Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are distributed throughout Louisiana's coastal nearshore waters and saline estuaries and bays, with populations extending from the Gulf of Mexico into brackish systems.
They are fast-growing fish with short lifespans, rarely living beyond 3-5 years. As schooling predators, they relentlessly attack schools of smaller fish.
Scientific Name: Scomberomorus maculatus
- Spanish Mackerel are sleek, torpedo-shaped fish with greenish backs, silver sides, and distinctive oval yellow or golden-olive spots scattered along their bodies.
- A pronounced black spot on the front of the dorsal fin helps distinguish them from similar species like cero mackerel.
- These fish typically grow 12-15 inches in their first year, with most catches averaging under 5 pounds, though they can reach up to 27 inches and 12 pounds.
Fishing in Louisiana
Red River
Lake Chicot
Mississippi River
Ouachita River
Kincaid Reservoir
Indian Creek Reservoir
Lake Buhlow
Cotile Lake
Lake Iatt
Calcasieu River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Spanish Mackerel are distributed throughout Louisiana's coastal nearshore waters and saline estuaries and bays, with populations extending from the Gulf of Mexico into brackish systems.
Key Locations
- Target them around Louisiana's Gulf Coast areas, particularly near jetties, oil rigs, and in Vermillion Bay, Calcasieu Lake, and areas around Grand Isle and Venice.
Specific Spots
- Fish both inshore around jetties and nearshore structures, as well as offshore around oil rigs where they school with other pelagic species.
Spanish Mackerel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Spanish Mackerel in Louisiana?
Essential lures include small casting spoons (Johnson Sprite, Kastmaster, Krocodile), Gotcha plugs in chrome and gold, diamond jigs, small bucktail jigs, and bubble rigs (straw rigs). Clark trolling spoons work exceptionally well when trolled.
When is the best time to fish for Spanish Mackerel in Louisiana?
Spanish Mackerel fishing in Louisiana is most productive from April through October, with peak action during summer months when water temperatures exceed 70 degrees. They are most active when water temperatures reach 70+ degrees, typically from April through November in Louisiana waters.
How do you catch Spanish Mackerel in Louisiana?
The key to success is fast, erratic retrieves that mimic fleeing baitfish - Spanish Mackerel love to pursue fast-moving targets. Clark trolling spoons work exceptionally well when trolled at 6-7 knots, either with trolling sinkers or planers to achieve proper depth.
What do Spanish Mackerel eat?
They feed on anchovies, sardines, menhaden, threadfin herring, shrimp, and small crustaceans, especially anchovies.
Where do Spanish Mackerel live in Louisiana?
Spanish Mackerel are distributed throughout Louisiana's coastal nearshore waters and saline estuaries and bays, with populations extending from the Gulf of Mexico into brackish systems.
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