Spanish Mackerel at Carolina Beach, Capt. Mike finds plenty of bait and Spanish Mackerel showing up close to the beach on this beautiful calm morning at Carolina Beach.
Spanish Mackerel at Carolina Beach
Capt. Mike Dennis offers nearshore fishing for Spanish mackerel, out of Carolina Beach, N.C. Now is the time to get out and enjoy the springtime weather before the summertime heat arrives.
Turkey season is over now I am ready to do some fishing.
Trolling is a great way to catch a number of fish, I use a 20 lb. class trolling rod with a Penn 12H International Reel this reel is no longer sold now but it is a great conventional reel mine is over 40 years old. I use Ande 30 lb test on mine, charter fishing can wear on your line. You should have a ball-bearing swivel attached to the ring of the #1 sea striker planer. I use a stiff piece of mono (200-300 lb. test) about 3” long on the back of the planer, fastened to the planer by a crimped sleeve then, I crimp a ball bearing swivel to attach my leader 30 lb. test line. I used this set-up when I was commercial fishing for King Mackerel. Here at Carolina Beach, we call this a pigtail attached to the planer it allows you to control a bigger fish by just holding the planer. The leader line coming off the planer should be 20′ – 25′ long then I run a 00-RBMS Clark Spoon this is the smallest Clark Spoon sold. Spanish Mackerel at Carolina Beach like to hit a fast-moving bait trolling speed should be 51/2 knots to 61/2 knots.
Casting for Spanish
Using a light plugging rod you can try to spot schools of Spanish Mackerel at Carolina Beach jumping or surfacing look for the birds diving this will help you locate the fish. A Gotcha plug is real popular at Carolina Beach for casting to Spanish, there are several plugs that will also work. One of my favorite plus by Rapala the X- Wrap is an excellent plug.
Spanish Mackerel for dinner tonight!
Cape Fear Guide – Capt.Mike Dennis – 910-619-0928
210 Penisula Drive, Carolina Beach, N.C.