What's Biting FL
Florida Keys

Spanish Mackerel in Florida Keys

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
Wed, Nov 117New Moon feeding boost. Light wind. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Thu, Nov 126Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Fri, Nov 135Breezy 20 mph. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Sat, Nov 145Breezy 20 mph
Sun, Nov 155Breezy 20 mph. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Mon, Nov 163Strong wind 25 mph. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Weak tides
Tue, Nov 174Breezy 20 mph. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Weak tides

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.