Spanish Mackerel
Family
Scombridae, MACKERELS and TUNAS |
Description: color of back green, shading to silver on sides, golden yellow irregular spots above and below lateral line; front of dorsal fin black; lateral line curves gently to base of tail. Similar Fish: cero, S. regalis; king mackerel, S. cavalla. Where found: INSHORE, NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, especially over grass beds and reefs; absent from north Florida waters in winter. Size: average catch less than 2 pounds (20 inches). *Florida Record: 12 lbs. Remarks: schooling fish that migrates northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when water temperature drops below 70 degrees F; spawns OFFSHORE, spring through summer; feeds on small fish and squid. * The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark. RegulationsMin. Size Limits: Not less than 12" at the fork. Closed Seasons: None. Daily Rec. Bag Limit: 15 per person per day. Remarks: Transfer to other vessels at sea is prohibited. |