The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Spanish Mackerel Scomberomorus maculatus
Spanish Mackerel Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 14–22 in, 1–3 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to 36 in and 13 lb |
| Lifespan | up to 12 years |
| Range | Atlantic coast from southern New England south through Florida and west across the Gulf of Mexico, pushing north as water warms in spring and dropping back toward south Florida in fall. |
| Habitat | Open coastal water, beachfront bars and pass mouths, plus nearshore reefs and deeper grass, wherever the water holds above roughly 68°F. |
| Diet | Small schooling baitfish — anchovies, menhaden, herring and finger mullet — plus shrimp and squid. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Spanish Mackerel
- Greenish back, silver sides with round golden-yellow spots (no stripes)
- Front third of first dorsal fin jet black
- Lateral line slopes gently to the tail, no abrupt dip
- Forked tail; row of finlets behind dorsal and anal fins
- Adults rarely exceed a few pounds (much smaller than king)
Tell it apart: Golden-yellow oval spots plus a black front patch on the first dorsal fin and an evenly sloping lateral line separate Spanish from the spot-poor king mackerel.
Easily confused with: King Mackerel, Bonito / FA
Side by side: Spanish Mackerel vs Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel vs Bonito / Atlantic, Spanish Mackerel vs False Albacore, Spanish Mackerel vs King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel vs Wahoo
How to Catch Spanish Mackerel
Gear links open Amazon searches. As an Amazon Associate, The Fishing Report earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Using these links helps keep the site ad-free.
- Spring through fall — troll small Clarkspoons fast behind a planer, or cast metal into diving birds.GearClarkspoon trolling spoonsNo. 1–2 trolling planersGotcha casting plugs
- Best spring through summer when fish blitz bait near beaches and passes; cast small flashy spoons or troll Clarkspoons fast.GearClarkspoon trolling spoonsCasting jigsLight wire leader
- Best June-September - troll or cast small fast-moving Clark spoons and metal jigs through diving birds on light wire or long fluoro leader.GearClark spoonsCasting metal jigsFluorocarbon leader
- Best July-August - troll or cast small fast Clark spoons and metal jigs through diving birds on light wire or long fluoro leader.GearClark spoonsCasting metal jigsFluorocarbon leader
When & Where Spanish Mackerel Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Atlantic Nearshore | ||||||||||||
| Gulf of Mexico Nearshore | ||||||||||||
| Mid-Atlantic Nearshore | ||||||||||||
| Northeast Nearshore |
Spanish Mackerel Regulations
GeorgiaGeorgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources DivisionSouth CarolinaSouth Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources DivisionNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ), Division of Marine FisheriesSouth Atlantic Fishery Management CouncilSAFMCAtlantic States Marine Fisheries CommissionASMFCFloridaFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)AlabamaAlabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division (Outdoor Alabama)MississippiMississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR)LouisianaLouisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)TexasTexas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD)Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council)GMFMCVirginiaVirginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC)MarylandMaryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating ServicesDelawareDelaware DNREC, Division of Fish & WildlifeNew JerseyNew Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish & Wildlife (NJDEP Fish & Wildlife)New YorkNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Division of Marine ResourcesMid-Atlantic Fishery Management CouncilMAFMCConnecticutConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Marine FisheriesRhode IslandRhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Marine FisheriesMassachusettsMassachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF), Department of Fish and Game / Mass.govNew HampshireNew Hampshire Fish and Game Department (Marine Fisheries Division)MaineMaine Department of Marine Resources (DMR)NOAA Fisheries (Greater Atlantic Region / New England-Mid-Atlantic)NEFMC
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.