When Spanish mackerel are off Stuart
Spanish mackerel fishing out of Stuart runs from late fall through winter. Ramps, the inlet and conditions are on the Stuart port page. The Atlantic Southeast guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide) covers the migration, and the Spanish mackerel guide covers biology and tackle. This page covers where boats run, the named grounds near Stuart, the local method, and who fishes these waters.
| Fishery detail | Stuart |
|---|---|
| Season | Late fall through winter |
| Inside runs | Jensen and Stuart causeway bridges |
| Inlet run | St. Lucie Inlet |
| Reef run | Pecks Lake and the reef beneath it |
Where boats run for Spanish mackerel
Boats fish three places here: the causeway bridges inside, St. Lucie Inlet, and Pecks Lake and the reef beneath it.
The causeway bridges
Boats fish the bridges at the Jensen causeway and the Stuart causeway. They sit on the inside water behind the inlet, which makes them the option for a small skiff that stays off the ocean.
St. Lucie Inlet
Boats also fish the inlet itself. For ramps and inlet context, see the port page.
Pecks Lake and its reef
Pecks Lake and the reef beneath it are the third stop, outside the inlet.
Named grounds near Stuart
These are named grounds and structure near Stuart, listed near to far. Treat them as reference points for your plotter rather than mackerel spots.
- Sandpile reef: nearshore reef.
- Pushbutton Hill, locally the Hill: offshore of St. Lucie Inlet.
- Six Mile reef: 80 ft, named for six miles.
- Eight Mile reef: 80 ft, named for eight miles.
- Loran Tower (Hobe Sound): 80 ft, off the Loran tower in Hobe Sound.
- The Rankin (USS Rankin wreck).
- Boo McCulley Reef (Borocho): 180 ft, 9 miles offshore of St. Lucie Inlet.
- Brause Girls Reef (Penobscot tug): 200 ft, 9 to 10 miles offshore, reached from Stuart.
We show these grounds on the Chart Contours layer. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How Spanish mackerel are fished here
The local sequence is to chum with glass minnows, then cast a Gulf Stream Flash Minnow or a spoon. For tackle and leaders, see the Spanish mackerel guide linked above.
Glass minnow chum
Glass minnow chum brings the fish up and gets them feeding. Chum first, then cast into the school.
Flash Minnow or spoon
Once fish are up, cast a Gulf Stream Flash Minnow or a spoon, and stay with whichever gets bites.
Tides at St. Lucie
NOAA tide station 8722207 is the St. Lucie tide source. It is a tide station, not a buoy, and its figures are predictions. For wind and sea state, read the official NOAA marine forecast for the day you fish.
Charters that list Spanish mackerel
Hate 2 Lose Fishing Charters is a local charter that lists Spanish mackerel.
FAQ about Spanish mackerel off Stuart
When is the season for Spanish mackerel fishing out of Stuart?
Late fall through winter.
Where do boats go for Spanish mackerel off Stuart?
Boats run Pecks Lake and its reef, St. Lucie Inlet, and the bridges at the Jensen and Stuart causeways.
Do Spanish mackerel hold at the Jensen causeway bridge?
Boats run the bridges at the Jensen and Stuart causeways for them. We do not promise fish at any single spot.
What is the local method?
Chum glass minnows to bring fish up, then cast a Gulf Stream Flash Minnow or a spoon.
Where do I get tides for St. Lucie?
Use NOAA tide station 8722207. The figures there are predictions.
What else is around on the same grounds?
This page covers Spanish mackerel only. The coastal and offshore gamefish guides cover the rest.
