Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters Tampa Bay
Tampa Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters aboard the Spanish Sardine will last a lifetime! Spanish Mackerel are found along our Gulf beaches and in Tampa Bay in the Spring and Fall seasons. Mackerel can be caught by trolling or anchoring and casting toward them. When there is a large school the action on top of the water is amazing. There is no mistaking what you are about to catch.
Identifying Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are a pelagic, fast swimming fish that exhibits a green back, its sides are silvery marked with about three rows of round to oval yellow spots. The Lateral line curves down from the upper end of the gill. The dorsal fin is black at the front. They have a razor single row of cutting edged teeth in each jaw. This fish can be found all over the Tampa Bay`waters. inshore, offshore and nearshore. They are frequently found over grass beds and reefs. Spanish Mackerel are a schooling fish that migrates northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when water temperature drops below 70 degrees during the spring and summer month they spawn offshore feeding on bait fish and squid.
Good Eats
Spanish Mackerels have darker meat and are one of the tastiest of the Mackerel family. Spanish Mackerels are also one of the richest sources for Omega-3 fatty acids. They are the polyunsaturated fatty acids with huge health benefits. They are easily filleted and excellent eating baked, broiled, steamed, smoked, poached, or fried.
Tackle to Catch Spanish Mackerel
There are a few different ways of catching Spanish Mackerel. One of the way is trolling. I use a heavy duty Star Rod with a small spoon on a #1 planer. The reason that I like to use a heavy duty Star Rod is because of the planer. The Planer puts a lot of strain on the rod. One of my favorite ways on catching Spanish Mackerel is using light tackle. I anchor the boat at a location were I know there is fish. I start chumming the waters with cut bait, live bait and grind baits until the fish start jumping on the back of the boat. Once I see a few fish come up and eat, It’s game on!! I will pitch a live Spanish sardine at my chum and in seconds you will have your reel drag singing my favorite tune. I have had many trips limited out on Mackerel on the first hour. This fish are great fighters and lots of fun to catch.
The Right Fishing Tackle
Guests on the Spanish Sardine Fishing Charter are provided top-of-the-line Star Fishing Rods and Penn Fishing Reels to use during their fishing excursion. This quality equipment assures you the best fishing action while offering reliable and easy operation for every level of angler. You are also welcome to bring your own fishing gear if you’d like. We’ll put you on the fish either way.
Limits On Spanish Mackerel
In the Gulf Of Mexico our daily bag limit is 15 Spanish Mackerel per harvester per day. The minimum size limit is 12” fork length.