Speaking Spanish

Target Spanish mackerel on NC coast

This month marks the start of prime fishing season along the North Carolina coast, and for anglers seeking fast action, Spanish mackerel are a top target. These sleek, hard-fighting fish migrate north as water temperatures climb, offering some of the best nearshore fishing opportunities of the year. While Spanish mackerel can be found along much of the coastline, the waters around Wrightsville Beach consistently produce some great catches during April.

The combination of clear water, mild temperatures, and abundant baitfish makes Wrightsville Beach a magnet for Spanish mackerel. The fish often show up just offshore, cruising along the beach or around nearshore structure like reefs and artificial wrecks. Many anglers find success trolling small Clarkspoons or Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows behind planers or trolling weights. These lures mimic the glass minnows and small baitfish that Spanish mackerel feed on heavily this time of year.

In calm conditions, casting from a boat into schools of breaking fish can lead to nonstop action. When Spanish mackerel are feeding aggressively on the surface, small metal jigs or Got-Cha plugs worked quickly will draw strikes. The fish often travel in large schools, so locating one group can result in multiple hook-ups in short order. Bird activity is a reliable indicator of where the fish are feeding, making a good pair of binoculars a useful tool for scanning the horizon.

Drifting and planer rigs

Wrightsville Beach’s proximity to Masonboro Inlet provides another advantage for anglers. The inlet acts as a natural funnel for baitfish, drawing Spanish mackerel into the area. Fishing around the jetties or along the channel edges can yield steady catches, especially during a moving tide. Drifting live bait like finger mullet or small menhaden under a float is a great way to tempt finicky fish.

While Spanish mackerel are known for their blistering runs and sharp teeth. Many anglers use wire leaders or long-shank hooks to prevent bite-offs, and always handle fish with care to preserve the resource. But other anglers stick to monofilament or fluorocarbon in 30- to 50-pound test. It’s obviously not as abrasion-resistant as wire leaders, but when the fish are being particularly finicky, some anglers believe they aren’t biting because they see the wire leaders.

April’s warming waters and active baitfish create perfect conditions for Spanish mackerel along the North Carolina coast. Wrightsville Beach stands out as one of the best locations to target these fish, offering consistent action both nearshore and around the inlet. Whether trolling, casting, or drifting live bait, anglers can expect exciting battles and plenty of fresh fish to take home during this prime fishing month.

Planers are an essential tool when targeting Spanish mackerel, especially when the fish are holding deeper in the water column. These devices help lures run at specific depths by diving and maintaining consistent pressure on the line. Anglers typically use planers with small spoons or other lightweight lures to reach depths of 10 to 30 feet where Spanish mackerel often feed.

“Using planers allows you to cover more water and target fish that aren’t visible on the surface,” said Capt. Jot Owens of Jot It Down Charters (910-233-4139). “They keep your lures at the perfect depth and can really make a difference on slower days.”

When rigging a planer, it’s important to attach a leader of at least 15 to 20 feet behind the device to prevent spooking fish. Wire leaders are recommended to avoid bite-offs from the mackerel’s sharp teeth, but as mentioned earlier, some anglers use large-sized monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders. A No. 1 or No. 2 planer is the most popular size for Spanish mackerel fishing, providing the right balance of depth and trolling speed.

“Planers are one of my go-to methods for finding fish when they’re not on top,” said Owens. “You can run several lines at different depths to increase your chances of hooking up.”

“Wrightsville Beach is one of the best spots to target Spanish mackerel in April,” Owens said. “The fish start showing up early in the month and stick around as long as the bait holds. Trolling small spoons and casting jigs around the inlet can really produce.”