Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorous maculatus
Spanish Mackerel is our November species of the month for the OAPB Annual Fishing tournament for the Captain and Angler of the Year Award. There are 29 days left in this years tournament. Please submit all your fish.
Spanish Mackerel is colored from green shading to silver with golden yellow irregular spots found above and below the lateral line. The front of the dorsal fin is black, and the lateral line curves gently to base of tail.
Spanish Mackerel are found in abundance throughout Florida waters: inshore, offshore and nearshore. They are found frequently over grass beds and reefs.
This species is a schooling fish that migrate northward in the spring, and returns when the waters drop below 70 degrees. They spawn offshore from spring through summer and feed on small fish and squid.
The state record is a 12 lb, caught near Fort Pierce.
Spanish Mackerel are similar to Cero and King Mackerel.
Cero Mackerel has a long strip with golden spots
Spanish Mackerel has golden spots, but no stripe