Springtime means boat shows, warmer weather, and much better fishing. Mackerel migrations will charge in as local waters reach about seventy degrees. They provide anglers with plenty of action and fresh fish dinners. The “Mack attack” will move in from the south and winds could influence our access. Look for terns, known as Mackerel birds to many fishermen, and other bird travels, to indicate spring arrival. Locally the white pelicans flying north signal me to look for spring. Be ready when this fishing event kicks off. Be sure your boat and fishing gear are ready for action now. Marina and repair folks will be swamped by procrastinators; don’t miss out because your gear is not ready. Get a tune up, do some test runs, and check safety equipment. Fishing gear needs to be maintained also. Replace old line, lube gears and drags, check your rods guides for damage and wear. Establish relationships with mechanics and staff because this can pay off huge in the long run.

If you have a minor issue with boat or tackle they may take a few minutes to listen and offer helpful advice to get you back up without waiting to get on their busy calendar. It is beneficial at the tackle shop also. Yes, I like to fish with live minnows, but my 23 Dorado is equipped to capture and keep ‘em alive. It takes a lot of gear; baitwell, cast nets, plus knowledge and time to fish live minnows. I started out, like most, fishing hardware: spoons, jigs, and lures. Your local tackle shops staff can help you choose the correct equipment to get started. First, decide on your target species. Spanish and Kings vary dramatically in size, so your gear must be up for the preferred task. Decide to troll or cast; conventional gear is suited to trolling while spinning rigs cast better. Size matters: Spanish average a couple of pounds, while Kings are MUCH larger, up to fifty pounds.

Twenty to thirty pound convention gear works well trolling for both. Fifteen pound spinning tackle is perfect for casting lures or minnows. You can catch both on lighter spinning gear if you understand its limitations and learn to let your drag function. Your reel is designed to take up the line, not winch up fish. Allow your rod to wear fish down. Your time invested with knowledgeable tackle sales staff can make your trip and save money in the long haul. If you select quality gear it costs more, but functions better and lasts longer. Listen to expert advice and purchase extra hardware because Macks have sharp teeth and you will need spares and various sizes. Guides’ prices may seem expensive but cost significantly less to experience fishing properly and teach you more for the investment. Take the time to choose a guide with local experience who understands your unique desires and wishes. Helping hints to put you on the hot bite. First look for bird activity as soon as you enter the Gulf. Flocks of screaming gulls indicate feeding fish schools. Even a few birds concentrating in one area shows you fish.

Look close for surface striking fish and try to identify species. Frequently you will see boats gathering on hot activity; check this out. Please remember that you followed these leaders and try to work into their system. Do not race in and destroy the action for your leaders. Everyone catches more fish and enjoys more fun by consideration for each other’s space. Allow anchored fishermen the room to fight their fish. Kings run long and fast when hooked. Trollers can follow their fish rapidly but stationary boats can not. Do not run into the feeding fish because this scares fish away from everyone! Slow down, be considerate, and have more fishy fun. We have liberal bag limits on Mackerel, but many folks don’t think they like to eat ‘em.

You must ice and chill fish, especially Macks, immediately and keep ‘em cold until you cook ‘em. Properly maintained fish is tasty and healthy! Try my favorite recipe I learned from Captain Wilson Hubbard decades ago. It’s simple. Lay out fresh filets on a broiler pan covered with foil. Preheat broiler. Dry off fish and season to taste with Old Bay and Everglades seasoning. Put under broiler for a few minutes; thickness of meat dictates time cooking. When it’s half done remove and baste liberally with mayo. Return to broiler and DO NOT take your eyes off until it’s golden brown; then turn off and shut door for a few minutes. Allow this to marry while you get ready for your feast. Practice makes perfect. Macks provide us the opportunity to be a hero, catching fish with, then feeding family and friends. You can even keep a few to share with neighbors, or that friendly bait shop staff which helped you look so smart.

Grouper open back up with tight restrictions for offshore anglers the first of April. They should be abundant and hungry; don’t miss this bite. You will find a few Kings out here too. National Marine Fisheries is getting away with what amounts to “economic terrorism” with their questionable “science”. Please make the time to share your views if you are affected. Snook are closed this spring by our Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission because of the freezes. I anticipate it opening again in September. Trout, Redfish, and Pompano are open; they should provide dinners for hungry fisherman. I expect good action as soon as waters warm into mid-seventies and minnows drop inside. All three can be taken in the same areas now. Boat shows offer exceptional opportunities to check out new gear and get free advice from local captains. Great boat deals to if you’re shopping! For example, we had an assortment of educational seminars at the Tampa Tribune Expo, hosted by Frank Sargeant in March. Get new gear and learn while having fun when you can. As Captain Wilson used to say, “If you’re too busy to go fishin’, you’re just too busy!” Let’s go fishin’ soon. Capt. Van Hubbard Past President of Florida Guides Association and Winner of 1999 Mote Marine Award www.captvan.com info@captvan.com