Gear & Tackle

Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel Fishing in Maryland

A fast, toothy schooling fish of Atlantic and Gulf beaches and piers in the warm months.

Waters
2
State
Maryland
Water
Saltwater
Methods
Spin & Bait

Best Months in Maryland: May to Oct

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Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a Maryland fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Plan by Month

Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Spanish Mackerel

Month

2 picks for October.

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Rod & Reel

Spanish Mackerel Setup

Spin / Cast

7 ft medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid with a light wire or 30 lb leader, small spoons.

Maryland

Where to Catch Spanish Mackerel

2 of 2 waters

Saltwater & Coast · Maryland

Ocean City Inlet

The inlet at Ocean City, where anglers work the jetty rocks for sheepshead and stripers, flounder hold in the channels, and mackerel and albies run close to shore.

Sheepshead · Flounder · Striped Bass

Saltwater & Coast · Maryland

Point Lookout

The tip of Maryland where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake, with a long state park pier and a lower Bay mix of stripers, red drum, speckled trout, and bluefish.

Striped Bass · Redfish · Speckled Trout

Maryland

Shops to Stock Up

Recommended

Gear for Spanish Mackerel

Metal Jigs

Deadly Dick Deadly Dick Metal Jig

A small, heavy casting jig for fast-moving albies and mackerel.

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Reels

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.

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Rods

Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.

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Spoons

Acme Kastmaster Spoon

A dense spoon that casts a mile and flutters on the fall.

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Spanish Mackerel Fishing by State

North Carolina (3)Maryland (2)Massachusetts (1)Florida (1)