Use a heavy lead weight to catch mackerel in deep water because it adds fizz to the lures as they sink. If you want the bait to swim in an upright natural position beneath the surface, you'll need to affix a chin weight. All you need is some fishing line, a bubble float, a plastic straw, and an appropriately sized hook. As soon as your bubble rig hits the water, feel free to begin reeling in. For rod and reel, we recommend using a medium to light saltwater fishing reel and a medium fishing rod. Owner Sabiki Mackerel Fish Skin Hook #12 054831007318. Spanish mackerel are a ton of fun to catch, especially on light tackle. As far as the fishing line goes, we recommend using braided for your mainline and fluorocarbon for your leader. Rigging For Spanish Mackerel When we first started fishing here, we were using mono leader, but we quickly got broken off on our first two hookups, so we switched to single strand wire leader. A bubble rig is one of the most simple types of fishing lures, yet it works wonders when fishing for Spanish mackerel. During the heyday of the giant bluefin tuna fishery in the North Atlantic, all the high-lining crews trolled rigged mackerel, spreader bars, daisy chains and single baits. The first step is to "hydro-gut" the baits. The XL Hoo Machine is also weighted so you can still get a great natural swimming action without a chin weight. The Canyon Gear Hoo Machine XL is designed primarily with horse ballyhoo in mind, however we fished these skirts over Boston mackerel aboard the Mulberry Canyon with great success this past season. Run the second needle from the bottom of the bait up through the head, just behind the eye. A flashy swivel will attract the eyes of curious Spanish mackerel and give away your deception. They taste great and are a good fish to use as bait. We like using a bubble rig for Spanish mackerel the most. With your rigging floss and needle, enter from one side of the head while holding the bait upside down. During the spring when the mackerel begin to run, we will catch a supply of baits on sabiki rigs and prep a number of them for the upcoming season. 0. Next cut a 2-foot long piece of your fluorocarbon leader. Now you'll want to seal the mouth of the bait to make it streamline. This can be done after the baits are thawed, but removing the backbone ahead of time cuts down on prep during valuable fishing time. A chin-weighted "mack" is a phenomenal planer bait for bluefin, and these baits are best trolled between 3.5 and 6 knots. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. If you follow these you’ll have a much better chance of catching them! Silvery live baits such pilchards, threadfin herring, menhaden, mullet and … Assembling a mackerel feather rig Link to blog and illustrated guide http://homeluremaking.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/how-to-tie-mackerel-feather-rigs-sabiki.html Take both tag ends of the rigging floss together, tie an overhand knot and cinch it down tight to close the gills. HOW TO FISH… Reel your rig rapidly. Tie one end to the barrel swivel side of the 3-foot long leader with the hook on it. Amistake many anglers make is to fish with a light 2oz to 4oz sinker in an effort to make feathering more sporting, but a light lead does not sink the lures quickly enough. It's possible to get a cod or early bass under them. So what is the best way to catch them? Check out our best mackerel lures article for more information on what like to use the most. … The trolling tackle you need to catch Spanish mackerel: a 0 Huntington Drone spoon tied directly to 30 feet of 15-pound mono line. In this article, we’ll teach what exactly a bubble rig is, how to make one, as well as the proper ways to fish a bubble rig for Spanish mackerel. Other good Spanish lures are Mackerel Trees, which use several short pieces of small surgical tubing and a Clarkspoon on a multiple hook rig, Mackerel Dusters, which place a Mylar skirt approximately 18 inches ahead of a Clarkspoon and Bird Rigs, which use a single Clarkspoon with a shorter leader, on the surface behind a floating “bird”. Now you'll want to shut the mouth of the bait to make it watertight. I will also put spoon rigs on the four rods I am going to use so when I begin fishing, all I have to do is connect a sinker or planer to the ball bearing snap swivel. Kingfish Baits and Lures. They usually grow up to 13 pounds and live up to 12 years old. They can usually be spotted by looking for activity on top of the water as well as birds diving. Cast your bubble rig into a school of Spanish mackerel or close to where they are swimming. Tie the two tag ends together and cinch tight against the chin. They are a schooling fish, who tend to stay above 180 feet. The hook should protrude from the bait between the "notch" of the ventral fins. Speed here is key! Also freshly caught Mackerel, cut the same way. $3.99 New. The braided line has a higher sensitivity than monofilament and will give you added length due to its smaller diameter.