What's Biting FL
Southwest and Ten Thousand Islands

Spanish Mackerel in Southwest and Ten Thousand Islands

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 309Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 4.8 ft
Sat, Oct 319Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 4.1 ft
Sun, Nov 16Rain likely 78%. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 3.4 ft
Mon, Nov 26Strong tide swing 2.9 ft
Tue, Nov 37Light wind. Strong tide swing 2.7 ft
Wed, Nov 47Light wind. Strong tide swing 2.7 ft
Thu, Nov 57Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 3.2 ft

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.