Spanish Mackerel

Silver casting spoons (Kastmaster, Krocodile), Gotcha plugs in chrome and gold, Clark trolling spoons, diamond jigs, and bubble rigs with soft plastics.

Most productive from early summer through mid-fall in Mississippi waters. Summer months offer the most consistent action. Spawn from April to September in the Gulf of Mexico, with peak spawning occurring during May and June - periods when fishing pressure should be reduced to protect spawning populations.

Fast-moving, flashy lures that mimic their preferred baitfish. For trolling, use medium deep diver lures at 5-6 knots, running spoons at 1-2 meters depth with small egg sinkers and 10-foot leaders. Casting spoons work excellently from piers, beaches, and boats - retrieve them rapidly with erratic action.

Primarily piscivorous throughout their lives, feeding heavily on small schooling baitfish including glass minnows, sardines, pilchards, anchovies, menhaden, and threadfin herring. They also occasionally consume shrimp and squid.

Mississippi waters, particularly in the Mississippi Sound. Commonly found off beaches, in shipping channels and passes, along barrier islands, and in offshore waters. Inhabit both surf zones and deeper offshore waters.