Spanish Mackerel
name: Spanish Mackerel
other names: Atlantic Spanish Mackerel
The slender, body of the Spanish mackerel is silvery with a bluish olive green back. There are 16 to 18 spines in the first dorsal fin, The lateral line curves evenly downward to the base of the tail. The Spanish mackerel resembles the king mackerel, but it has bronze or yellow spots without stripes, while the king mackerel has neither. The Spanish mackerel lacks scales on the pectoral fins, which further distinguishes it from the king mackerel, which have scales on them. Also, the front part of the first dorsal fin on the Spanish mackerel is black, while it is bluer on the king mackerel and the second dorsal fin and pectoral fins may be edged in black.
Spanish mackerel prefer open water but are sometimes found over deep grass beds and reefs, as well as shallow water estuaries. They form large, fast-moving schools that migrate great distances along the shore. Spanish mackerel prefer warm waters, and are rarely found in water less than 68 F. They are a highly migratory species that forms big schools. Migrations are mainly for feeding purposes.
Spanish mackerel feed primarily on small fish, as well as on squid and shrimp; they often force their prey into bait balls and practically push the fish out of the water as they feed.
The Spanish mackerel grows to 37 inches and 11 pounds, averaging 1 to 3 feet and 2 to 3 pounds. The all-tackle word record is a 13-pounder taken off North Carolina in 1987. Fish older than 5 years are rare, though some have been known to reach 8 years.
Because they are attracted to shiny objects fishing for them with small, shiny metal lures and spoons is effective. They also readily hit small bait fish patterns fished with fly-casting tackle. The best live bait is shrimp or small, silvery bait fish. Because they have sharp teeth that can cut through line, a light solid short wire trace should be used. When a large school is found, the action is often fast and furious.
