Size: Spanish mackerels are not big fish, so a Spanish mackerel lure will need to match that. A lure that’s 2- or 3-inches is the sweet spot.
What lures do you use for Spanish mackerel?
Best Lures for Spanish Mackerel
- Casting Spoons. Aerodynamic and shiny, casting spoons like those made by Kastmaster, Krocodile and Hopkins make a perfect match for glass minnows, a favorite mackerel snack.
- Jigs.
- Trolling Spoons.
- Mackerel Trees.
- Soda Straw Rig.
- Bubble Rig.
- Jerk Baits.
- Bucktail Jigs.
What size hooks for Spanish mackerel?
If you are targeting the smaller mackerel species like Spanish Mackerel or Cero Mackerel, then you can use a 1/0 or 2/0 circle hook. Both of these mackerel species will readily eat live bait, dead bait and lures.
What is the best way to catch Spanish mackerel?
The most popular way to catch Spanish Mackerel is by trolling. In our area, people either use number-one or number-two diving planers, trailed by a small gold or silver spoon 15 to 20 feet back on a 30 pound test leader. It’s important to use a swivel behind the planer, to prevent line twist.
What pound leader is mackerel?
Fluorocarbon leaders that range from 25 to 50 pound test line have become common for Spanish mackerel fishing. Because most Spanish mackerel will be in the 2 to 3 pound range, you will most likely only need 8 to 12 pound test line as your main line, which is why the leader is so important.
What lure is best for mackerel?
Small soft plastic lures also work well. Mackerel will nail these in the top 20 ft or so of water. Effective lures include the Fiiish Black Minnow 70, Savage Gear Sandeels in the mini 10 cm or small 12.5 cm sizes and many others that imitate small baitfish such as sandeels and sprats.
What time is the best for mackerel fishing?
Regarding the time of day, as with many species, mackerel feed best at dawn or dusk. Their prey – small fish, sandeels, launce, shrimps, squid and so on – are also most active around these times.
What size hooks are best for mackerel?
What size hooks for mackerel? The most common sized hook for mackerel is a size 1O, but these are considered too large by many. There is a Japanese alternative to traditionally sized mackerel feathers which is far superior, called Sabiki feathers.
How long should Spanish mackerel leader be?
One bit of rigging that is absolutely crucial for Spanish is a good leader. If Spanish mackerel fish teeth hit 12-pound monofilament line, that line will quickly shred in two pieces. Some anglers prefer a short—eight inches—light metal leader which connects the lure or bait to the angler’s line.
What depth do you troll for Spanish mackerel?
An age-old method for catching Spanish mackerel from boats is to troll No. 1 and No. 00 Clark spoons at varying depths from the surface to 5 or 6 feet deep, using trolling weights in 1- to 3-ounce sizes and No. 1 planers.
What colors do Spanish mackerel like?
The best Spanish mackerel lures combine shiny metal and sparkly colors to imitate a grass minnow, silverside, or anchovy. Spanish often feed on small baitfish, so the big challenge is matching the size of the minnows. Trolling a small lure requires adding weight or planer to keep the lure under the water.
How much is a Spanish mackerel worth?
Fresh Whole Spanish Mackerel $17.80kg – Seafood Warehouse.
What does Spanish mackerel like to eat?
Spanish mackerel aren’t picky and will go for whatever fishing lures or baits you’re using for other fish. But when it comes to live baits, the best ones to use are live shrimps and live bait fish, especially small bait fish.
Do you need a leader for Spanish mackerel?
Spanish mackerel have keen eyesight, so a fluorocarbon leader is an essential part of the tackle. I use 3 to 4 feet of 15-pound test connected to the main line with a uni-to-uni knot. The long leader comes in handy when fishing around jetties.
Do you need wire trace for Spanish mackerel?
Spanish mackerel lures
Very importantly, attach your lure to a wire trace for any toothy critter like mackerel and wahoo etc. Use crimps for multi-strand wire or a simple haywire twist with single strand wire.
Are Spanish mackerel hard to catch?
Spanish are typically very easy to catch when they are around, they fight hard, they taste great and they are easy to clean. So, Spanish mackerel are an ideal game fish for recreational anglers.
What depth do you fish mackerel?
Mackerel generally remain at the same depth which is between 8ft to 20ft. They also generally stay quite close to cliffs and walls. If you’re fishing from a pier then you will probably only need to be casting out between 5 to 30 yards.
How fast do you troll for Spanish mackerel?
between five and seven knots
Trolling speed for Spanish mackerel is between five and seven knots. At this speed the 15-pound leader is going to twist no matter how many ball bearing swivels you use. Having one in the mix will slow down the inevitable, but it won’t stop the twisting.
Are the mackerel in yet 2022?
The 2022 Mackerel Hook & Line fishery is to open by Fisheries Management Notice for all eligible vessels under 15 metres in length overall on 1st May 2022.
What size hooks for lures?
Most of the common lures, in popular sizes have #6 Treble Hooks attached. It is a good idea to keep a a few of these on hand for rusty or dull hooks that need replacement.
What size hooks for mackerel feathers?
The vast majority of daylights and feathers come with size 2/0 hooks fitted, which is the ideal size for mackerel which are the main target of most anglers using this type of lure.