Get on out there and get some. The arrival of the Spanish Mackerel brings fun fishing to our Tampa Bay area.

Now that they have arrived you will see many anglers both Fly Fisherman and Conventional Tackle Fisherman getting their limits of these tasty fish.

Here are some of the tricks for catching your share.

TROLLING:

To troll for these fish you will need the following:

1. Bait Casting style reels.

2. Bait casting rods, from six to seven feet in length, medium to medium heavy action.

3. Spool the reels with 50 pound test PowerPro line.

4. Sea Striker # 1 size planers, one for each rod.

5. A supply of 00 and 0 Clark Spoons, with the red bead.

6. 20 to 40 pound test monofilament leader.

7. 100 and 50 pound test snap swivels (BLACK)

The set-up:

Spool the reels with the PowerPro line, from the line on the reel tie on a 100 pound test snap swivel and clip it to the planer. From the other end of the planer clip on a 50 pound test snap swivel, tie to this 10 to 20 feet of monofilament leader line. To this tie on a Clark Spoon. Repeat this step for each rod you intend on using. I like to troll three rods and have a couple more ready to use if you snag one and lose your rig (this sometimes happens).

Good Luck and keep Fishing

Drag Systems on Fishing Reels

When buying a conventional or baitcasting reel, anglers can choose either a star drag or lever drag system. With a star drag, pressure is increased or decreased by turning the star-shaped “wheel” located just inside of the handle. While star drag systems are simple to operate and are fine for most applications, lever drag systems typically supply smoother, more consistent fish-fighting performance. Most lever drags also allow for drag tension to be adjusted in smaller, more precise increments than star drag systems. If there is a downside to lever drag reels, it’s their price – they tend to be more expensive than star drag models.

If you prefer spinning reels, you’ll discover that there are two basic categories to choose from – front drag and rear drag models. The difference boils down to where the drag system is located on the reel. While location alone doesn’t necessarily make for a better system, front drag spinning reels generally feature larger, multiple disc drag washers that offer a higher level of performance and durability. Rear drag spinning reels may offer convenience and ease of use, but they normally don’t stand up to big fish and demanding conditions like the front drag reel models. As with conventional reels, the smoothness and precision of a spinning reel drag system is extremely important. Whether you select a front or rear drag model, make sure the drag can be tightened in small increments. Also look for consistency. That is, when you pull on the line at any particular drag setting throughout the spectrum, the pressure should remain even and constant. Any inconsistency within the system will undoubtedly cost you a big fish somewhere down the line.

Ball Bearings

Spinning, conventional, and baitcasting fishing reels all feature either ball bearings or bushings strategically placed within the reel for smoothness, support and stability. Many spinning reels also feature a roller bearing within the line roller. When it comes to smooth performance and durability, sealed stainless steel ball bearings are preferable over bushings. Generally speaking, the more ball bearings a reel has, the more smoothly it will perform. Quality reels typically feature at least two stainless steel ball bearings. Top-of-the-line models usually boast about four to six ball bearings. However, some of the newer, deluxe spinning reels on the market feature up to 12.

A Fishing Reel’s Gear Ratio

Another key consideration when purchasing a reel is gear ratio, which refers to how many revolutions the spool makes with each complete turn of the reel handle. This determines, in part, how rapidly line is retrieved as the angler cranks the handle. Spinning reels, baitcasters and conventional models can offer differing gear ratios, ranging from slow retrieves (i.e. 2:1 or 3:1) to high-speed retrieves (4:1 to 6:1). Reels with high-speed gear ratios are better for working lures quickly back to the boat, or gaining line in a hurry when a fish charges toward the boat. Models featuring lower gear ratios don’t offer as fast a retrieve, but provide the greater cranking power ideal for bottom fishing and trolling applications. Anglers thinking about buying a heavier-duty conventional reel, may want to consider purchasing a two-speed model. While pricier than their single speed cousins, two-speed reels provide the best of both worlds when it comes to retrieve speed and cranking power. With a two-speed reel, an angler can shift at will from the faster-retrieve of “high gear” to the more powerful “low gear” with a simple push or pull of a button.