![]() ![]() Spanish Mackerel are a migratory species, and they will generally arrive in the Pensacola and Destin area around the end of May or early June when water temperatures reach about 80 degrees. Males will generally reach about 20" in length. Females grow larger than males, and can reach lengths of around 30" inches or slightly longer, although this is somewhat rare. Most fish will reach about 12-14" in their first year, but their growth slows after that. This is just a general guideline, and fish shorter and longer than this are still absolutely excellent table-fare. A fish this size will have a considerable amount of muscle mass and is just about the perfect length for consumption. Spanish Mackerel are not a large species, with fish in the 20-25 inch range being considered a "stud spanish". In late spring and summer, the stock of fish within the Gulf of Mexico travel north seeking cooler waters, and in the fall and winter these same fish will return south in pursuit of the warmer waters in and around the Florida Keys. Their diet consists primarily of other fish, although they do consume shrimp and squid as well. ![]() Spanish Mackerel are a migratory gamefish and spend much of their time traveling in huge schools searching for water temperatures that best suit them, as well as areas that hold large amounts of baitfish. Spanish Mackerel, or just "Spanish" as most anglers here in the Pensacola area call them, have long, slender, and muscular bodies that can propel them at breakneck speeds through the surf, oftentimes being seen breaking the surface while chasing baitfish during late spring and throughout the summer months. These traits, and the fact that they travel in huge schools give surf anglers an opportunity at non-stop action that few other gamefish can provide. Spanish Mackerel are plentiful, perpetually hungry, and among the fastest fish that swim.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |