fishing tackle

Spanish Mackerel Fishing in SC

By Bill Rollins 15 June, 2023 6 mins read

When it comes to Spanish mackerel fishing in SC, there are several things to keep in mind. Inshore waters are best for targeting the fish. It is important that you pay attention where strikes occur so that your tactics can be changed if needed. You will need a live bait, Monofilament line, and other important fishing supplies. These are some helpful tips to help you get started.

Inshore waters

If you're a fly fisherman, inshore Spanish mackerel fishing waters may be your best bet. These aerial acrobats, which are aggressive and often dangerous, are found in the United States' shore waters. They are frequently located near oyster bars. These fish can be found in open waters or on troll lures. A favorite lure is the Gotcha tube, which works well in both shallow and deep waters.

Drifting with live bait can be done on jetties and piers. Both of these structures are perfect for Spanish mackerel catching. But piers are better than jetties for fishing with livebait because they are closer to water. It can be difficult to fish with spoons or plugs when the tides run high. However, your hook can be cast parallel to the shore and towards the breaking fish. If you're not confident in your casting skills, you can try drifting and trolling over larger wrecks.

Surfers may also find the spanish mackerel fishing offshore very appealing. While the Spanish mackerel fishing areas are excellent for surf fishing, many anglers prefer to fish out of a boat. You can also fish from bridges or piers. The fish will move in the area searching for bait fish. Depending on the location, you can use jigs, spoons, swimbaits, or live bait to catch these tasty fish.

Best times to fish

There are three main times you can fish Spanish mackerel from the southern U.S. waters. One is during the spring migrate (in late April), when fish are spawning; and two are fall and winter, which are when they migrate to overwintering ground in south Florida. Both times of year have their own specific fishing nuances, but the spring migration and fall migration have the most fish available.

Throughout the year, the waters off the southern coast of the U.S. are full of Spanish mackerel. These species are most abundant when water temperatures rise in April. Then they start to diminish by early October, when temperatures drop to the 60s. It is important to pay attention to local fishing reports when Spanish mackerel are being caught. If you live close to a beach, Spanish mackerel can be caught trolling dead cigar minnows and slowly trolling live bait.

Trolling is the most popular method to catch Spanish mackerel. The most effective method of catching Spanish mackerel is to use a spoon or diving planer, which can be towed behind a 30 pound leader and swivel. The lure should rotate at a speed of five to seven knots, which is equivalent to trolling at five knots per second. This speed could reduce your chances to catch bluefish.

Live bait

If you're interested in catching Spanish mackerel, live bait can be an excellent choice. This type of fish is popular in Florida Keys fishing. Aside from live bait, you may also use small spoons or other jerky baits. They will eat whatever bait you provide. In addition to being a tasty treat, Spanish mackerel make great smoked fish.

Use treble hooks with a long-shank rig to properly rig live bait for Spanish Mackerel Fishing. Long-shank hooks are best to prevent Spanish mackerel biting your line. Or, you can use long-shank leaders and treblehooks. Another option is live shrimp.

Anglers may use either bare or woven jig heads to fish for Spanish mackerel. The bait should be placed so that it touches the shrimp's back. This can be used to catch Spanish mackerel, as well its cousins, king and cero Mackerel.

Use artificial lures with fast actions to ensure the best results. Spanish fish will bite fast-moving lures, so jerking lures won't work if they are slow moving. Slow-moving artificial lures may trigger bites. Therefore, it is important to use fast live bait when Spanish mackerel fishing.

Monofilament line

Monofilament is better for Spanish mackerel fishing than braided. This line is strong, flexible and easy to reel the fish in without tangling them. Unlike other fish, Spanish mackerel prefer the texture of monofilament line over the toughness of fluorocarbon. You have a better chance to catch Spanish mackerel if you use a monofilament line that is 15 pounds.

Although Spanish mackerel are easy to catch, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Use light tackle. This type of fishing requires medium-to heavy reels. Light tackle is recommended. You may want to consider a lighter line if you are catching a larger variety of fish. You should also ensure you have enough bait for Spanish mackerel to take your lures.

Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders that can be caught using a variety of baits. Most anglers identify Spanish mackerel locations by trolling or watching for birds diving on baitfish schools. These birds can be an indicator of a Spanish mackerel-infested school, which causes the baitfish to rise above the surface. You can also use light spinning tackle for catching Spanish mackerel. A monofilament leader should be used because a 20-pound fish can be ripped apart by a pioneer.

Drifting

Drifting is a useful technique when looking for Spanish mackerel schools along the coast of South Carolina. Drifting can be done in inlets, passes, or flats. Artificial lures can include jigs, spoons, and artificial lures. For fish to be attracted, lures must move quickly so that they are easy to retrieve. This works best when the mackerel isn't on the surface. You can also make use of structures and other gamefish that are attracted to them.

One of the most effective methods for catching Spanish mackerel is trolling. By drifting behind your boat, you can lure the fish with a flashy, fast-moving bait. The best trolling lures are designed to be trolled quickly, and you can cover a large area with a single hook. Trolling is great when the Spanish mackerel aren't active on the surface. You can also use it to find Spanish mackerel sporadics.

Spanish mackerel are attracted to bait that is attractive when drifting. They love a chum, and will eat either cut baits or live bait. This technique is especially effective when it comes to hard bottom and structures. If you don't have a baitfish-chum rig, drift with a chunk or cut bait.

Poaching

Continue reading to learn more about how you can stop Spanish mackerel poaching. These rules vary from one state to the next. Spanish Mackerel Technical Committee, South Atlantic State/Federal Fishery Management Board developed an action program to prevent overfishing of this delicate fish. Continue reading to find out more about the plan, and how it will impact your fishing operations.

Fishers can use bait during peak season to lure mackerel to their boats. The fish's fat contains high levels of omega-3 fatty oils. The best time to catch mackerel, according to tradition, is between March-July when the fish migrates south for winter. Poaching Spanish mackerel, due to its sensitivity towards eucalyptus oil, is a bad idea.

Spanish mackerel managers aim to keep stock levels at near-MSY. It is important to adjust management measures accordingly if year classes are smaller or larger than usual. It is also important that you study the relationship between larval number and strength of subsequent year classes and start spatial sampling for spawning sites. It is also important to analyze the shrimp trawl information in order to determine the potential future year class strength.

After the mackerel have been cooked, it is time to prepare the salsa. Make salsa by dicing tomatoes, cucumbers, and garlic into thin slices. Then, use a spoon to scrape the mixture with a spoon. The remaining ingredients should be chopped finely. Season the salsa with salt and oil. Cover the mackerel with plastic wrap once it is cooked. Let it cool. The salsa will stay moist and juicy, while the mackerel will remain tender.

FAQ

Are you able to fish without a bobber?

Yes. A bobber keeps the bait safe from being taken by other fisherman when they are fishing. There are two parts of a bobber, the float or the line. To cast a lure, attach the hook to one end of the line. Then, pull the rod out and release the line. If you don't use a bobber, the lure may sink into the water, which makes it difficult for the fish to bite.

How can I tell if my lure is working?

You should watch out for movement in your lure when it is thrown into the water. If you see movement, then your lure is working properly.

Where can I find good fishing spots?

You can fish in many places around the globe. Many people enjoy fishing at public parks, private ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)