Spanish Mackerel

   Spanish Mackerel, scientifically known as Scomberomorous maculatas, are a long and skinny, black and green fish. The way to identify a Spanish is by the yellow spots on its sides. All Spanish have these spots. The average size Spanish weighs about two to three pounds. The world record Spanish Mackerel was landed in Australia and weighed 34.2 pounds. 
     Spanish Mackerel are by no means hard to find. It is very easy to catch Spanish Mackerel, and you don't even have to spend money on live bait. You need Clark Spoons and Gotcha Plugs. You buy these two items once then you never have to buy them again, unless your Spanish breaks the line. You do not need a fancy rod to hook Spanish either. Big or little, any rod will work. Attach your Clark Spoons or Gotcha Plugs and cast them into the water. Once your lures are in the water you can do one of two things. If your on a boat you can troll with your lures. If your on the beach or on a pier then you can cast and reel. Either method is very effective. Spanish Mackerel are not the biggest fish but don't be fooled, they are quite the fighters. 
     Spanish are known to migrate up and down the East coast. When fishing for Spanish you need to know the water temperature in order to determine how far out you need to go. Once the water temperature reaches about 65 degrees you can catch spanish from the pier or beach. If the water temperature is not 65 degrees yet then you will need a boat. The farther you go in your boat towards the reefs the warmer the water temperature will be. Spanish Mackerel are known to run early in the morning or late in the afternoon, so these will be the best times to go out fishing. 
     Many people fish for Spanish because they are relatively easy to catch, and they are also great to eat. Here is a recipe courtesy of 
http://www.all-fish-seafood-recipes.com/index.cfm/recipe/Grilled_Spanish_Mackerel


Ingredients 

• 6 large Spanish mackerel fillets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 lemons, sliced
• Salt and ground pepper to taste

Instructions 

• Light grill and set it to medium heat, cover the surface of the grill with aluminum foil.
• Rub both sides of the Spanish mackerel fillets with olive oil and place them skin side down onto the aluminum foil.
• Sprinkle the spanish mackerel fillets with salt and pepper, cover each completely with the lemon slices.
• Grill until meat just begins to flake, do not flip fillets.
• Serve the Grilled Spanish Mackerel immediately.

Works Cited 

"How to Catch Spanish Mackerel." Associated Content - Associatedcontent.com. Web. 12 Oct. 2010. <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/155629/how_to_catch_spanish_mackerel.html>.

"Spanish Mackerel, Fish Identification." Indian River County, Florida - Home Page. Web. 12 Oct. 2010. <http://indian-river.fl.us/fishing/fish/mackspan.html>.