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Caught a Spanish Mackerel Offshore in St Petersburg
Spanish Mackerel Fishing in St. Petersburg
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The Spanish Mackerel is a swift-swimming predator found in the coastal waters of Florida's Gulf Coast, particularly around St. Petersburg during summer months. Belonging to the Scombridae family, these streamlined hunters are prized for their aggressive strikes and exciting fights on light tackle. - Spanish Mackerel typically range from 20-72 inches in length and can weigh between 8-120 pounds. - They prefer water temperatures between 68-88°F and often travel in schools near bait concentrations.
Fishing Charter by Captain Michael Ikemeier in August
Meet your Captain Michael Ikemeier
- Top Charter Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Summary
Thursday July brought perfect partly cloudy conditions for our 4-hour fishing charter in St. Petersburg. Captain Michael Ikemeier of Precision Backcountry Charters guided us to productive nearshore waters where we used a mix of trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques. The trip yielded quality catches including Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, and a hefty 25-inch Spotted Weakfish. This coastal fishing adventure showcases why St. Petersburg is known for its consistent summer bite and variety of species. Whether you're an experienced angler or bringing the family along, these nearshore waters offer excellent opportunities without venturing too far from shore.
Fishing Charter with Michael Ikemeier – Rates & Booking
Captain Michael Ikemeier of Precision Backcountry Charters offers Thursday July trips that are perfect for anglers of all skill levels. This 4-hour "Beachside Bounty" coastal fishing charter accommodates up to 3 guests and provides all the necessary tackle and equipment. Captain Michael is a licensed guide with extensive local knowledge of St. Petersburg's productive fishing grounds. His hands-on approach ensures everyone on board has the opportunity to catch fish while learning effective techniques.
The half-day trip is ideal for families and small groups wanting to experience the thrill of catching Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, and other seasonal species without committing to a full day on the water. Morning departures take advantage of optimal fishing conditions, though afternoon trips are also available based on tides and weather. To secure your spot, a deposit is required, and it's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak summer months.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Mackerel And Tripletail Fishing Trip In St. Petersburg, FL
This 4-hour charter focuses on productive nearshore fishing along St. Petersburg's scenic coastline. Captain Michael employs multiple techniques including trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait presentations to maximize your chances of success. The variety of approaches means you'll be actively engaged throughout the trip while learning different fishing methods that work for coastal species.
Previous guests like Tricia have praised Captain Michael's patience and skill, especially when fishing with children. His boat is well-equipped for navigating the coastal waters, providing a comfortable platform for casting and fighting fish. The convenient departure location at 6701 34th St S puts you just minutes away from prime fishing grounds, allowing more time for actual fishing rather than traveling.
Local Species Insights: Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are summer favorites in St. Petersburg waters, typically showing up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. These fast-swimming predators are known for their aggressive strikes and exciting fights on light tackle. Captain Michael targets them using both trolling techniques with small spoons and casting methods with live bait when schools are spotted feeding near the surface.
During summer months, Spanish Mackerel are often found in 15-30 feet of water around bait schools, channel edges, and artificial reefs. Their preference for cooler water temperatures (72-78°F) means they're typically more active during morning hours before the water warms up. When you hook one, be prepared for screaming runs and aerial displays that make them a popular sport fish for anglers of all experience levels.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your trip with Captain Michael, plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, including a light jacket for morning trips when there might be a cool breeze. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are essential for protection from the Florida sun. While all fishing gear is provided, you may want to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks.
Captain Michael's vessel comfortably accommodates up to three anglers with ample deck space for casting and fighting fish. The boat is equipped with safety gear including life jackets, first aid supplies, and marine radio. At the end of your trip, your catch will be cleaned and packaged for you to take home if desired, or you can practice catch-and-release conservation. Photos of your catches are encouraged, so don't forget your camera!
Fishing in St. Petersburg: Spanish Mackerel
The Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) belongs to the Scombridae family within the order Perciformes. This streamlined predator is easily recognized by its silvery sides adorned with yellowish oval spots, dark blue-green back, and sharply pointed head with prominent teeth. In St. Petersburg waters this July, these fish are particularly active as they follow bait schools through the nearshore waters.
Spanish Mackerel Overview
Spanish Mackerel are highly sought-after gamefish known for their lightning-fast runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're prized by anglers for both their sporting qualities and excellent table fare. These fish travel in schools, making them an exciting target when they're feeding aggressively near the surface.
Spanish Mackerel Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit the Atlantic coastal waters from Maine to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer clear, warm waters and can be found in nearshore, offshore, and onshore environments. Around St. Petersburg, they're commonly found around passes, along beaches, and near artificial reefs where baitfish concentrate.
Spanish Mackerel Size and Weight
Spanish Mackerel typically range from 20 to 72 inches in length, though most caught by recreational anglers fall in the 15-25 inch range. Their weight can vary from 8 to 120 pounds, with average fish weighing 2-3 pounds. Trophy specimens in Florida waters occasionally reach 5-7 pounds.
Spanish Mackerel Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on small baitfish like sardines, herring, and anchovies. They're visual hunters that often attack in coordinated schools, creating surface commotion as they slash through bait balls. Their feeding frenzies typically peak during morning and evening hours when light conditions are optimal for hunting.
Spanish Mackerel Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in offshore waters when temperatures reach 68°F or higher, typically from April through September in the Gulf of Mexico. Peak spawning around St. Petersburg happens in early to mid-summer when water temperatures stabilize in the mid-70s. During this period, schools may move slightly further offshore but remain accessible to nearshore anglers.
Spanish Mackerel Fishing Techniques
The most effective methods include trolling small spoons or plugs at 4-6 knots, casting silver spoons or white jigs into feeding schools, or using live bait such as threadfin herring or pilchards under a float. In July, St. Petersburg anglers find them concentrated around channel edges, tide lines, and artificial reefs in 15-30 feet of water. Light tackle with 10-15 pound test line provides the most sporting fight, though wire leaders are essential to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth.
Spanish Mackerel Is It Good to Eat?
Spanish Mackerel offers excellent eating quality when properly handled. The firm, white meat has a moderately rich flavor that's milder than king mackerel but more distinctive than most white-fleshed fish. They're best eaten fresh and make excellent candidates for grilling, smoking, or blackening. The meat is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, though pregnant women and young children should limit consumption due to moderate mercury levels.
Spanish Mackerel Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Spanish Mackerel?
A: Spanish Mackerel respond best to small, flashy lures like Clark spoons, Gotcha plugs, and silver-colored jigs. For live bait, small pilchards, threadfin herring, and small finger mullet are top producers. In St. Petersburg waters, small white jigs with a fast retrieve often trigger the most strikes.
Q: Where can I find Spanish Mackerel near St. Petersburg?
A: Look for them around the shipping channel edges, nearshore reefs, and along beaches where bait is present. The area around Egmont Key and the Skyway Bridge are particularly productive spots during summer months. Early morning trips often yield the best results when they're feeding actively on the surface.
Q: Is Spanish Mackerel good to eat?
A: Yes, Spanish Mackerel is excellent when eaten fresh. For best results, bleed the fish immediately after catching and keep it iced. The meat is best when prepared within 1-2 days of catching and can be grilled, blackened, or smoked for optimal flavor. Remove the dark lateral line before cooking to prevent any strong flavors.
Q: When is the best time to catch Spanish Mackerel?
A: In St. Petersburg, the prime season runs from April through October, with July and August typically offering the most consistent action. Early morning and late afternoon provide peak feeding periods, especially when tides are moving. The first few hours after sunrise often produce the most aggressive surface-feeding activity.
