Best Lure For Spanish Mackerel: Jigging, Casting & Trolling Lures

The Best Lures for Spanish Mackerel Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Angler

Spanish mackerel are one of the most exciting and fast-moving fish to target along the coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and other warm saltwater regions. Known for their speed and agility, these fish are popular among anglers looking for a challenge and some action-packed fishing. To effectively catch Spanish mackerel, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of lure you use. The right lure can make all the difference in attracting these fast predators, whether you’re jigging, trolling, or casting.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best lures for Spanish mackerel fishing, focusing on different techniques such as jigging, trolling, and casting. We will also discuss the best options in each category, including popular products like Gotcha plugs, metal casting spoons, Spanish mackerel trees, Johnson silver spoons, and jigheads with soft plastics. Additionally, we will go into detail about how the type of lure you use should vary depending on how you are fishing for Spanish mackerel.

Understanding Spanish Mackerel Fishing

Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) are prized for their speed, sharp teeth, and aggressive nature. These fish are often found in the shallow waters along the coast, especially in areas with lots of baitfish, like mullet, anchovies, or sardines. Their keen eyesight and fast reaction time make them difficult to catch, but using the right lures can significantly improve your chances of success.

Spanish mackerel typically respond to lures that mimic the movement of their natural prey, like small fish or squid. Their predatory nature means they are often attracted to shiny, flashy lures that simulate the flashes of baitfish in distress. The lure type you choose will depend on your fishing technique, such as trolling, casting, or jigging.

The Best Lures for Spanish Mackerel Fishing

Spanish mackerel fishing can be done in a variety of ways, and choosing the best lure for your method is essential. Below, we’ll break down the best lures for each fishing technique.

Best Jigging Lures for Spanish Mackerel

Jigging is one of the most effective techniques for catching Spanish mackerel, especially when the fish are feeding in deeper waters or are more concentrated at a specific depth. The action of a jigging lure mimics a wounded or distressed fish, and the erratic movement is highly attractive to predatory species like Spanish mackerel.

Key Features of Jigging Lures for Spanish Mackerel:

Size and Shape: Choose jigs that are compact and mimic the size and shape of the baitfish that Spanish mackerel are feeding on. Typically, 1 to 3 ounces works well for Spanish mackerel.
Color and Flash: Spanish mackerel are attracted to shiny lures that reflect light. Silver, chrome, and blue are great choices for color, as these closely resemble the natural baitfish in their environment.
Action: A fast and erratic jigging action is crucial to getting the attention of Spanish mackerel. This creates the illusion of a fleeing or injured baitfish.

Here are some top jigging lures for Spanish mackerel:

Gotcha Plugs:
- Gotcha plugs are a favorite among Spanish mackerel anglers, especially in the surf. These lures are designed to resemble small baitfish and are perfect for jigging. They feature an erratic swimming action that mimics a wounded fish, making them irresistible to Spanish mackerel. They come in various sizes and colors, including reflective finishes, making them perfect for attracting fish in both clear and murky waters.
Jigheads with Soft Plastics:
- Jigheads paired with soft plastics (such as swimbaits or paddle-tail lures) are incredibly effective for jigging Spanish mackerel. The soft plastic imitates the movement of a baitfish, while the jighead provides weight and a lifelike jigging action. Choose a soft plastic lure in a natural color, such as silver, white, or chartreuse, to attract mackerel.
Metal Jigs:
- Metal jigs are another great choice for Spanish mackerel fishing. They have a shiny, reflective surface that mimics the flash of small baitfish. Metal jigs also drop quickly, which allows you to target Spanish mackerel at various depths. Look for jigs in the 1 to 3-ounce range, with a silver or chrome finish to create the ideal presentation.

If you are fishing from a pier check out our guide on the best pier fishing rod and reel combo!

Best Trolling Lures for Spanish Mackerel

Trolling is a fantastic way to cover large areas of water and find schools of Spanish mackerel. When trolling for Spanish mackerel, it’s essential to use lures that can mimic the action of a baitfish as your boat moves through the water. The key is choosing lures that create flash and movement to attract mackerel, especially since these fish are often on the lookout for fast-moving prey.

