All species
UK shore species
Mackerel
Scomber scombrus
Also Atlantic mackerel
BeginnerPopularfeatherslurefloat
Habitat
Open coast, pier ends, rocky points. They follow baitfish in summer.
Season
Peak: Jun · Jul · Aug
Also possible: May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Summer shoals that come in range of feathers, spinners and a float. When they are in, anyone can catch them. When they are not, nothing you own will invent them.
- Tiger stripes on the back, not spots
- Iridescent green-blue back, silver belly
- Two dorsal fins with a space between them, plus finlets to the tail
- A slim, torpedo body
Typical shore fish 25–35 cm. A 40 cm mackerel is a good one.
- Colour
- Green-blue tiger stripes, silver belly, no spots on the lower side.
- Fins
- Two dorsals, finlets, lunate tail.
- Mouth
- Large, toothy for its size.
Ranked for this species, not as a universal law. Local crab runs and what is actually fresh matter more.
- Feathers / sabikiWork them through the layers. Do not leave them on the bottom.Strong target
- SpinnersA steady retrieve. Vary the speed until you find them.Strong target
- SandeelHead-hooked so it swims, or a Pennel through the head and the middle. Bind if you are casting far.Good target
- MackerelA thin strip on a small hook; a side on a Pennel; a whole fish on a running tope rig.Possible target
- Sabiki / mackerel feathersA string of small lures under a light lead, worked through a shoal. When mackerel are in, this is the rig.Beginner
- Lure setupA lure on a braid line, a fluoro leader, and a retrieve. No lead on the sand unless the jig head is the lead.Intermediate
- Float rigA bait suspended under a float for wrasse, mullet, garfish and the odd bass. You watch the float, not a rod tip.Intermediate
- LRF / light lureA very light lure rod, a tiny jig head or creature, and a close hunt for wrasse, pollock, school bass and whatever lives in the first drop.Intermediate
Hooks: 6–2 on feathers; small trebles on spinners.