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Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are highly migratory fish found year-round in Florida waters, with highest abundance in extreme south Florida including the Keys. The species supports both recreational (83.

8% of landings) and commercial fisheries, with current management showing stocks are not overfished nor undergoing overfishing.

Scientific Name: Scomberomorus maculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Spanish Mackerel are torpedo-shaped fish with distinctive blue-green backs, silver sides, and characteristic brassy brown oblong spots.
  • They feature a gradually sloping lateral line and a dark anterior third on their first dorsal fin.
  • In Florida, they typically reach 12-18 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, though the state record is nearly 12 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They are found in coastal to offshore open waters from the surface to 115 feet deep, frequently around barrier islands, passes, seagrass beds, artificial reefs, and ledges.
  • Highest abundance in extreme south Florida including the Keys.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, passes and inlets, artificial reefs, nearshore ledges, and surf zones along both Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
  • State record is nearly 12 pounds caught near Fort Pierce.

Specific Spots

  • Fish the upper third of the water column in 10-35 feet of water around structure, bait schools, or bird activity.

Spanish Mackerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Spanish Mackerel in Florida?

Top lures include silver spoons (1/4 to 3/4 ounce), Gotcha plugs (chrome with red or green heads), Clark spoons (sizes 00-1), DOA CAL soft plastics, Kastmaster spoons, and Rapala X-Rap plugs.

When is the best time to fish for Spanish Mackerel in Florida?

Spanish mackerel fishing is excellent from April through October in Florida, with peak action during spring and summer months when water temperatures exceed 70°F. Target them from late March through October on the Treasure Coast, though they can be caught year-round in South Florida and the Keys.

How do you catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida?

Retrieve lures very fast and erratically - mackerel are aggressive enough to catch the fastest retrieves. When trolling, use 5-7 mph with diving planers (#1 or #2) and 15-20 foot leaders behind spoons or jigs.

What do Spanish Mackerel eat?

Spanish mackerel are primarily piscivorous, feeding heavily on small schooling fish including glass minnows, anchovies, sardines, threadfin herring, herrings, jacks, and mullet. They also consume shrimp and cephalopods in smaller quantities.

Where do Spanish Mackerel live in Florida?

They are found in coastal to offshore open waters from the surface to 115 feet deep, frequently around barrier islands, passes, seagrass beds, artificial reefs, and ledges. Highest abundance in extreme south Florida including the Keys.

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