Outdoors

Willing mackerel make for much fun

By RICK FRAZIER, Times Correspondent
Published November 2, 2007

It's that time of year again for drag-screaming, line-pulling Spanish mackerel action. So, grab your gear and head to your nearest mackerel hot spot.

If you're new to the Spanish mackerel game, "macks" can be caught at most gulf and bay piers during all of November and even into December as long as the water doesn't get too cold.

One of the best things about mackerel is their willingness to bite, so they are easy to catch. They're also just plain fun. It's not uncommon to be able to see them attack the bait, feel the hookup and hear the drag scream in an instant. What could be better than that?

The best bait is an ordinary silver spoon. Sure you could get more complex with expensive plugs, but why? They'll just get cut off and you'll be out the money. Go to your local tackle shop and buy a few ought or double-ought size silver spoons and you're ready. Attach the spoon to a double-swivel lead with about 6 feet of 30-pound leader. No need for wire here.

The technique is to cast underhand as far as you can from the pier. With the rod tip pointed down, reel in as fast as you can without pulling the spoon out of the water. If the fish are there, you will get a fish on every cast.

If you're a live-bait enthusiast, then more tackle is needed. Place a weighted float about 2 feet above the hook. Hooks should be a long-shank No. 1 or 1/0. Use a 2-foot section of 30-pound leader.

If you're getting cut off, it's usually not from the hooked fish, it's from other macks trying to steal the bait from the one you have on the line. In this case, it's best to attach a short piece of No. 1 wire to your hook. You'll never eliminate cut-offs completely, especially during a frenzy, but the wire will help tremendously. Don't worry about losing the bite because of the wire. When mackerel are that aggressive, wire doesn't deter them.

Some of these macks can be in the 5- to 6-pound range, so it's wise to have the equipment that will be able to handle it. Remember, you're on a stationary structure so you can't chase them. You have to direct them. Use rods in the 7-foot range with a matching reel that is capable of handling 15- to 20-pound line.

Monofilament is the best line choice in this situation. Since mackerel attack the bait so furiously, more often than not, they'll get foul-hooked. It's best to have a forgiving line that will stretch so the hook won't pull out.

The bag limit on Spanish mackerel is generous: 15 per person per day measuring 12 inches fork-length. If your catch will be dinner, it's best to bleed out the fish in a bucket of water. The flesh will be much milder this way.

Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 510-4376. If you've had a great day fishing from land and want to share it with readers, contact the lubberline at (727) 893-8775 or e-mail captainrick@luckydawg.com.

[Last modified November 1, 2007, 18:22:46]