Key Features of Trolling Lures for Spanish Mackerel:

Color and Flash: Bright, shiny colors like chrome, silver, blue, and chartreuse are ideal for trolling, as they create the flashes that Spanish mackerel are drawn to.
Size: Trolling lures should be relatively large (4-7 inches in length), as they need to stand out in the water. They should resemble the size of the baitfish that Spanish mackerel typically feed on.
Action: Look for trolling lures that create a side-to-side action or a vibrating motion to simulate the movement of small baitfish.

Here are some top trolling lures for Spanish mackerel:

Spanish Mackerel Trees:
- Spanish mackerel trees are a specialized trolling lure designed to mimic a small school of baitfish. These lures feature multiple smaller hooks arranged in a tree-like configuration, each with its own piece of brightly-colored material that mimics the movement of baitfish. Spanish mackerel trees are highly effective when trolling, as they create a realistic school-like effect that mackerel find irresistible.
Johnson Silver Spoons:
- Johnson silver spoons are one of the most iconic trolling lures for Spanish mackerel. The shiny, metal spoon creates a flash in the water that mimics the movement of injured or distressed baitfish. These spoons are effective when trolled at various speeds and depths, making them a versatile choice for any Spanish mackerel fishing expedition.
Stretch Lures:
- Stretch lures are excellent for trolling in deeper waters, as they dive down and create a wide wobbling action. These lures imitate small baitfish and are ideal when trolling for mackerel. Choose colors like silver, white, and blue to make them more attractive to Spanish mackerel.

Best Casting Lures for Spanish Mackerel

Casting is another popular method for targeting Spanish mackerel, especially when fishing from the shore or in shallow waters. Casting lures allows you to cover a lot of ground and work the lure in front of fish that are actively feeding. The key to success is using lures that cast well, create flash, and can be retrieved quickly to mimic the action of a baitfish.

Key Features of Casting Lures for Spanish Mackerel:

Distance: Casting lures should be lightweight and aerodynamic so that they can be cast long distances, especially in surf or offshore conditions.
Action: A quick, erratic retrieval mimics the movement of small, injured fish. Look for lures with a side-to-side wobbling motion or those that create a splash.
Color: Bright, shiny colors with reflective finishes are best for casting lures. Look for colors like silver, chartreuse, or even pink to catch the attention of Spanish mackerel.

Here are some top casting lures for Spanish mackerel:

Metal Casting Spoons:
- Metal casting spoons are a popular choice for shore-based Spanish mackerel fishing. These lures are easy to cast long distances and can be retrieved quickly to create a flash in the water. The reflective surface of metal spoons mimics the shine of small baitfish and draws Spanish mackerel from a distance.
Gotcha Plugs:
- Gotcha plugs are versatile casting lures that are especially effective for Spanish mackerel fishing in the surf. These lures are designed to imitate a small baitfish, and their flashing, erratic movement makes them irresistible to mackerel. Gotcha plugs are available in various sizes and colors, making them perfect for targeting mackerel in different water conditions.
Topwater Poppers:
- Topwater poppers are ideal for Spanish mackerel fishing, especially during the warmer months when the fish are feeding near the surface. These lures create a popping noise as they are retrieved, which attracts the attention of Spanish mackerel and entices them to strike. Poppers in bright colors like chartreuse, white, or silver are particularly effective in shallow water.

Conclusion

Spanish mackerel are one of the most exciting fish to catch in coastal waters, and having the right lure can make a huge difference in your success. Whether you are jigging, trolling, or casting, selecting the best lures for Spanish mackerel fishing will increase your chances of hooking these fast and aggressive fish.

For jigging, lures like Gotcha plugs and metal jigs are great options. When trolling, Spanish mackerel trees, Johnson silver spoons, and Stretch lures are highly effective in attracting mackerel. For casting, metal casting spoons, Gotcha plugs, and topwater poppers work wonders in shallow waters.

By understanding the different techniques and the best lures for each, you can ensure that your Spanish mackerel fishing trips are successful and enjoyable. With the right lures and a solid fishing strategy, you’ll be well on your way to landing these exciting and challenging fish.