Spanish Mackerel Fishing in Florida

Captain's Note:
If you can't strip a fly line fast enough you probably won't catch a Spanish Mackerel speed racer! Mackerels are a whole lot of fun in a little package on any fly rod or light tackle. Make sure you have enough mono leader material and quantity of the right flies/artificials and Mackerels will provide you with quite a bite. I prefer a Mastry-Striper, 9 wt., clear, intermediate sinking fly line and either epoxy glass minnows or white deceiver style flies. Cast toward or into the school of fish and strip until it hurts. You can use small wire leader material but the bite ratio is much higher on mono or fluorocarbon (which I personally use.) Caution anglers! These fish know not what they bite and will take a finger off quite easily when handled incorrectly. Also, bring that extra fly line......they have great teeth!

Description:
The Spanish Mackerel has an elongated, compressed body with a conical head and relatively short snout. Has two closely related dorsals. The second dorsal and the anal fin are followed by 8-9 small finlets. Pectoral fins have no scales. Iridescent blue-green on the back and silvery on bottom and sides accompanied by numerous yellow or bronze spots. The anal fin is white and the tips of the second dorsal and both pectorals fins are usually black.

Avg. Size:
16-20", max. 36"

Distribution:
Found throughout Gulf Coast.

Habitat:
Coastal waters above the continental platform.

Behavior:
Gregarious, forming large schools. Can be seen feeding on surface in schools of small fish.

Diet:
Small fish, especially sardines and anchovies.

Fishing Techniques:
Flyfishing, surfcasting, casting, trolling. Best artificials are flies or jigs erratically retrieved. Best natural baits are small fish or shrimp.