is ideal. A 1/0 hook allows you to cover a larger area. Drifting in offshore and onshore waters is an efficient technique.

To attract Spanish mackerel, artificial reefs are also a good idea. These fish are found in the Bay's bottom near tunnel tubes. Use baited or cut bait when fishing from a dock. The best technique to fish these species is to drift back live bait. In the summer, you can fish off the coast Virginia. If the current is strong, aggressive fish will likely attack metal spoons.

Live bait

It is important to have the correct rig for Spanish mackerel fishing if you are using live bait. Spanish mackerel fishing equipment is basically the same as for king mackerel. Instead of using one hook, two smaller bucktails will be used and a single No. 6 treble hook. These bucktails are either small or large, depending on the size of your baitfish.

Live bait can be either a shrimp or a small silvery fish. If you like, you can throw it into a school to break fish or let it drift across an open ocean. You can also use chumming to catch a strike, whether you are fishing offshore or inshore. The best way to catch Spanish mackerel is usually with live bait. These fish are easy-to-clean and can be purchased at any local bait shop.

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. Long-shanked hooks are the best choice for this species of fish. They reduce cutoffs. The 1/0 is an excellent choice for all-around fishing.

FAQ

Do I need special licenses to fish?

You cannot unless you plan on taking fish out of the state or beyond county boundaries. Most states permit anglers to fish with no license. Check with your local Fish & Wildlife agency to see what is required.

What is the best fishing spot?

You can fish near rivers, lakes, streams and other freshwater bodies. These areas offer plenty of food and water for fish.

Can I fish during daylight?

Yes, you can fish anytime of the day. Only when fishing is prohibited is it not allowed to fish.

How can I get my kids to take up fishing?

Absolutely! Fishing is a favorite pastime of children. Children who learn to fish are likely to never stop. There are many things you can do to encourage your child to try fishing. You can show your child how to tie knots, make a fishing pole and teach them good fishing etiquette. It is possible to show them pictures of fish and tell stories about fishing.

What happens if I lose a fish while fishing?

Part of the game is losing a fish. Sometimes you will catch a fish only to lose it later. When this happens, just keep trying. You will eventually catch another fishing fish.

What type of fishing license do you need?

You will need a fishing permit if your plan is to fish on state waters (i.e. the lakes, rivers and beaches). According to state laws, anglers must have a valid fishing permit before they can fish. If you plan to fish within federal waters (e.g. Great Lakes, oceans), a license is required. Fishing licenses are not required if you plan to fish in federal waters. However, you will need to check with the authorities before you take any fish home.

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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)