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Date: Speak Spanish
Title: Aprl Fishing Report
Date: 15 Mar 2004
Time: 14:25:21 -0500
“Speak Spanish?” Six miles off the number one channel marker Steinhatchee, Florida, running a 250 degree heading, the birds were diving down with the Spanish mackerel diving up. The bait fish were the white part of an Oreo cookie. Trapped between two evils. Purgatory for a fish. Pelicans and gulls dropped like Jap Kamikazes into the sea, Spanish mackerel shot through the bait to air like ICBM missiles, flipping tails splashing water in mimic of after burners. Small and large bait pods dimpled the water all around the boat. The majority of the pods were unmolested, while a handful were under full attack. There wasn’t anything apparently different between the pods under siege from those that were freely swimming; I guess it was just their turn to get hammered. Wow, what a sight. The water was foam with activity. The energy in the water was contagious as we were lively gathering our light armament of spinning tackle. We planned to join the battle and help those poor bait fish by taking out a handful of their submerged assailants. Cheap bullet shaped tensiled jigs were flung into the skirmished bait pods. I don’t believe the jigs had time to get damp before a Spanish darted through the wash and picked them off. “Got one” “Me too” “Me three” was said just before the buzz of the drags set music to the battle. The three of us ducked and weaved over and under each other in an effort to keep the lines from crossing fire. The fellow closest to the net would tuck it between his legs and waddle about until he could lead a hand to comrade whose fish was at boat side. The guy with the fish in the boat would quickly dump his fish out of the net and be ready to assist the other two still engaged in fight. Unpracticed fishing choreography perfected and danced out on the deck by three men whose years of experience fighting fish made the production seamless. In an hours time, fifteen well gorged two to four pound Spanish mackerel were iced down. Among the mackerel and crushed ice were regurgitated glass minnows. The minnows measured two to two and half inches in length. The bait fish were small. The length of our flashy jigs was two and a half inches. In fly fishing terms, the hatch matched. When the Gulf erupts with an onslaught of Spanish mackerel, it would appear that any bait or lure tossed into the feeding zone would result in a hook up. That isn’t always the case. I’ve seen folks troll silver spoons through feeding hordes of Spanish without drawing a strike while we were getting all the action we could handle. In a matter of short time, these folks were trolling by us within casting distance which spooked our fish, the fish sounded, making us move to another active site. In no time, the boat would again cruise by us. ‘Drive bys’ can alter one’s mood. After all, it is a big pond we’re fishing in, no need to crowd. I do realize the other people just want to catch some fish; however, they don’t know how to do it. They haven’t been paying attention to the biology lesson going on around them. Here’s the lesson I’ve learned: Spanish mackerel, at times, become myopic, locking on to a certain bait and preying exclusively on that bait. The size, shape and color of that bait definitely matter to the Spanish and should matter to you, if you intend on catching Spanish. Take a moment to observe the bait fish the Spanish are feeding on. If the bait are flipping out of the water, it is easy. If no bait are seen at the surface, ease your boat toward a bait pod, turn your motor off and let the boat coast into the school. Look over board to determine the size, shape and color the bait the Spanish are eating. Then select a plug, spoon or jig that best represents those bait fish. I’ve found the size is most important. How do you rig for Spanish mackerel fishing? In general, I size the rod/reel combo to best put the sport in the fish I’m trying to catch. For Spanish mackerel a medium weight spinning outfit is great. It will allow you to cast light weight lures, as well as, do some trolling. In regards to line test, use 6 -12 pound test. The lighter line will permit longer casts, which are often necessary, but you’ll have to adjust the reel drag down to prevent break offs. Please, learn the function of the reel drag and how to use it. The drag puts more sport and fun in fishing. Fishing for Spanish mackerel requires a wire leader; the fish has mouth full of razors. Tackle shops sell pre-made steel leaders, but they are made up of thick coated wire and have bulky swivels and snaps on either end. The visibility of the store bought leader will deter strikes. Best bet...learn to tie an Albright knot and a Haywire twist. I know, I know...most fishing folks find knots frustrating. They have painstakingly learned two knots, they use them for all situations. Sorry sailor, it’s time to kick it up a notch. Go to the tackle shop, buy a package of #1 single strand wire (less than $2), and a package of small BLACK snap swivels (less than $3) and spend a couple of hours one evening making your own leaders. The instructions for the knots are given on the back of the package of wire, no kidding. The home-made leaders are far less visible and will increase your catch rate which is worth your time and effort. The fishing techniques are fairly simple. For me, the most fun is casting small tensile jigs into the froth of feeding Spanish working them with small erratic twitches. Simply direct the boat toward the frenzy, turn the motor off allowing the boat to quietly coast into the action and start casting. When the action stops, go find another active bait pod. If the jigs are too light weight to cast far enough, just pinch on a piece of lead shot. Trolling is the other technique. I troll four lines at a time. The two aft rods (one port the other starboard) I use a 1-2 oz trolling weight two to three feet ahead of the lure. The two forward rods are unweighted. The weighted lines put the lures a bit deeper and help prevent line tangles. Remember not to make abrupt turns when trolling. Instead turn the boat in large arcs to keep the lines separated. If you are using spoons, line twists may become a problem. To eliminate the problem, add an in-line barrel swivel. Whether casting or trolling for Spanish always make sure the drags are set loose. The impact strike of a Spanish is impressive for a fish of it’s size and a tight drag will cost you the lure and the time to re-rig. Also, have a landing net handy. Handy is defined as accessible not tucked underneath the bench seat or buried in the bow compartment or jumbled amongst the clutter of tackle, discarded jackets or other abortions that often spontaneously happen on a boat. There is nothing more frustrating than needing the net, needing it right NOW, and first having to unravel a bewildered quandary cluster bucket to land the fish you’ll been thinking about catching for a week or more. I wrote that without using any of the foul language which is frequently generated when the landing net is not ACCESSIBLE. Do not find yourself standing in the hoop of a landing net unless you want to be baptized with the Spanish mackerel; life experience number 1391; frustration level: a solid 9 out of ten. “Excuse me mam but your eating your Fig Newton while standing in the landing net...” Spanish mackerel are an exciting sport fish. The lively feeding environment is a wonderful stage for an exciting fishing experience. On light tackle, the spirited runs burn the reel drag and generate a party atmosphere on the boat. It is a great way a spend a few hours with friends and family. In terms of tablefare, Spanish mackerel are far best served fresh. The flesh does not freeze well. This means that it is a waste of the resource to catch a cooler full for the freezer. Keep as many as you can eat or give to friends without freezing. I like smoking Spanish seasoned with cayenne pepper; the ‘hot Mac’. Another way to prepare them is on the grill using Italian dressing for the seasoning. Spanish mackerel are an oily fish and cooking in a manner to allow the oils to drip out will make the flesh more mild. Fresh served Spanish are fine eating. Serving them fresh also gives you time to share the story with those at the diner table. Thanks for reading and enjoy a day on the water. Capt. B