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Mackerel
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Mackerel
'The sea dart'
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Although very slow growing, Mackerel are one of the most beautiful fish in the sea.
They are migratory, living in shoals and feed on tiny marine organisms and small fish.
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Vital Statistics:
Scientific Name: Scomber scombrus
Maximum Weight: 7lb
Average Weight: 1lb
Maximum Length: 26 inches
Life span: 15 years
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Mackerel characteristics:
A relative of the much larger tuna, the Mackerel is streamlined and built for speed. Its head is pointed,
while its body tapers to a forked tail. The eyes and mouth are large. Near the tail on both the dorsal and ventral
surface is a series of four or five small fins. |
Where to find Mackerel:
At night they move near the surface to feed. Mackerel hunt mainly by sight, so if you are
fishing for them, look for them in the morning or evening. They swim to deeper waters in the day time.
Feeding Habits:
In winter Mackerel gather in huge shoals in deep water near southern Ireland and along the continental shelf. Its here that they
are
most vulnerable to Eastern European and Russian trawlers which plunder huge stocks. When
spring comes they move inshore to spawn. They are a schooling fish - that is similar aged fish swim and feed together. Occasionally schools of fish may tempt them to feed near the surface during the day.
Mackerel Baits:
Mackerel hunt small fish and therefore spinners, lures and feathers can be excellent. We have often found that spinning a strip of mackerel can be very effective.
In fact when a feeding shoal of mackerel move in they will eat anything that gets in their way.
Rag worm, chunks of mackerel, lugworm etc..
How to Mackerel - Techniques at a glance:
Fishing off harbour walls at high tides is the best time. Spinning, feathers, and lures. Float fishing light tackle near the surface with chunks of worm and mackerel
can be great fun!.
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