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We all love to get out and catch a few Spanish Mackerel now and then. These are great fish. Not only do they look great with their silver sides with bluish reflections and menacing-looking teeth, but they are a great fighting fish, which is also really nice eating as well.
We have been targeting these fish for as long as we have been fishing, looking to crack that magical 20kg mark. The question is, what is the best Spanish mackerel Lure to use to catch that dream fish.
Some of the best Spanish mackerel lures at the moment make the job so much easier. Lures these days are looking more and more realistic. Mackerel is a very aggressive fish and doesn’t need much persuading.
They will attack most things, whether they are hungry or not. They do this just so they don’t miss out on their next feed, or to just check out what it is. Remember, ‘Fish Don’t Have Hands‘. For this reason, you might not need the best Spanish mackerel lure to catch this fish, but it does help.
I have been fishing for these fish for three decades, and have used countless lures. One thing I have noticed, is a lure that works one day, may not the next. I have compiled a list of the most consistent performers, both old and new, That I have tried over the years. This way you don’t need to look much further.
For a few tips on how to target these magnificent fish, see my post on ‘How to Catch Spanish Mackerel‘ and also ‘Best Fishing Knots‘ to make sure you are always using the best knot to maintain a good action.
Content
- Rapala X-Rap Magnum
- Halco Laser Pro 190
- Yo-Zuri Crystal Spanish Mackerel Lure
- Bomer Saltwater-Grade Spanish Mackerel Lure
- Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper
Rapala X-Rap Magnum
Features
- The massive diving lip takes the X-Rap Magnum deep.
- Running Depth: 15-30 ft
- 2.5 Oz
- Runs perfect right out of the box
- Can be run up to 13 knots for big game fish
Rapala has been making great lures for many years, and I have lost count of how many I have used. The X-Rap Saltwater Lures are designed for trolling or casting. Trolls with classic Rapala “wounded-minnow” wobble. Rip it for extreme, erratic slash bait attraction.
These have been my go-to for mackerel, though not just great for them, but many other species like Tuna, GT, Trout, and just about anything that will take a lure. They run perfectly straight out of the box and are all tank tested. These specific lures are for deep water trolling, getting down to 30ft when running fast. I normally run at 7-8 knots, and the lure will sit around 15ft or so.
Halco Laser Pro 190 
Features
- Can be trolled up to 11 knots
- Equipped with #4/0 Mustard 3XX trebles
- 7 1/2 inch
- 5.8 oz
- Floating
- 3 running depths 3ft, 6ft+ and 18ft
This has been my go-to for so many years and very rarely lets me down. My favorite colors are red and white. Why mackerel find this so irresistible is beyond me, but I don’t care as long as they keep biting. Now widely recognized as one of the world’s best bluewater trolling lures this lure can be trolled over a wide speed band however its optimum speed when trolling for pelagic is around 6.5 knots.
All Halco Laser Pro’s feature Haclo’s unique Bullet Proof Bib securing system, ensuring that your lures stand the test of time, and continue to catch fish after fish, time after time.
Yo-Zuri Crystal Spanish Mackerel Lure
Features
- Saltwater for Mackerel, Bluefish, and False Albacore
- Freshwater trolling for Walleye, Trout, and Salmon
- Japanese quality painted and metallic finishes
- Run true out of the box
- Floating
- Available in three sizes: 3-1/2″, 4-3/8″ & 5-1/4″
- Depths up to 20ft
- Available in 9 different colors
The Crystal Minnow Deep Diver series will reach depths of up to 20 feet, depending on the trolling speed. It has a tight wiggling action that perfectly mimics the motion of a swimming forage fish. The brilliant holographic finish gathers and reflects any subsurface light for the utmost visibility, even at maximum depths and in turbid or stained waters.
A pair of highly animated 3D eyes add to the realistic appearance and gives hungry fresh and saltwater game fish a target to zero in on. The Crystal Minnow Deep Diver can also be cast and brought in with a slow, steady retrieve or with a stop-go action. It has an ‘Attack Point’ on the belly to make sure that it grabs more hookups. The lure’s lip design enables it to fish slowly.
Bomer Saltwater-Grade Spanish Mackerel Lure
Features
- Weight: 1/8 oz (3.54 g)
- Hook Size: 3/0, 4/0 on spot
- Bomber Saltwater Grade
- Captain Action saltwater spoon
- Tiny saltwater tinsel
Unlike the other lures on this list, this doesn’t mimic a fish but is instead designed to intrigue the fish enough for them to grab it. Remember, fish don’t have hands.
Bomber Spanish Mackerel Rig puts Spanish Mackerel in double jeopardy. If the 2Z Captain Action saltwater spoon doesn’t put him in the boat, the Tiny Tinsel rig will. Tinsel Rig features #6 SS wire and two saltwater grade hooks (3/0 & 4/0). Quality is never an issue.
Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper

Features
- Length- 3 inches
- Weight – 3/8 ounce
- Class – topwater
Sometimes, you get sick of trolling and want to try casting for these magnificent fish. When you do, you can’t go wrong with the Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper. The Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper is my favorite casting mackerel lure for many reasons. Its lifelike retrieval makes it irresistible to hungry mackerel and gets more hookups than any other casting lure.
The Yo-Zuri is a favorite for many other species, like Bluefish and Cobia. The double treble hooks are hidden by a bucktail streamer that mimics a frantic bait fish’s tail. The Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper works well in all colors I’ve tied and is my go-to mackerel casting lure.
To Wrap Up
Remember, always troll your lures at different distances from the boat. Not only does this cover more area, but it also avoids tangles when turning the boat, as the closer lure will pass under the further lure during the turn. Make sure you have a good knot that allows the lure to swim naturally. You can check out some knots at ‘Best Fishing Knots‘.
I love to target these fish whether it be trolling, casting, or jigging. You are always going g to get a great fight no matter how you hook them. If you are after a few tips on how to catch these beautiful fish, click on ‘How to Catch Spanish Mackerel‘ to get a few tips and tricks on targeting them. Of course, if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below. As always
Tight Lines
Tony, Creator of Get Reel Fishin