Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders that will strike a wide variety of natural and artificial baits, so they can be very easy to catch. Many anglers identify the location of Spanish mackerel by trolling or watching for birds diving on schools of baitfish, which often indicates that mackerel are forcing the bait to the surface.

Appearance:
Back is bluish green, fading to silvery sides and belly | Irregular golden-yellow spots on sides | Lateral line slopes gently from behind the gill cover to the tail | Bluish black blotch on front of first dorsal fin

Size:
Up to 36 inches

Habitat:
Prevalent throughout Florida waters: inshore, offshore and nearshore. Frequently found over grass beds and reefs. Absent from north Florida waters in winter.

Fun Fish Facts:
State Record: 12 lb, caught near Ft. Pierce

SPANISH MACKEREL

Scomberomorous maculatus

SPANISH MACKEREL

Appearance: Back is bluish green, fading to silvery sides and belly | Irregular golden-yellow spots on sides | Lateral line slopes gently from behind the gill cover to the tail | Bluish black blotch on front of first dorsal fin

Habitat: Prevalent throughout Florida waters: inshore, offshore and nearshore. Frequently found over grass beds and reefs. Absent from north Florida waters in winter.

Appearance:
Back is bluish green, fading to silvery sides and belly | Irregular golden-yellow spots on sides | Lateral line slopes gently from behind the gill cover to the tail | Bluish black blotch on front of first dorsal fin

Habitat:
Prevalent throughout Florida waters: inshore, offshore and nearshore. Frequently found over grass beds and reefs. Absent from north Florida waters in winter.