Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Average Size – 1lb

British Record – 5lb 11oz 14dr

Mackerel hardly need to be described so well known and recognisable they are with their streamlined, muscular body, iridescent, marbled markings and large eyes these fish are built for hunting at speed.

Contrary to popular belief it is possible to catch mackerel all year round although they do become more difficult to locate in the winter months. In general the best time of year to catch mackerel is between April and September when they come inshore in vast shoals. When this happens any venue can see an invasion of feeding hordes often extremely close to shore as they chase baitfish. They feed both day and at night but being sight feeders the daylight hours are better with early morning and dusk being ‘hot’ times to encounter a feeding shoal. The easiest method of bagging mackerel is to cast a string of feathers but this is a crude and unsporting way of catching a fish that fights very hard for its size. A better way technique is to scale down your tackle to a light spinning rod and light line and fish with a spinner or a sliding float baited with a strip of mackerel. This will allow you to enjoy the fight from a sporting fish that runs hard and fast. Mackerel are fantastic to eat and also make great bait. ]

ONLY KEEP AS MANY AS YOU NEED FOR BAIT OR THE POT AND DO NOT HANDLE ANY FISH YOU WISH TO RETURN, MACKEREL DIE WITHIN A DAY OF BEING HANDLED BY OUR HANDS.