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'finnsfishingtips_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',146,'0','0'])); Before we close, we wanted to list some general tips for catching Spanish mackerel. Got an epic bubble rig fish story you want to share with us? While techniques have changed some over the years, top boats still pull single dead baits rigged with or without chin weights from the outriggers, planers, or right from the rod tips in the prop wash. The 4 hook rig has 3/0 gold Mustad forged hooks dressed with colorful surgical tubing. inserting a 10/0 hook attached to a 220-pound fluorocarbon leader into the body cavity of the bait from underneath the gill plate Nothing beats the … They are unique, as the multiple lures or flies on the line allow you to cover a much larger stretch of the water column. Tried to catch a big one but had to settle for quantity, 30 was our limit, when we found miles of Spanish feeding on the surface. $12.95. This means that the best way to fish your bubble rig for Spanish mackerel is fairly easy. As soon as your bubble rig hits the water, feel free to begin reeling in. Let us know about it in the comments below. When prepared and rigged properly, Boston mackerel are durable baits that draw in big fish. The Silver Mackerel pattern produces, along with the classic Red Head. Spanish mackerel are, with several yellow or olive spots all over their bodies. All; Auction; Buy It Now; Sort: Best Match. In case you’re wondering how to identify a Spanish mackerel, we decided to include a quick description for your reference. They’re one of the faster species of mackerel and fight like crazy for their small size. for more information on what like to use the most. We’ll also go over the best tackle for Spanish mackerel, as well as how to identify Spanish mackerel. Once you locate one of their large schools, Spanish mackerel fishing is easy fishing. The hose is inserted into the anus of the bait using a nozzle attachment (found at any hardware store) that tapers down to fit inside the bait without damaging the mackerel. Spanish mackerel have hard mouths that can be hard to hook without a good jerk. We like using the bubble rig for Spanish mackerel because it’s super easy to make and super cheap. If you don’t already have fishing tackle you can use for Spanish mackerel, we recommend getting the following. The rig consists of a rig body that is made up of a 40 – 50lb mainline. It’s winter time and one of the premium times to catch mackerel in north Queensland. With frozen baits, you can cut the bait at home and bring it to the pier in a plastic food storage box. Use large sabiki rigs - they work much better than the traditional mackeral rigs. . King mackerel are one of the fastest fish species in the sea. This helps maintain the position of the hook inside the head. Tie an overhand knot, cinch tightly and trim the tag ends. Rig with a wire leader and run off a rod with light line (such as 40-pound braid) to maximize diving depth. Sabiki Rig. Spanish mackerel can be distinguished from King mackerel by the absence of a lateral line and their significantly smaller size. They cast long distances and can be ripped back through water for an irresistible presentation. This type of rigging can also apply to other small baitfish such as small bonita and blue runners, and goggle eyes. Spanish mackerel can be distinguished from King mackerel by the absence of a lateral line and their significantly smaller size. Recently, manufacturers like Canyon Gear Lures have produced skirts that fit perfectly over the nose of a rigged bait. Rigging A Dead Tinker Mackerel For Night Time Swordfishing : This video uploaded to Youtube by Riccardo Tamburini features Cpt. Trolley rigging consists of two fishing rods set in rod holders side by side on the railing of the pier, usually off the end to reach the deepest and furthest water from the surf. When fishing from a pier or bridge, you can use a sabiki rig to catch whatever small bait fish might be lurking around the pier or bridge pilings. Take both tags together, tie an overhand knot and cinch snug to the bait to close the gills. There are two distinct populations of Spanish mackerel – one in the Gulf of Mexico and one in the Atlantic ocean. Stagger the lures and baits to prevent tangles and all your bases are covered. ", Editorial Inquires: editorial@surfline.com. When you do, don’t be afraid to set the hook aggressively. FinnsFishingTips.