Damn Good Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters

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Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters

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Everything to Know About Booking a spanish mackerel fishing charter

What are the best spanish mackerel fishing charters?

What is a Spanish Mackerel?

Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) are saltwater fish, found in the Atlantic ocean. They have a green back, silver sides with three rows of yellow spots on both sides and sharp jaws. These spots help to separate them from the cero and king mackerel, who otherwise look very similar.

They are strong swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 18 feet per second, for stretches of up to 20 miles. Built for speed with their bullet-shaped bodies, be ready for an energetic fight once you have one hooked. Thanks to conservation efforts after overfishing in the 1980s, starting the fight will be a much easier feat now that the species has been brought back from the brink!

How big do Spanish Mackerel get?

Not typically regarded as a bragging rights fish, spanish mackerel are typically between two and six pounds. Those that grow larger than ten pounds are considered large. They are usually at their full size at five years for males, and six years for females.

What's the biggest Spanish Mackerel ever caught?

On November 4th, 1987, Robert Cranton caught the International Game Fish Association world record for spanish mackerel. Weighing in at a solid 13 pounds, this beast was caught out of Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, and has yet to be officially beat.

Where is the best place to catch Spanish Mackerel?

Spanish mackerel are a shallow water species, staying in depths of 10 to 40 feet, however can occasionally be found as deep as 80 feet. They can be found as far south as the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, and as far north as Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Some of the most highly regarded areas to fish for spanish mackerel are Miami and the Keys in Florida, and also the northern Texas coast.

When should I catch Spanish Mackerel?

Spanish mackerel are migratory fish who follow rising water temperatures. Due to this, it is important to follow their pattern and target them according to where they are along their route during season changes.

The Gulf of Mexico tends to be the best from May to September, whereas in the Atlantic, you can find them travelling north up the United States coast line in the spring summer, and then head down south towards Cancun for the fall and winter.

How do you catch Spanish Mackerel?

There are several spots to look for spanish mackerel depending on how deep of water you are targeting them in. For offshore and nearshore, look for structures that they may school around, while inshore check the surfs, flats, piers, and jetties.

They tend to feed in large schools near the surface, so another convenient way to find them is by watching for water commotion as well as bird activity.

Spanish mackerel can be caught with many different lures and baits. Nylon jigs, feather lures and spoons work great for artificial, while minnows and live shrimp work great for natural bait. They can be used while trolling or drift fishing, or just casting off the pier.

Are Spanish Mackerel good to eat? What are the best Spanish Mackerel recipes?

Spanish mackerel are a very popular white fish, and is best eaten fresh. There are many ways to prepare mackerel, whether you broil, fry, bake, or even smoke them. However, the most popular way to enjoy spanish mackerel is in sushi! At many sushi restaurants, you will find it under the name sawara.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    I’ve been on many fishing trips - few captains have taken care of our group as well as Captain Alek did. Insightful, hard working, knows where the fish are. Can’t recommend highly enough. 100% choose him to guide your next trip.

    Marcus G. | April 29, 2026

    Trip: Miami Sport Fishing 🎣

  • ★★★★★
    Cory was a great guide. He really tried to put us on fish on what was otherwise a slow day. He is a good guy with good stories. I will use him again next time I am in Port A.

    Steve D. | April 27, 2026

    Trip: Port Aransas Inshore Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    John did a great job! He’s great with kids!!

    Chris R. | April 26, 2026

    Trip: Half Day Bay/Jetty AM

  • ★★★★★
    Good time, perfect day. Capt Dalton moved around until we found fish. Highly recommended

    Kevin S. | April 24, 2026

    Trip: Fishing Thrills In Fort Myers

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Andy was great. We had a keeper on board 10 seconds after the first cast!!! Just one of more to come! My son and I had a great time. Capt Andy was very friendly and knowledgeable. Extremely helpful with changing baits, etc.

    Ron | April 21, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Trip Afternoon Action

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