Cero mackerel in Florida
Meet the species
Scientific name
Scomberomorous regalis
Overview
Coastal waters, especially over coral reefs and other structure, occurring mainly in south Florida.
Typical size
Up to 36 inches coastal waters, especially over coral reefs and other structure, occurring mainly in south Florida. Unlike other mackerels, cero mackerels do not stray far from south Florida waters
At a glance
- Regions
- Southeast, inland south
- Water
- Saltwater
- Bait
- Live sardines and small baitfish
Florida fishing record
- Weight
- 17 lb 2 oz
- Location
- Islamorada
- Date
- May 5, 1986
- Angler
- G. Michael mills
- Type
- Florida state record
Record catch notes
17.13 lb; by G. Michael mills; on 05/05/1986; at islamorada
When to fish
Good months
January–december
Season notes
Intentional year round display: FL saltwater game species without a narrower FWC peak calendar; not an invented peak.
Where to fish
Florida regions
Southeast & inland south
Water
Saltwater
Habitat
Coastal waters, especially over coral reefs and other structure, occurring mainly in south Florida.
How to catch
Similar to spanish mackerel: fast retrieves, light wire & live bait on stinger
Bait
Live sardines and small baitfish
Lures
Fast metal spoons/jigs with light wire
Videos
- Record cero mackerel: catch · Open original
- Clean · Open original
- Cook · Open original
- Simple rig to catch spanish mackerel off ANY fishing pier · Open original
- 2 best ways to catch spanish mackerel from piers · Open original
- How to catch endless spanish mackerel this spring · Open original
- TikTok video · Open original
Sources
- Myfwc.com (2 pages)
- Catchafloridamemory.com
- Floridasportsman.com (3 pages)
Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.