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intermediate rig
Lure presentationSpanish mackerel trolling and casting setup
Two real approaches: trolling small spoons at moderate speed to locate fish, or running toward visible surface activity (diving birds, breaking bait) and casting a Gotcha plug or casting metal with a fast, jerky retrieve
- Best for
- Spanish Mackerel
- Water
- bayoffshore
Components
- Main line to a small planer or trolling weight (trolling) or straight to the lure (casting)
- Short wire or heavy fluorocarbon bite leader
- A small trolling spoon, Gotcha-style plug, or casting metal
Setup
- Hook
- The lure's own built-in hook(s), typically small trebles on a trolling spoon or Gotcha plug — Spanish mackerel have a genuine bite-off risk, addressed by the leader, not the hook choice.
- Weight
- A small planer or trolling weight to get a trolled spoon to the right depth; no separate weight needed when casting metals/plugs to visible surface activity.
- Leader
- A short wire or heavy fluorocarbon bite section is common practice specifically because Spanish mackerel are known for cutting through standard leader on the strike.
How to fish it
Two real approaches: trolling small spoons at moderate speed to locate fish, or running toward visible surface activity (diving birds, breaking bait) and casting a Gotcha plug or casting metal with a fast, jerky retrieve.
When to use it
- Birds and breaking bait in the lower Bay and off the beach, June into September
- Clear, warm water over structure and bait schools
- Calm mornings before the wind puts chop on the surface
Variations
Trolling setups: the same idea, adjusted
Where to use it
