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Atlantic Mackerel fishing

Scomber scombrus

About Atlantic Mackerel

A fast, oily summer visitor that comes inshore in shoals on warm, calm days. From July to September it can be caught straight off piers and rocks, and a shoal under the surface turns the water into a boil of small fish. A string of small feathers or a light spoon retrieved fast covers it, and the takes come one after another. Bleed and cool the fish at once, because it spoils faster than anything else you land.

Typical size: Usually 30-40 cm.

Season, time and habitat

Best season
Jul-Aug
Best time
Day
Habitat
Coast
Season by month

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Sabiki rig Fish a string of small bright hooks below a weight. Jig it up and down through shoals of herring, mackerel or garfish. Check price on Amazon
Spoon Cast out and retrieve at a steady pace so the spoon flashes and wobbles. Vary the speed and let it flutter down between turns. Check price on Amazon

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Waters where Atlantic Mackerel bites

Open a water for live weather, water temperature and today's odds.

Find waters where Atlantic Mackerel is biting now

Common questions

When is the best time to catch Atlantic Mackerel?

Atlantic Mackerel fishing is usually best around Jul-Aug. The best windows in the day are usually day.

What lures and baits work for Atlantic Mackerel?

Effective methods for Atlantic Mackerel include Sabiki rig and Spoon.

Where can you catch Atlantic Mackerel?

Atlantic Mackerel is most often found in coast. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.