Best Time To Catch Spanish Mackerel In Crystal River

Best Time To Catch Spanish Mackerel In Crystal River

Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by Eric

Spanish Mackerel are a schooling fish that can be found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. These fish are an aggressive species and put up a great fight on light tackle. They are a popular sport fish that is delicious to eat.

Spanish Mackerel In Crystal River

Spanish Mackerel are a type of fish that are common in the waters around Florida. They can be found in many different areas, but Crystal River is one of the best spots to catch them. The reason for this is the water temperature, and there is a lot of food for the fish to eat.

Spanish Mackerel are most active when the temperatures are right. To understand that better, you need to understand their migration patterns and why they happen.

Spanish mackerel are surface-dwelling fish that prefer water temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

When they enter Chesapeake Bay waters in late spring for instance, they are typically found near the coastline where water temperatures are warmer. As summer progresses and water temperatures rise, Spanish mackerel move into deeper waters offshore.

In fall, as water temperatures cool down again, Spanish mackerel return to near-shore waters before departing for Florida once a few cold fronts have passed through.

Spanish mackerel will stay in Florida as long as the temps are right, which also includes the time in which they spawn. Spawning typically occurs offshore of Florida beginning in April. However, the exact timing of the spawning season can vary depending on water temperatures. Once the spawn is complete, the mackerel will begin to head north again. However, some fish remain in Florida waters year-round.

A picture of Best Time To Catch Spanish Mackerel In Crystal River with Crystal River Fishing Charters

These fish can be found somewhere in the state every month of the year. Extreme south Florida, including the Keys, offers year-round action for Spanish mackerel.

However, those who fish in Crystal River will find that the activity peaks from September to October. This is due to the ideal water temperature and the abundance of baitfish in the area.

However, it is important to remember that these peak months are not written in stone. Spanish Mackerel are following water temperatures, so peak fishing times can change depending on the weather in a given year. For example, here in November of 2022, clients on our charter boat are still loading up on Spanish Mackerel.

A picture of Best Time To Catch Spanish Mackerel In Crystal River with Crystal River Fishing Charters

Spanish mackerel are not difficult to catch, but a few tips can help you increase your success.

Spanish Mackerel are known for their speed, fight, and versatility when it comes to bait. These voracious eaters will strike at just about anything that moves, making them a fun fish to catch. While they prefer quickly moving bait, like sardines and mullet, they will also go for cut bait, squid, and shrimp. This makes them relatively easy to catch, even for novice anglers.

A shiny spoon is one of the best lures to use for Spanish mackerel. The flash of the metal attracts their attention, and the quick movement will entice them to strike. However, most hard plastic baits that resemble darting baitfish will get a Spanish Mackerel to go after it.

To wrap it up, Spanish Mackerel are a great fish to catch. They are aggressive eaters and put up a good fight, making them a popular choice for sport fishing. They can be found in many different areas, but Crystal River is one of the best spots to catch them. The peak months for fishing are typically September to October, but this can change depending on the water temperatures. Spanish mackerel are not difficult to catch, but using the right bait or lure will help increase your success.