SPANISH MACKS

[Tide-Dancer]

Anyone seen any Spanish macks this year? Winson said on the Panhandle Outdoor show that they are being caught in the PC area. So I am going to try the Dog Island reef area tomorrow (Friday the 12th).

Well I went out to the east side of Dog Island to fish the rising tide. Caught one. Very slow morning. Then I went to the East Pass and things got a little better. Caught 10, all small but well over 12" to the fork. They make excellent snapper ans grouper bait because the skin so tough. Cleaned them and into the freezer they went. Going back out today to see if I can catch some more.

Day 2 of Spanish Macks: Got on the water about 11:00 AM. Went out to the East Pass of Dog Island. In 90 minutes I had 18 Spanish Macks. They were small but well over 12" to the fork. Released the last 3 and called it a day. I use these Macks for Grouper and Snapper bait. They have tough skin and stay on the hook. For those interested here is the rig I was using. 4oz. trolling weight, 25 foot 20# leader and a 00 Clark's spoon.

[leonreno]

Seems there was a report here or somewhere I read that someone caught one out of St. Mark’s last week.

[Juan]

The reports I've seen from PC say they're here and a lot of them...just small. Grouper bait

[geofish]

I thought they really show up same time as the love bugs.

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[MudDucker]

Caught a nice one yesterday. Seemed to be lonely though.

[SHOWBOAT]

What do you guys do with them? They bleed and make the boat a mess. Taste ok the day they’re caught but I haven’t had luck eating them later. I have smoked a few and made decent fish dip. Do you target them just because the pull drag or are you wanting them for the table?

[Red Beard]

What do you guys do with them? They bleed and make the boat a mess. Taste ok the day they’re caught but I haven’t had luck eating them later. I have smoked a few and made decent fish dip. Do you target them just because the pull drag or are you wanting them for the table?

Spanish Mack make for some great sushi in my book. Always good for the smoker too.


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[geofish]

Fresh ones are good for fish tacos. Not so good from the freezer

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[Redbelly]

I've been told they are good fresh sauteed in seasoning and butter in a pan. May try it this year

[milto]

My wife loves for be to bring them home for ceviche. But like everyone else has said, has to be fresh not frozen.

[leonreno]

I like them smoked and smoked fish dip, baked in butter/olive oil, grilled (use Italian dressing as a marinade) and pan sautéed in butter and olive oil.

[luckywsp]

I second Milto’s answer. They make killer ceviche. If you haven’t tried it you are missing out.

[doomtrpr_z71]

I like them grilled with lime juice and old bay if they're fresh.

[MudDucker]

Gut them as soon as possible. Filet and cut out the dark line. Grill skin side down with butter, lemon and garlic. Sprinkle cheese if you care too.

Secret is gutting quick and getting rid of the black line before freezing.

[Juan]

Put enough seasoning on shoe leather and it's edible. Like I said: grouper bait.