Fishing Florida The Sunshine State's Top 25 Game Fish

A GORP Content Partner Adapted from Fishing Florida by Kris Thoemke

Distribution - This species is commonly found along both coasts of Florida. They travel in large schools and are highly migratory — they may be around in great numbers one day and virtually gone the next. The general trend is northward in spring and south in late fall to wintering grounds off the south Florida coast. Spanish mackerel can be caught from the surf, off ocean piers, and in boats within 1 or 2 miles of shore along the Atlantic coast and up to 5 miles offshore along the Gulf coast.

Tackle and techniques - Medium duty spinning or bait-casting tackle with 6- to 12-pound test line is suitable. Use a heavy monofilament leader or a small diameter wire leader. This fish has a mouthful of small sharp teeth.

To find the schools of fish, look to the sky. Spanish mackerel like to feed on baitfish and so do pelicans, terns, and frigate birds. If you see a large patch of disrupted water and a number of birds diving into the area, you've located a school of bait. If mackerel are nearby, they are likely to be under the baitfish actively feeding. Get within casting distance of the school and you will catch fish.

If there are no signs of surface activity, troll with a spoon or jig. When you hook the first fish, throw a milk jug marker buoy overboard. Return to the site and begin casting. Where there's one Spanish mackerel there's bound to be a school.

All the fish in a school will be close to the same size and age. If you are looking for bigger fish, try around the edges of the school you're fishing or look elsewhere for another school. If you are working a school and there isn't much action try smaller bait or lures.

State regulations apply to this fish. Check the latest edition of the rules and regulations for size and bag limits and open and closed seasons.

Bait - When fishing a school of Spanish mackerel you can use a live baitfish or free lined shrimp but a spoon or jig works just as well and is easier to use. If the school is in a feeding frenzy, this fish will strike at any shiny object, including a bare hook.

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