Ok, AMI anglers, we are smack-dab in the middle of the “spring run,” which means loads of hungry, super-active fish species are filling up our waters and tugging on our lines.
Among the many awesome, fun fish we’re enjoying right now is Spanish mackerel. These spotted, sharp-toothed bad boys are currently headed north through AMI waters in big, hungry schools.
It’s bad luck to say that any fish is “easy to catch,” but when it comes to Spanish mackerel, your friendly local Anna Maria charter captain has got his methods…
About Spanish Mackerel
These torpedo-shaped predators are distinguished from other mackerel by their golden-orange spots on the sides. When fishing in Bradenton, Spanish mackerel we see are anywhere between 18 inches/3 lbs and 30 inches/10 or 11 lbs.
Like so many fish in the waters around Anna Maria this time of year, Spanish mackerel are currently migrating south and using our offshore waters for spawning. Otherwise, they’re going to be pretty common just about wherever we go, hanging out on grass beds and reefs pretty much anywhere
AMI Spanish Mackerel Fishing
I’m pretty committed to using live bait, and our go-to pilchards are a great pick for these aggressive feeders. As I mentioned above, we’re going to run into them pretty much wherever we go Anna Maria Island fishing.
But if we’re specifically going after Spanish mackerel, we just have to keep our eyes peeled for frantic baitfish activity near the surface, including sea birds hanging around and diving for food. That activity often means the Spanish mackerel are feeding, so we just have to drop our bait in and say hi!
Spanish mackerel fishing is open year-round in Florida, with a 12-inch minimum. And while there is technically a bag limit, it’s 15 fish per person. So go nuts!
Spanish Mackerel on the Dinner Table
Surprise surprise, Spanish mackerel are delicious! And unlike some of our other leaner, milder white fish, these filets have a stronger flavor as they’re technically an oily fish. That also means they’ve got more of those heart-healthy Omega 3s, so they’re a great option for folks trying to lower their cholesterol.
Book Your Spanish Mackerel AMI Fishing Charter Today
Technically speaking there’s always time for Spanish mackerel, but the active spawning season is the time to go out for guaranteed action. Even better, this is a great fish to target for younger kids and/or less experienced anglers (provided you have a professional charter captain to help guide you and give you a few pointers about keeping the sharp-toothed guys on the line).
So as a treat for the little ones and for yourself, book your Anna Maria fishing charter today and we’ll take advantage of the plentiful Spanish mackerels available in our local waters!
