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In Western Australia I target many species, but I love diving for Spanish Mackerel. The best conditions on the west coast for Spaniards is when we have moderate to light offshore winds, a slight current and only medium visibility.
Barry Paxman with a 33.5kg Spanish Mackerel Western Austrailia.
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The crew usually gets in the water when the sun has been up for about an hour. First we go and shoot a few Buff Bream for burley, this can take a while, but you might pick up a couple of good fish that come to see the commotion. The buff bream are good bait because they are a bulky fish and give a great oil slick for the Spaniards to home in on.
With a pile of Buff on board we head to around 20 m of water where the reef gives way to the sand. With the boat hanging out over the sand edge, we can jump in the water and start cutting up Buff allowing it to drift back along with the current. Making noise like tapping your knife on the end of your spear may attract some attention, but best to stop once the Spaniards have turned up. Everyone is on edge, wanting to get the first Spaniard to show.
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Barry Paxman & Greg Pickering with some more West Austrailian Spanish Mackerel
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When Spanish Mackerel appear along the burley line, you must dive quietly and smoothly with out bubbles coming from your snorkel or mask. Let the water flow into your snorkel through the mouth piece before diving. Spaniards often spook when diving on a school, just pick the one you want and wait for your shot. Sometimes it is best to slide away and down making the fish cut closer to you when it wants to see the front of you.
Spanish Mackerel are a very soft fish and will tear easily, a heavy spear can rip big holes at times. I have shot many Spaniards with a 9.5mm x 1820 spear with one flopper, but I have lost an odd fish. Recently I have shot many with a 7.5mm x 1900 spear and it does not tear like the heavy one, but it does not slow the fish down as much as the heavier spear and you can have a fight on your hands.
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