Species · Sea · Scomber scombrus
Mackerel
The ultimate summer sea fish. Fast, hard-fighting, and found in huge shoals. Mackerel arrive inshore from May and provide fantastic sport on light tackle. Also the number one bait for bigger species.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open water, harbours, piers, headlands |
| Best time | Morning/Evening |
| Category | Coarse |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Feathering, Spinning, Float fishing
- Baits and flies: Feathers, Spinners, Ragworm, Fish strips
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 2-1/0. Aberdeen hooks or feather rigs. String of 4-6 feathers on a sabiki rig |
| Mainline | 0.25-0.30mm. 10-15lb. Mono or light braid for spinning |
| Hooklength | 0.20-0.25mm. 6-12". Light mono snoods on feather rigs |
| Shotting | Light 1-2oz weight below feather rigs. No weight needed for spinning. |
| Field notes | Watch for diving birds - they follow the mackerel shoals; Feathering from piers and boats is the most productive method; Retrieve feathers at medium speed with occasional jerks; Early morning and late evening are peak feeding times; Keep caught mackerel for bait - they are irresistible to bass and rays; Light spinning tackle makes mackerel incredibly fun to catch |
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