How to Catch Spanish Mackerel

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2021 References

Spanish mackerel are coastal fish that travel in large schools and are found in the Atlantic Ocean, especially between New York and the Gulf of Mexico. In winter they migrate along the southern coast of Florida. Weighing in at around 10 lb. (4.53 kg), they can vary greatly in size, with some twice as big.^{[1]
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Research source} Although they are strong, fast swimmers, they can be easy to catch as they are often found in very large schools near the surface of the water.^{[2]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:
Locating and Approaching Spanish Mackerel

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Scout your fishing location based on the season. From March until June, Spanish mackerel are mostly found offshore, moving closer to shore as summer approaches.^{[3]
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- By July, they're so close to the beaches and piers you should be able to catch them standing from the shore.
- In the summer and until the early fall, you can catch them on the flats and near the top of big bays.^{[4]
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2
Look for birds diving into the sea. Spanish mackerel feed in large schools, driving the small baitfish they prey on to the surface. If you see diving birds, chances are there will be a school of Spanish mackerel underneath.^{[5]
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- Look for diving birds around bays and inland waters in the summer months especially – although it’s also common in spring and early autumn.^{[6]
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3
Troll the outside of the school of Spanish mackerel if fishing from a boat. Troll with a lot of line out and make sure the lures go into the front of the school, to avoid driving the fish down.^{[7]
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- Trolling is a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait, are drawn through the water.
- Stay on the outside of the school of fish, do not troll directly through it.
4
Drift your boat into the school using the wind or breeze. Try to get upwind of the school and drift in. A cautious approach will help prevent scaring the fish away.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:
Fishing for Spanish Mackerel

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Use a longer rod to increase your chances of catching a Spanish mackerel. Whether you are fishing from a boat or the shore, it is best to use a long fly rod when fishing for Spanish mackerel. The longer the rod, the longer a cast you will be able to get.^{[8]
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2
Use a heavy lure to help you cast further. Spanish mackerel are fast and powerful, so use metal lures such as a silver spoon which are nice and heavy, allowing you to cast them quite far. A metal lure will help you reach schools from most spots, including boats, bridges or piers.^{[9]
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- Metal lures are also able to better withstand the strong teeth of Spanish mackerel over time.^{[10]
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- If using natural bait, minnows and live shrimp are good options.^{[11]
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3
Cast your line far, and fast. Although not large, Spanish mackerel are very swift, so you need to be fast to catch them. Cast your line far and quickly, and be prepared to set your hook fast when you locate your catch.^{[12]
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- Use high gear ratio tackle for fast retrieval. The faster retrieval will also come in handy when you need to get the lure in for another cast quickly before the school moves off again.^{[13]
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- Use conventional tackle if fishing from beaches and piers. Conventional tackle gives you a farther cast, and will help you reach schools that may otherwise seem just out of reach.^{[14]
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4
Troll your boat back the way you came. If you catch a fish, turn your boat around and troll back through the same area. This will help avoid driving the fish down, and allow other people fishing to have their chance.^{[15]
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