This week we are looking for SPANISH MACKEREL photos.  This is an add on species to the 25th Anniversary Spring King of the Beach.  The prize this week is a official King of the Beach Performance T-shirt and a VIP package which includes drink tickets, raffle tickets and more.  Valued over $75.  So send us your pics by April 9th to win.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A SPANISH MACKEREL

The Spanish mackerel can be distinguished from both the cero mackerel, Scomberomorus regalis, and the king mackerel, S. cavalla, by the presence of bronze or yellow spots but no stripes, on the sides and by lack of scales on the pectoral fins. The cero, the Spanish mackerels closest look-alike in the Atlantic, has both spots and stripes of bronze and yellow on the sides, and the king mackerel has neither spots nor stripes. Both the cero and the king mackerel have scales on the pectoral fins.The anterior portion of the first dorsal fin in the Spanish mackerel is black (not true of the king mackerel), and the second dorsal fin and pectoral fins may be black tipped. The body is essentially silvery and typically mackerel-like. The back is bluish.

HOW TO CATCH SPANISH MACKEREL

This is an excellent game fish that can be taken on a wide variety of lures and baits. Nylon jigs are considered on of the best lures, especially when retrieved rapidly with an occasional jerk of the rod tip to impact a darting motion to the jig. Feather lures and spoons are also successful, while minnows and live shrimp are the best natural baits. Occasionally almost any lure or bait will work, while at other times, nothing will.