Dave Zalewski 460-9893
After a few days of easterly winds which cleared the silty conditions caused by westerly winds it was like someone had turned the Spanish mackerel fishing close to shore switch from off to on. Leaving John’s Pass the only decision to make was to head south or north because birds were aggressively diving on schools of small baitfish being forced to the surface by marauding mackerel, ladyfish and small jack crevalle. Deploying 3 lines with small spoons , because of the small bait size in the area, produced instant results. Two of the lines were equipped with #1 planers, 25 to 30 feet of monofilament leader, and 0 or #1 spoons. The third line was on a spinning rod with a 2 or 3 ounce trolling sinker, 10 feet of mono leader and a spoon or small lipped plug. When trolling hardware, we do not use any wire leader, because it detracts from the action of the lure, relying on the spoon to help prevent cut offs from the sharp teeth of the predator. It is better to get the strikes and lose a little tackle than not get many bites. Trolling speed should be between 5.5 and 6 knots, with the planers being put back a count of 10 to 15 behind the boat.
At this time of the year there are small kingfish mixed in with the Spanish mackerel. Spanish mackerel must be 12 inches from the tip of the nose to the fork of the tail. Kingfish must be 24 inches. Small kingfish will often have the yellow spots that mature Spanish have, The lateral line on a small kingfish dips significantly compared to a Spanish mackerel. Also the dorsal fin of a small king will be much lighter in color, gray to white while a Spanish will have a black or very dark color.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
