Spanish Mackeral
You will realize that Spanish mackerel are among the fastest schooling species when you are on your offshore fishing trips in Port Aransas TX. They belong to the Scombridae family which includes fish such as bonito, tuna, mackerel and more. Since these fish are always on the move, only experienced Port Aransas offshore guides can help you find and catch them. Fortunately, there are several Corpus Christi fishing charters that specialize in catching schooling species like Spanish mackerel.
How Port Aransas Offshore Guides Identify Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel look similar in appearance to juvenile king mackerel which can be confusing when you catch both species. On your offshore fishing trips in Port Aransas TX, look closely at these two species side by side and you can identify more subtle differences. For example, the first dorsal fin of a Spanish mackerel is black while that of a juvenile king mackerel is lightly-colored. You will also notice that the lateral line on a king mackerel drops sharply towards the abdomen while that of Spanish mackerel gently slopes down. Adult king mackerel are bigger in size compared to Spanish mackerel. Port Aransas deep sea fishing guides often point out that Spanish mackerel species have distinct orange or bronze spots on their sides. A typical Spanish mackerel is about 14" in length.
Where Do Port Aransas Deep Fishing Guides Find Spanish Mackerel?
Corpus Christi fishing charters take recreational anglers to areas that are 33-115 feet deep to catch Spanish mackerel. Spanish mackerel species do not like low salinity water and prefer water temperatures above 68°F. Since they are a predator species, they eat other fish such as snappers, halfbeaks, jack mackerels, and grunts. They also feed on squid, shrimp and other mollusks and crustaceans. They have separate female and male sexes, and spawn from May through September in their favorite nursery areas that include open-beach waters and estuaries.
Techniques For Catching Spanish Mackerel
Port Aransas fishing guides recommend light to medium tackle, or tackle that allows you to be fast. Remember that Spanish mackerel move incredibly fast and often keep running after grabbing bait. So the best lure for this species is a spoon or other heavy lures that you can cast far distances. Make sure whatever lure you use is brightly colored or easy for the fast moving fish to see. Your charter captain will inform you about rules for catching Spanish mackerel during your offshore fishing trips in Port Aransas TX.