Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorous maculatus) Found inshore, near shore and offshore especially over deep grass beds and reefs.   Absent from north Florida waters in the winter.  Schooling fish migrate northwards during the spring returning to southerly waters when water temperatures start to drop below 70 degrees.  An open water species, Spanish Mackerel spawn offshore in April. Common size is from 1-3lbs and not unusual to be from 5 to 7lbs. 

 General Information

Being truly migratory they may be found around the coast in great numbers one day and gone the next.  This specie can be caught in the surf, off ocean piers and from a boat anywhere from a mile to two miles offshore along the Atlantic Coast or up to five miles along the Gulf of Mexico coast.  This fish has a mouthful of small teeth so you have been warned. 

This fish is an outstanding fighter on light tackle and gives fast runs.   Spinning, bait casting and fly fishing are used methods.  Fast spinning is probably the usual method favored for this specie. Best baits are small silvery baitfish. We usually catch them when trolling.

If you like rich, rather dark fillets, they are great broiled or skinned and fried. To me they are an acquired taste as they are very oily. Also smoked by some eaters.