Best Times & Seasons to Catch Spanish Mackerel in Florida

Spanish mackerel is one of the most popular fish species in waters near Florida. Knowing the best times to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida helps anglers improve their results and catch more fish.  

The best times to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida waters are from February to August. A lot of Spanish mackerel congregate in the Florida area during the spring and summer months. 

Spanish mackerel can be found in the nearshore and inshore waters of the Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many great fishing spots for Spanish mackerel fishing between Stuart and Key West. 

Spanish Mackerel Fishing in Florida

Spanish mackerel fishing is excellent in Florida throughout the year. However, the peak season to catch Spanish mackerel in the region is from February to September. 

The best month to catch Spanish mackerel in the local waters is February. Spanish mackerel fishing is less productive in January, October – November. 

Spanish mackerel feed best around the sunrise and sunset during warm months. So, it would be better to target Spanish mackerel either at dawn or dusk. The middle afternoon is the best time of day to catch Spanish mackerel during the colder months of the year.  

Fishing for Spanish mackerel is the most productive during a high tide. A high tide in spring creates excellent conditions for Spanish mackerel fishing.  

It’s possible to catch Spanish mackerel in waters of 65 – 80°F.  The best water temperature to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida is 68 – 73 °F.        

Best Seasons for Florida Spanish Mackerel (by Region)

Florida Gulf Coast

Spanish mackerel fishing on the Florida Gulf coast is best in March – April. Lands End Marina is one of the best fishing spots to catch Spanish mackerel on the Gulf coast of Florida.

Spanish mackerel come to Florida bays in the spring. Anglers can also target Spanish mackerel in Destin Harbour during the spring months.      

Florida Atlantic Coast

The Atlantic coast of Florida also offers great Spanish mackerel. Fishing for Spanish mackerel on the Florida Atlantic coast is the most productive in November – December. It’s a good idea to target Spanish mackerel from Fort Pierce to the Upper Keys.

The area of Intracoastal Waterway has the highest abundance of Spanish mackerel. Anglers can successfully catch Spanish mackerel from beaches and in the inlets on the Atlantic coast of Florida.      

Florida Keys

Spanish mackerel is a migratory fish. Spanish mackerel begins to appear in the waters near the Florida Keys in the fall. Spanish mackerel are getting more active as the water cools down. The peak Spanish mackerel fishing season in the region lasts until the spring.

The best times to catch Spanish mackerel in the waters near the Florida Keys are from January to March and from September to December. Spanish mackerel fishing in the Florida Keys is less productive from April to August. Spanish mackerel can be found in the local waters near bridges and patch reefs. 

Recommended Inshore Fishing Charters in Florida

These Florida-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Florida Professional Charters	Tampa, FL
Wet Lines Fishing	Clearwater, FL
Coastal Bound Charters	Palmetto, FL
Full Throttle Fishing Charters	Clearwater, FL
Always Somethin’ Charters	Daytona Beach, FL
Rebel Coast Charters	Clearwater, FL
Old Town Charters	Panama City Beach, FL
A-lure Fishing Charters	Crystal River, FL
Pharmasea Outfitters	Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Tide Flies Fishing Charters	Clearwater, FL
Infinite Fishing Charters	Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Island Excursions Fishing Charters	Marco Island, FL
Beaver’s Guide Service	Santa Rosa Beach, FL

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Surf Fishing Spanish Mackerel

Anglers can successfully fish for Spanish mackerel from the surf in Florida waters. It’s possible to surf fish for Spanish mackerel from beaches and piers throughout the year. So, there is no bad time to surf fish for Spanish mackerel in the waters of Florida. However, it’s incredibly important for anglers to be at the right place at the right time.  

Surf anglers prefer to fish for Spanish mackerel in the Destin and in the Pensacola area of Florida. The best months to surf fish for Spanish mackerel in the area are May – June. 

The Florida Panhandle and the Northern Gulf coast are also good places to enjoy surf fishing for Spanish mackerel. The best season to surf fish for Spanish mackerel in these areas is summer. It would be better to surf fish for Spanish mackerel in the local waters early in the morning. 

Spanish mackerel don’t feed at night, but there are some exceptions. Sometimes, surf anglers catch Spanish mackerel during the night hours.     

Is Spanish Mackerel Fishing Good in Winter?

Fishing for Spanish mackerel is best during the winter months in South Florida. As the weather is getting colder, Spanish mackerel travels to the Florida Keys. Anglers can successfully catch Spanish mackerel in the waters near the Florida Keys in late fall and during the winter time.   

Night Fishing Spanish Mackerel in Florida

Spanish mackerel don’t feed at night. However, night anglers can catch Spanish mackerel in the early morning and in the late evening. According to the opinions of Florida anglers, Spanish mackerel fishing can be productive during calm and clear nights.

Like any fish, Spanish mackerel react to the phases of the moon. Spanish mackerel fishing is the most successful in the waters of Florida during the full moon. 

It would be great to go fishing at night during the summer months. Night fishing allows anglers to avoid the summer heat in Florida. It’s comfortable to fish during the night hours.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch sheepshead in Florida, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch snapper in Florida, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch grouper in Florida, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch king mackerel in Florida, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch cobia in Florida, check out this guide.