Great Lakes Tactics Catch Florida Spanish Mackerel in Charlotte Harbor
By Captain Jim Chamberlin of Fish With Jim Outfitters
Charlotte Harbor near Port Charlotte, Florida is known for incredible inshore fishing opportunities, but Dr. Dan Sheridan recently proved that Great Lakes trolling tactics can be just as deadly in saltwater as they are on Lake Michigan and Torch Lake.
Armed with planer boards, custom trolling spreads, and a selection of proven Great Lakes crankbaits from 131 Custom Lures.Dan set out targeting aggressive Spanish Mackerel in the open waters of Charlotte Harbor.
What followed was an action-packed day full of screaming drags, airborne fish, and one very important lesson learned the hard way.
Using Great Lakes Trolling Tactics in Florida Saltwater
Rather than using traditional Florida live bait techniques, Dan deployed a full trolling spread similar to what many anglers use for salmon and trout in the Great Lakes.
Using planer boards to spread lines away from the boat, he pulled a mix of:
- Rapala Shadow Raps
- Rapala Rip Stops
- Thin Fins
- Custom-painted 131 Custom Lures crankbaits
The presentation allowed Dan to cover water efficiently while targeting active schools of feeding Spanish Mackerel.
The fish responded immediately.
Fast-moving mackerel crushed the baits with violent strikes, often hitting far behind the boards and peeling drag instantly.
Steel Leaders Became Mandatory
Early in the trip, Dan discovered something many freshwater anglers learn quickly when transitioning into saltwater species: Spanish Mackerel have razor-sharp teeth.
Several fish managed to slice through standard leaders, resulting in frustrating break-offs and lost lures.
After switching to short steel leaders in front of the crankbaits, the problem disappeared almost instantly.
The adjustment allowed the trolling spread to stay in the water longer and dramatically improved landing percentages.
It was a valuable reminder that even proven Great Lakes tactics sometimes need saltwater modifications.
Bonus Fish Added to the Chaos
The trolling spread didn’t just attract Spanish Mackerel.
Throughout the day, Dan also tangled with several hard-fighting sail cats that added extra excitement to the action.
But the biggest moment came when an enormous tarpon exploded on one of the trolling baits.
The giant fish made multiple blistering runs and put on an unforgettable aerial display before eventually throwing the hooks after a lengthy battle.
Even though the fish was lost, the experience confirmed just how effective these trolling techniques can be for a wide variety of saltwater species.
Why Great Lakes Trolling Techniques Work Almost Anywhere
One of the biggest takeaways from the trip was how adaptable Great Lakes trolling systems can be.
Planer boards allow anglers to:
- Cover more water
- Run multiple presentations
- Avoid spooking fish
- Present baits at varying distances and depths
Meanwhile, aggressive reaction baits like Shadow Raps, Rip Stops, and Thin Fins trigger strikes from predatory fish in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Whether you’re trolling for Atlantic Salmon on Torch Lake or Spanish Mackerel in Florida, the fundamentals remain surprisingly similar.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Dan Sheridan’s Charlotte Harbor adventure proved that thinking outside the box can lead to incredible fishing opportunities.
By combining Great Lakes trolling knowledge with saltwater adaptability, he was able to put together an unforgettable day targeting Spanish Mackerel while also encountering sail cats and a massive tarpon.
The only mistake?
Not adding steel leaders sooner.
If you’re looking to experiment with trolling tactics beyond the Great Lakes, don’t be afraid to mix freshwater strategies into saltwater applications. Sometimes the fish have never seen those presentations before — and the results can be explosive.