Mackerel

Scomber Scombrus

Mackerel are one of the most important fish not only to the commercial fisherman but also for the angler, its not just one of the finest baits of fish as diverse as sharks through to codling in winter, its also a great little sport fish in its own right. They can be very easy to catch as many holiday maker in the south west can testify pulling long strings of feathers loaded with fish from the large shoals below.  But fished with light tackle they can give a fight disproportionate to their size.

Tactics

On the south coast you can cast and retrieve at string of feathers into the surf and pull in many fish in an hour but on the east coast you have to be extremely lucky to be in that situation. The best chance of getting mackerel is to float fish with a thin strip of mackerel as bait or spin with small spinners. Fly fishing for mackerel is one method that I would like to try.

Bait

The best bait I have found is mackerel strip but they will take spinners, flies and anything shiny when in a large shoal.

Eating

Mackerel are a oily fish rich in Omega 3 in other words they or good for you, not only that they are great eating. Simply gilled or fried they are fantastic, try them  baked in the oven.

 

Please only take what you need