What's Biting FL
Panhandle

Spanish Mackerel in Panhandle

Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus · Photo: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC., Public domain

Fast retrieved spoons, Gotcha plugs and jigs around bait schools, piers, passes and nearshore reefs.

Next seven days

DayBiteWhy
Fri, Oct 309Strong tide swing 2.4 ft
Sat, Oct 318Breezy 20 mph. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 2.2 ft
Sun, Nov 15Breezy 20 mph
Mon, Nov 26
Tue, Nov 35Weak tides
Wed, Nov 46Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Weak tides
Thu, Nov 56Weak tides

Seasonal pattern

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Editorial baseline for Florida. Green months are prime, yellow fair, red slow. Preferred water temperature 68–82°F.

Regulations that apply here

Applies to: Gulf and Atlantic State Waters

Species / zoneSeasonSizeBagNotes
Spanish Mackerel
Statewide
open now
Open year-round
12" fork length15 per harvesterLegal Gear: beach or haul seine, cast net, hook and line, spear

Source: FWC, extracted 2026-10-29.

See all Spanish Mackerel rules statewide.