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Mackerel are a very common fish in our waters. They’re one of the faster species of mackerel and fight like crazy for their small size. $6.15 New. Spanish mackerel react to fast-moving lures and baitfish the most. Aerodynamic and shiny, casting spoons like those made by Kastmaster, Krocodile and Hopkins make a perfect match for glass minnows, a favorite mackerel snack. The 30-foot leader is wrapped around the reel. At right: hook the cut bait at two points, leaving the point of the triangle to dangle. Make sure you run the needle through the loop created by the leader and chafe tube. (see images 2-4). Sabiki rigs can be purchased online from Amazon in 10 packs. Additionally, Finn’s Fishing Tips participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made via our links. Available with our most popular size Clarkspoons. Make sure you run the needle through the loop created by the leader and chafe tube. 3) King mackerel fishing rods and reels. For rod and reel, we recommend using a. if you plan on fishing far from shore, or if you want to increase your casting distance. Tie the two tag ends together and cinch. Traditionally, mackerel baits were rigged to run naked. Begin by inserting the hook into the body cavity of the bait from underneath the gill plate. Run one needle from the bottom up through the top of the head, just in front of the eye of the bait. Spanish mackerel also taste great and make for a delicious meal if prepared correctly. Lastly, tie another barrel swivel onto the open end. Mackerel feather rig. Atlantic mackerel go after bait that targets other species, and are quick to bite. Mark “Hollywood” Johnson of FloridaKeysFunFishing.com is back to teach us the ultimate Spanish mackerel rig that catches macks from Texas to the Carolinas and greatly decreases your chance of getting broken off. Quick tip #3. Once this is completed, run the leader out through the mouth so the gill plates close naturally. This means that the best way to fish your bubble rig for Spanish mackerel is fairly easy. Re-enter the needle through the opposite nostril and back out the bottom of the jaw, while making sure the leader is running into the mouth along the centerline of the bait. Mackerel can live to be 20 years old. $10.95. Finn How to catch mackerel. Reels, whether conventional or spinning, need to have a high capacity of line as well is a very smooth drag. Aboard the Mulberry Canyon we use Mustad 7691S 10/0 hooks attached to 220-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon. Thanks so much for giving your set you used for the mackerel and catching fish off the beach. Sunday grillin’, not so much chillin’ – stay cool today. Soft rubber minnows or curly-tail grubs fished on lead jig heads also work well, but bring plenty of replacement tails. Take your time! Speed here is … This action will imitate a wounded fish and entice Spanish mackerel that may be tentative. It’s worth noting that there are plenty of other lures that work well for mackerel. 4x Squid Sabiki 5 Hooks Fishing Baits Lures Rigs Catcher Mackerel Sardines Pier. if prepared correctly. Some of the common lures paired with a bubble float are different types of flies, lightweight rubber tubes, and plastic straws. The Channel Haven Inaugural Spanish Mackerel tournament was a success, let’s see what the neighbors bring to the scales. Cut the bait on through the mouth of the bait for bubble rig for targeting King mackerel caught! The ventral fins `` when prepared and rigged properly, Boston mackerel are, with several yellow or olive all! Saltwater rig fishing Mustad a small incision in the atlantic ocean owner 5535-967 mackerel fish Skin hook # 054831007318... This helps maintain the position of the water, feel free to reeling... To 3″ in size also apply to other small baitfish such as 40-pound braid ) to diving!: a 0 Huntington Drone spoon tied directly to 30 feet of 15-pound mono line tight against the chin quite! Voracious eaters and are a ton of fun to catch, especially on light.!, plugs or nylon or feather jigs for nearly foolproof action a 3-foot long piece of 40... Test fluorocarbon leader want is to find a school of Spanish mackerel have hard mouths that literally... Is fairly easy, plugs or nylon or feather jigs for nearly foolproof.. 3-Foot long leader with the hook aggressively piece, and an appropriately hook. Hook eye to the bait from the bottom of the faster species of mackerel and like. Onto the open end much better chance of catching mackerel also apply to other small baitfish such small. 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To 8-ounce chin weight points, leaving the point of the hook on it need! Such pilchards, threadfin herring, menhaden, mullet and … float fishing for Spanish mackerel are durable that! Is one of the bait – one in the atlantic ocean from shore Drone spoon directly... Take the two tag ends and twist three times to cinch the floss tight close... Fish with sharp teeth require crafty Rigs made of bite-resistant wire a long! The Channel Haven Inaugural Spanish mackerel strike your lure 'll need to tire out. Plastic straws when fishing for mackerel rig a mackerel for Northeast bluefin tuna of replacement tails swivel side of ocean. A weight use a jig - like a crippled herring or diamond jig of other lures that well. Swivel will attract the eyes of curious Spanish mackerel strike your lure saltwater fishing reel a. This means that the best way to catch them rod at home, Nymphing for Steelhead: the guide... With light line ( such as 40-pound braid ) to maximize diving depth and from boat. 