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Why use a trolling rig for Spanish mackerel?
Trolling allows you to cover large search areas and maintain a steady retrieve, which is ideal for this fish that hunts in tight schools near the surface. In both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, it is particularly effective in the spring and summer, when the waters warm up and the schools move closer to the coast.
Recommended Equipment
- Cane : 2.20 to 2.70 m, medium to fast action, power 100%E2euros%93300 g.
- Fishing Reel : size 3000%E2euros%934000, equipped with 200 m of 10%E2euros%9315/100 braided line.
- Leader : fluorocarbon 25%E2euros%9335/100, length 1.5 to 2.5 m.
- Lures : feathers, small metal jigs, chrome spoons, squid jigs.
Trolling settings: speed and depth
Trolling speed is crucial. For Spanish mackerel, aim for 4 to 6 knots (about 7 to 11 km/h), depending on the size of the lure and sea conditions. If the speed is too slow, it reduces the effectiveness of fast-moving lures; if it's too fast, it can cause the fish to come off the hook.
The fishing depth ranges from area at 10 meters , depending on the location of the school and the light conditions. In clear, sunny water, mackerel often hunt at depths between 1 and 5 meters. Use weighted lures or depth adjusters to adjust the depth as needed.
Editing and Animation
A classic light-trolling rig consists of:
- A 3- to 5-meter leader with 4 to 6 feathers or small jigs spaced 50 cm apart.
- A heavy lure (spoon or jig weighing 20%E2euros%9360 g) at the end of the line to weigh down the rig.
- Hooks in sizes 2/0 through 3/0, suitable for mackerel.
The animation must be regular and sustained , possibly with slight variations in speed to mimic a school of fleeing prey. When trolling, the boat's movement is usually enough, but gently wiggling the rod can add to the realism.
Fishing Location and Strategy
- Watch the seabirds : Dives by terns or gulls often signal the presence of schools of mackerel at the surface.
- Stay outside the bench : Stay on the outskirts to avoid scattering the fish.
- Adjust the depth : If you're not getting many bites, adjust the depth of your lures or move a few dozen meters away.
- Fish with the current : This makes the lure's action more natural and increases the chances of triggering a strike.
Regulations and Best Practices
In the Mediterranean, the minimum catch size for Spanish mackerel is 20 cm . Observe catch limits and restricted areas, and make a point of releasing undersized fish or those during the spawning season.
Trolling for Spanish mackerel combines simplicity and effectiveness. With the right gear, a speed of 4 to 6 knots, shiny lures, and a good read on the environment, you?ll maximize your chances of catching this fast and feisty predator.
