Spanish mackerel Fishing in Puerto Rico
Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez
Spanish mackerel, known locally as "sierra", are a highly sought-after game fish in the waters around Puerto Rico. These sleek, fast-moving predators provide an exciting challenge for anglers using a variety of techniques. Here's what you need to know to get in on the action.
About Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel have a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body built for speed. They have a greenish back with silver sides and belly, and are covered in small, oval yellow or olive green spots. This spotting pattern distinguishes them from the similar cero mackerel, which has yellow-gold streaks instead.
Spanish mackerel grow quickly, reaching lengths up to 40 inches and weights of over 40 pounds. However, the average size is more commonly 4-8 pounds. There are two distinct populations - one in the Gulf of Mexico and one in the Atlantic (the species found in Puerto Rico).
Where and When to Fish for spanish mackerel
Spanish mackerel can be found in the coastal waters all around Puerto Rico, with some of the best fishing on the island's southern and western coasts. They prefer warm, open waters but will sometimes be found over deep grass beds and reefs as well as in shallow estuaries.
The fishing is good year-round, but the peak season is generally considered to be November through May. In the winter months, cooler water temperatures bring larger fish into the shallows and estuaries.
spanish mackerel Fishing Techniques
There are a few effective methods for targeting Spanish mackerel in Puerto Rico:
Trolling - Trolling with lures or small spoons is a popular way to locate schools of mackerel. Once found, you can cast lures or live bait into the feeding frenzies
Casting - Casting jigs, spoons, or small shiny lures around bait schools or off beaches can be very effective. Retrieve quickly to entice strikes.
Live Bait - Mackerel will readily strike live bait such as sardines, anchovies, ballyhoo, or shrimp. Slow trolling or drifting with live bait around structure or bait schools is a proven technique.
Chumming - Anchoring up and chumming with cut or live bait is another way to bring mackerel within casting range. Once you get them excited, they will hit almost any small, flashy lure or fly.
Light to medium spinning or baitcasting gear is the norm. These fish have sharp teeth, so a short wire leader or heavy monofilament shock leader is recommended.
identifying Spanish Mackerel and other species
In addition to the Spanish mackerel, there are a few similar species that anglers in Puerto Rico may encounter. The most common lookalikes are the cero mackerel and juvenile king mackerel. Cero mackerel closely resemble Spanish mackerel in size and appearance, but can be distinguished by the bronze stripe running along their sides, in addition to the yellow spots shared by both species. The lateral line also gradually slopes from head to tail in both Spanish and cero mackerel. Juvenile king mackerel can also be confused for Spanish mackerel. However, king mackerel have a lateral line that takes an abrupt dip below the second dorsal fin before rising again near the tail - a key identifying feature. Additionally, the front dorsal fin on king mackerel is uniformly gray when erected, while Spanish mackerel have a black anterior portion
Other less common mackerel species in the region include the Atlantic chub mackerel and Atlantic mackerel . However, these "true mackerels" have a very different appearance, with wavy stripes along the back instead of spots. By carefully noting the lateral line, dorsal fin coloration, and spotting pattern, anglers can confidently distinguish between the different mackerel species while fishing in Puerto Rico.
Eating & Cooking Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are considered very good to eat. They have dark, flavorful meat that lends itself well to grilling, broiling, or smoking. Spanish mackerel are also often used for ceviches in Puerto Rico. Bleeding the fish immediately after catching will give the best flavor.