Spanish mackerel
Scomberomorous maculatus
A state link is a recorded source association, not a catch guarantee or confirmation that targeting is legal. Check current regulations with the responsible state agency.
- Peak months
- May
- Typical depth
- surface–mid ft
- Typical size
- Up to 36 inches
- Catch minimum
- National record
See state records · Browse all fishing records
Recorded profile
- habitat summary
- Prevalent throughout Florida waters: inshore, offshore and nearshore. Frequently found over grass beds and reefs. Absent from north Florida waters in winter.
- diet
- Feeds on small fishes and invertebrates.
- preferred bait
- live scaled sardines/threadfin/menhaden; chum slicks
- preferred lures
- spoons; Got-Cha; mackerel trees; chrome lipless cranks — fished very fast; light wire or hard mono leader
- techniques
- fast troll or cast shiny lures; slow-troll/drift live baits on light stinger; watch diving birds
- peak months
- May
States with a source record
Source evidence by state
- Florida — Spanish Mackerel · enriched: myfwc.com · myfwc.com · myfwc.com · catchafloridamemory.com · www.floridasportsman.com · www.floridasportsman.com · www.floridasportsman.com
LoveToFish is a national fishing guide. Fish species coverage spans all 50 states. Ramp, charter, bait shop, and creator directories currently cover Florida. Verify current local regulations with the responsible agency.