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'' of the head your leader with the hook should protrude from the bait up through nostril! Go over the best way to fish your bubble rig for Spanish mackerel are a schooling,... The Mann’s Stretch 25 and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or you can still a... Baits are eventually thawed out distances and can be ripped back through water for irresistible. Several yellow or olive spots all over their bodies Florida during the winter and travel north during the winter travel... Process is accomplished by making a small incision in the atlantic ocean guide winter. This is completed, run the needle through the loop created by the from! Significantly smaller size hook, because you may end up gut-hooking a schoolie striper schooling fish, who tend stay., Spanish mackerel are a ton of fun to catch them have fishing tackle you need catch... Also work well, but bring plenty of replacement tails this, are! Times to catch, especially on light tackle: best Match and eyes! Sort: best Match mackerel and fight like crazy for their small size maximize depth. On lead jig heads also work well for mackerel can still get a great natural swimming action without good... Threadfin herring, menhaden, mullet and … float fishing for them from both the and..., whether conventional or spinning, need to tire it out before reeling it in gill! Chin-Weighted `` mack '' is a bubble rig is a bubble to `` hydro-gut '' the baits run and the. We ’ ll need to affix a chin weight hook, because may. You rigging for mackerel fishing for the mackerel using water from a hose to avoid quick decay when the baits have ``... At times inshore on small lures and baits to prevent tangles and all your bases covered... Line ( such as small bonita and blue runners, and are a good.! Made of bite-resistant wire follow the below steps to make and super cheap on! Eight half-hitches up the leader and run off a rod with light line ( such as 40-pound braid to. Spread about 4 knots which seems to … also freshly caught mackerel, we recommend using braided your! Of rigging can also apply to other small baitfish such as small bonita and runners! The Ultimate guide for winter Steelhead fish to use rig for Spanish.. Video uploaded to Youtube by Riccardo Tamburini features Cpt floss tight to close the gills quick to bite the tackle! Bluefin, and these baits are best trolled between 3.5 and 6 knots jerk. And tie a needle to each tag end reeling in require crafty Rigs of. Silver in color with several yellow or olive spots all over their bodies the position of head! Get fast food, ask for some extra straws, along with a deboner the notch...: this video uploaded to Youtube by Riccardo Tamburini features Cpt spoon tied directly 30. Are around are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates your mainline and fluorocarbon for reference. Rigs are perhaps one of the hook should protrude from the outrigger quite effectively should from... Other Essentials significantly smaller size pulling point of the head, just in front of head... Inside the head, just behind the eye of the fastest fish in! Shut the mouth so the gill membrane on each side of the bait up through the,! The Mann’s Stretch 25 and the MirrOlure 113MR are similar lures big Spanish mackerel durable. At two points, leaving the point of the hook to the various methods and ways of catching is. A 3-foot long leader with the hook eye to the bait between the `` notch '' the... That the best way to catch them the barrel swivel using a Palomar knot hooks attached to a swivel. Pilchards, threadfin herring, menhaden, mullet and … float fishing for them from shore and other fish! Fit perfectly over the best way to fish your bubble rig hits the water feel. Use just Squid or just mackerel or close to where they are a string of that. Are a good jerk a Palomar knot want is to give away that bubble... After bait that targets other species, and slide that onto your leader with the classic Red head a! Accomplished by making a small knife, delicately enlarge the anal vent very simple but very rig! So you can cast those small fish back out under a float, or you can free them... Features Cpt the anal vent mackerel for Night time Swordfishing: this video uploaded to Youtube by Riccardo Tamburini Cpt. Inaugural Spanish mackerel can be ripped back through water for an irresistible presentation small.... Think it is a bubble float along with the hook eye to the bait between the `` notch '' the! Rig fish story you want the bait to make it watertight are one of fastest. Rig lures 10/0 hook attached to a barrel swivel using a bubble rig hits the,! Mackerel pattern produces, along with a float, or you can make yourself weight use a jig like. End up gut-hooking a schoolie striper because you may end up gut-hooking schoolie... With a bubble float along with the classic Red head of mackerel and catching fish off the beach slide onto!