Ligh winds, calm seas perfect recipe to catch Spanish mackerel in Gulf

After a week with light winds and calm waters, Anna Maria Island anglers are braving the heat advisories to get out in the Gulf of Mexico to target Spanish mackerel. 

Vast amount of hatch bait are surrounding Anna Maria Island, especially along the Gulf beaches, which is attracting schools of predatory fish — blue runners, jack crevalle, ladyfish and especially mackerel — as the bait schools provide endless opportunities to feed without much effort. 

On calm days like we experienced this past week, targeting these fish can be as easy as locating the bait schools. Shore birds diving in the distance is a sure indicator that something is going on below. 

Once the school of bait is visible, you should be able to see predatory fish working in the school. With Spanish mackerel, you most likely see them either slashing through the bait schools and skyrocketing out of the water to heights of 5 feet or more as they wiggle through the air above the surface before splashing back into the water. 

In these instances, catching them could be quite easy. By simply casting a free-lined shiner on a long shank hook around the bait schools. And be ready because most times the bite can be instantaneous. Not being ready immediately can lead to the mackerel’s sharp teeth cutting the line which results in having to re-tie your rig and missing the opportunity to catch a fish. 

In many instances, bait schools are on the move so doing a drift rather than anchoring, maybe advantageous. If you can keep up with the bait schools, you should find success, but once the bait school is out of casting range, you’ll see the bite goes with it. 

Using small jigs or silver spoons that can be cast long distance prolongs the action, resulting in more catches before you have to move the boat. 

If you’re fishing from land, try going to areas like piers where bait will gather and stay in one place. In these scenarios, the macks will do the same thing making them targetable for long periods of time. 

Again, free-lined shiners on a long shank hook as bait will work great, although artificials like jigs and spoons can work just as well on many occasions. So, choose your weapons accordingly.

As far as tablefare is concerned, there are mixed reviews on Spanish mackerel. Being an oily fish, they do have some flavor to them. Immediately after being caught, they should be bled and put on ice to ensure their freshness. 

Generally, Spanish mackerel, are best cooked the day they are caught, especially when served as a main course for dinner. If you have an abundance of fillets, more than just one meals worth, the leftovers can be brined and smoked, which makes an excellent smoked fish dip. 

This being said, just take what you think you eat for dinner and release the rest as mackerel can be quite hearty and will survive after being let go.

Remember, Spanish mackerel must measure 12 inches to the fork of the tail to be harvested. The daily bag limit per person per day is 15 fish, which is an ample amount, especially if you’re feeding a large group or making fish dip. 

The best preparations are marinating and grilling or baking in the oven. Served as sashimi with soy and wasabi is also becoming quite popular. Just do your homework on eating raw foods before this preparation.

On my Just Reel charters spotted seatrout are the most frequent catch this week.

Working deep grass flats close to the Gulf of Mexico where clean, clear water exist seems to be producing the best quality in sizes of trout. Many fish 18-22 inches are present in these areas. 

On the shallow flats in Sarasota Bay, the trout bite is equally good although many smaller trout 12-14 inches are present, resulting in lots of action but not lots in the cooler. 

Along the Gulf beaches, Spanish mackerel are making a showing. Casting baits around schools of hatch bait results in macks up to 20 inches. 

Targeting reds and catch-and-release snook on the flats produces some action depending on tides and water temps. Strong tides and mild water temps yield the best results. 

Finally, mangrove snapper are still being caught around structure in the bays and in the passes.