Inshore Game Fish

There are many types of inshore Game fish that provide a great gaming experience.  I am going to tell you about a couple, which could provide great pier action.  For smaller game, the Spanish Mackerel is a rocket shaped fish that can propel to speeds of up to 35mph.  "If you want a drag screaming experience than definitely try and catch a few of these."  Your ideal tackle would be a light to medium action 6'6" to 7' rod, with a 2500 series spinning reel, spooled with 10 pound test line. 

From the pier there are many different tactics you can use to land one of these feisty fish.  One of my favorite methods is to free line small greenbacks or thread fins.  The rig consists of a 2 1/2 foot thirty pound monifiliment leader, a 2/0 long shank hook and then you are all set.  Just be sure you can tie a good Albright knot, so you can tie your leader directly to your main line.  The reason for this, is Mackerel have very sharp teeth and they tend to bite anything that moves. Therefore, if you are using a barrel swivel, they will take your whole rig. Now, there are many ways to fish for Mackerel.  You can use all sorts of jigs and spoons, but just be sure to jig and reel fast because, again Mackerel like shiny, fast moving objects, click here for more on Spanish Mackerel Read More.

Another type of fish that is very fun to try to target from piers, is "the great Cobia".  Cobia, are one of the most curious fish.  They tend to hang around structure which makes them a great candidate for sight fishing.  A lot of the time you will see them cruising on the top of the water and if you have a bait or jig ready, he may readily inhale it.  One thing I need to stress, is not to throw the bait right on top of him, just pitch it about 4 to 5 feet in front of him and slowly retrieve.  Cobia have unbelievable strength and endurance.  They are known to put up an even bigger fight when you land them, but one thing that is true is that they are very fun to catch and they are great on the grill.  I have added other information on different types of species throughout the site, so be sure to take a look. Here are a couple of really good lures for Mackerel and Cobia.