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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Spanish Mackerel in Florida Panhandle may fishing.

Scomberomorus maculatusMigratoryGood

Spanish moving west along coast.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Possible Wintering offshore — some inshore in warm spells. Typical water temp: 60–68°FPossibleFeb — Fair Spring run beginning. Typical water temp: 62–68°FFairMar — Good Spring run reaching FL Panhandle. Typical water temp: 66–72°FGoodApr — Good Strong spring fishery. Typical water temp: 70–76°FGoodMay — Good Spanish moving west along coast. Typical water temp: 74–80°FGoodJun — Fair Resident summer fish. Typical water temp: 78–84°FFairJul — Fair Hot water pushes fish to cooler edges. Typical water temp: 82–86°FFairAug — Fair Same. Typical water temp: 82–86°FFairSep — Good Fall return fishery. Typical water temp: 78–84°FGoodOct — Peak Peak fall blitzes on bait. Typical water temp: 72–78°FPeakNov — Good Fish moving south. Typical water temp: 66–72°FGoodDec — Fair Last of fall run. Typical water temp: 60–68°FFair

Migration pattern

Spring run reaches FL Panhandle February–April and pushes west along the Gulf coast. Resident summer fishery. Fall return south September–November.

Best locations

  • Pensacola Pass
  • Destin Pass
  • Apalachicola Bay
  • Choctawhatchee Bay

Top lures

  • Clark spoon trolled
  • Gotcha plugs
  • Small metal jigs
  • Glass minnow flies
  • Sabiki rigs
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Spanish Mackerel in other regions

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Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in Florida Panhandle.

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