Thread: Mackerel bait that a beginner should use

I have been reading different information on the type of fresh baits and lures used to catch mackerel. I'm very confused. I plan to fish the GSP in mid October and need a little advice on what to use off the pier.
Badeye

Originally Posted by Badeye

I have been reading different information on the type of fresh baits and lures used to catch mackerel. I'm very confused. I plan to fish the GSP in mid October and need a little advice on what to use off the pier.
Badeye

Badeye, I've had luck with bubble rigs with either a pink, green or white straw (whichever they prefer that day) over a #2 or #4 bronze treble ( 18"-24" leader - I use 40-50lb fluoro and occasional a small wire if I'm getting cut off), small gotchas with red head / white or silver body, small silver Johnson or sprite spoons ( mix up your retrieve until you see where they're at in the column), suspended mirro lures in mullet color, I've also used CarlR's advice and caught them free floating finger mullet with a treble through the head. Hope this helps
FYI ... I'm referring to Spanish not kings.
also I've heard of and have seen folks having success with looney jigs and live shrimp and I've even seen multiple key chains caught on sabiki rigs

Looney jig, gotchas, bubble rigs, small yo-zuris, etc. They like flash, and fast moving prey when feeding.

Badeye Good advice here It's really not that difficult Just need to be pointed in the right direction Can't go wrong with bubble rigs gotchas looney jigs or spoons You can stock up at J&M Sports on Canal Rd Come on out to the pier We'll show you I have every bait or combination a spanish could ever want and will be glad to show you them and how to use them You are coming in prime time You should have no problem catching fish Come on out and enjoy

What they said.

Thanks Dan S ll, I will take you up on that helping hand; I'll look for you at the pier.

Also a thank you to CarlF on those great pics of the lures. I'll pick some up at JM's when I get in town.

i've got great info on lures; should I focus on mainly using them or is fresh bait needed if the fish aren't running? If so, any recommendations.

Therein lies the artistry.
No doubt mackerel strike a variety of lures and baits.
But figuring out what bait (or lure) they are hitting on any particular day at any particular time is the key ;-)
Proper rigging and presentation are just as important.

My biggest mackerel the last time fishing out there was on a 3" belly strip ('old school')...
Observe what works, what doesn't and give em what they want!

Badeye, check out my reports from Sept, some good advice in there about catching big Spanish on cut LYs & belly strips.

I myself don't think fluorocarbon leader is necessary on a bubble rig. It's expensive and seems to be bitten off easier than regular mono. Use fluorocarbon when fishing live baits or lures where fish can get a better look at your bait. I use 60LB mono leader on my straw rig and it still gets roughed up so that it has to be cut off and redone occasionally. Usually when a Shark manages to grab your Spanish some steady pressure and he will bite through and you won't loose your bubble.

Thanks to Pier#r for his insight on what bait to use. Watching others while you fish and asking what's working would be the thing to do.
I guess my next research project will be on " How to think like a Mackerel". I will pass along what I find.