Texas Spanish Mackerel Fishing Each year the beaches of the Lower Texas Coast see an invasion of Spanish forces. No, not the long-ago fleets of galleons, but smaller, speedier seafarers. Adorned with gold (spots), these visitors call the beachfront waters home throughout the summer and fall months. The visitant in question is, of course, the Spanish mackerel. These fish are the smaller cousin of the king mackerel (kingfish) that is an overwhelmingly popular gamefish throughout the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Spanish mackerel pack all the bite and fight of kingfish, only in a smaller package. One of the best things about Spanish mackerel is their availability. Surf waders, jetty fishermen and anglers on small skiffs can all enjoy the often rapid-fire action of a school of marauding Spanish macks. They will most often be taken on a clean, clear incoming tide and can be found chasing small baitfish up and down the guts that run parallel to the beach. They also make regular patrols up and down jetties and fishing piers that extend into the Gulf. Since they are typically keying on small baitfish, lures and flies that imitate these prey items are usually the best bets. For conventional tackle fishermen, MirrOlure 19MRs, small silver spoons, 1/8 hair jigs and TTF Lil' Speck Killers and Puzzlers are among the best bets. Fly rodders can do well with Clouser Minnows or any number of glass minnow imitations. Bright and/or flashy lures and flies are more likely to get the attention of nearby Spanish mackerel, particularly if they are moving at a good clip. Spanish macks are fast fish and it is almost impossible to retrieve a lure or fly too fast when they're feeding aggressively. Since they rarely travel alone, anglers who find them usually catch plenty while the bite lasts. But, make no mistake, this is not akin to jerking numbers of perch into the boat. Each Spanish mackerel that hits will test your skill as well as your equipment.  When fishing light spinning or fly gear, a smooth, easy starting drag is of utmost importance. Spanish mackerel are known for their long, scorching runs and a sticky, stuttering drag can spell immediate doom. The average medium light spinning stick or 8 wt fly rod will find itself bucking to stay upright as one of these silvery missiles makes for Cuba. Steady pressure and a smooth drag are the only way to gain the upper hand. Conventional tackle anglers should use 10 or 12 pound mono - or the equivalent diameter braid. It's a good idea to have around 150 yards spooled on, just in case a bruiser mack grabs hold. Given these fish are found in the surf zone, it is more practical for fly rodders to use an intermediate as opposed to a floating line. A 7 1/2 to 9-foot leader with 12 pound tippet is a good choice. However, if there is something besides speed that sets these fish apart, it is teeth. Whether fishing fly or conventional, a heavy (30 pound) mono bite tippet or short wire bite tippet is necessary to avoid frequent cut-offs. The aforementioned dentures, combined with sharp gill plates and spike-like protrusions along the body, make Spanish mackerel somewhat difficult to land while standing waist deep in suds and surf. Boga grips or similar devices are certainly useful for landing Spanish macks in the surf. Probably the most effective and safest means of handling these toothy predators without such an apparatus is tail-grabbing. Unlike specks and reds, the tines on a mackerel's tail are stiff and prevent your hand from slipping completely over the tail. Once the fish is clear of the water, place a hand on the forward part of its belly to help control it. In addition to being excellent fighters, Spanish mackerel make for prime table fare. The state is generous with their current bag limit of 15 and fish surpassing the 14-inch minimum length are common. So, if you're looking for a different, yet exciting, light tackle angling experience this summer, head to the beachfront on the next incoming tide and fire a few plugs at the invading Spanish armada.