Spanish Mackerel Fishing Tips and Tricks

 Spanish mackerel fishing in Charleston, South Carolina, is a popular pursuit, especially during the warmer months when these fast, aggressive fish migrate into the nearshore waters and Charleston Harbor. Known for their hard strikes, acrobatic fights, and excellent table fare, Spanish mackerel offer anglers an exciting and rewarding experience. Below, I’ll explain some effective tactics tailored to the Charleston area, drawing on local conditions and expert insights.

When and Where to Fish

Spanish mackerel typically arrive in Charleston’s coastal waters in late spring (around April or May) as water temperatures rise above 68°F, peaking in abundance from May to September, with some lingering into November before migrating south. The best spots include nearshore waters just beyond the breakers, around the Charleston Harbor jetties (North and South Jetties), and along artificial reefs or live bottom areas within a few miles of shore. Key locations like the harbor entrance, the Chutes Folly area, and nearshore wrecks are hotspots due to the presence of baitfish such as glass minnows and menhaden, which Spanish mackerel feed on aggressively.

Key Tactics for Spanish Mackerel in Charleston

1. Trolling

Trolling is a highly effective method for covering large areas of water and locating schools of Spanish mackerel, especially when they’re spread out or holding deeper.

• Gear: Use light to medium tackle with 15-20 lb test line. Attach a short wire leader (6-12 inches) to prevent cutoffs from their sharp teeth, connected via a barrel swivel to the main line.


• Lures: Small, shiny spoons like Clark Spoons (Size 00 or 1) in silver, gold, or colored variations (green and pink work well in summer) are local favorites. Pair these with a No. 1 or No. 2 planer or a trolling weight to get the lure 5-15 feet below the surface.


• Speed: Troll at 5-7 knots to mimic the fast-moving baitfish Spanish target. Adjust speed based on water conditions and fish activity.


• Strategy: Start by trolling along the jetties or parallel to the beach, watching for signs of bait or feeding activity. Local guides often troll from the harbor entrance out to deeper water (15-30 feet), making passes over known fish-holding areas. If you hook a few, circle back for more passes.

2. Casting to Schools

When Spanish mackerel are feeding near the surface—often signaled by diving birds or baitfish scattering—this is the time to cast.

• Gear: A medium-light spinning rod with 10-15 lb test line and a fluorocarbon or wire leader works well. The lighter setup enhances the fight.


• Lures: Casting jigs like the Shur Strike or Gotcha plugs, or twitching lures like the MirrOdine, are deadly. In clear water on sunny days (common in Charleston’s summer), a fast retrieve with twitches mimics an injured baitfish, triggering strikes.


• Strategy: Look for birds (especially gulls or terns) diving over bait schools, a dead giveaway of Spanish mackerel below. Position your boat upwind or up-current, cast beyond the school, and reel quickly through the feeding zone. In Charleston Harbor, this tactic shines near the jetties or Middle Ground area when fish are busting bait on top.

3. Live Bait Fishing

For bigger Spanish mackerel, live bait can be a game-changer, especially when they’re less active on lures.

• Bait: Small menhaden, finger mullet, or glass minnows are ideal, abundant in Charleston’s waters during summer. Catch them with a cast net near the harbor or jetties.


• Rigging: Use a light wire leader with a single hook (1/0-3/0) or a small treble hook. Fish them under a popping cork for surface action or free-line them for deeper fish.


• Strategy: Anchor or drift near structure like the jetties or reefs, and cast into schools or along tidelines. A popping cork adds noise and movement, drawing attention. Local anglers note that this method sometimes attracts bonus species like king mackerel or jacks.

4. Fly Fishing

Charleston’s clear nearshore waters make it a great spot for fly anglers targeting Spanish mackerel.

• Gear: An 8-9 wt rod with a sink-tip line (first 15 feet sinking) and a 30 lb fluorocarbon leader (no wire, accepting some cutoffs) is standard.


• Flies: Clouser Minnows in yellow/white (mimicking menhaden) or olive/white (clear water) work well. Pink/white flies excel in cloudy conditions.


• Strategy: Approach schools stealthily—motors can spook them—and cast ahead of moving fish. Strip the fly quickly with short pauses. The harbor’s jetties and Chutes Folly are prime fly-fishing zones.

Local Tips and Considerations

• Tides: Fish the outgoing tide early in the morning to follow baitfish schools moving with the current, a tactic favored by Charleston guides. Avoid midday boat traffic as waters warm up.


• Birds: Diving birds are your best locator. Even if not targeting Spanish, keep a rod with a spoon ready for quick casts when birds appear.


• Stealth: When casting or fly fishing, avoid running your motor through schools—Spanish spook easily but recover quickly if undisturbed.


• Weather: Spanish prefer calm, clear water, so target days with light winds and good visibility. Rough seas push them deeper or offshore.

Why It Works in Charleston

Charleston’s unique geography—its harbor, jetties, and proximity to the Gulf Stream—creates a baitfish-rich environment that Spanish mackerel exploit. The harbor concentrates bait, while nearshore waters provide depth and structure. These tactics leverage the fish’s predatory nature and Charleston’s seasonal patterns, ensuring success whether you’re trolling, casting, or fly fishing.

By blending these approaches with real-time observation (birds, bait, water clarity), you’ll maximize your catch of Spanish mackerel in Charleston’s vibrant fishery. Enjoy the fight—and the fresh fillets afterward!