Tampa Bay target

Spanish Mackerel

Cast spoons or flashy jigs through breaking bait pods and retrieve fast with a short wire leader.

Where

Beaches, piers, passes, Skyway

When

Spring and fall, often active in warm months · Morning and late afternoon when bait is up

Bait

Spoons, small live bait, flashy jigs

Water

Any moving water

Make the first move practical

Best when fresh — bleed and ice immediately after the catch.

Minimum 12 inches fork length

Bag limit: 15

Florida Gulf and Atlantic state waters

Checked against FWC: 2026-08-19

Regulations can change. FWC is the authority.