Spanish Mackerel
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Spanish Mackerel can be found in the Mid Atlantic region of the U.S waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
They are typically found in inshore waters such as bays, inlets, and nearshore ocean waters.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Spanish Mackerel are pelagic fish that are typically found in the top levels of the water column.
They are often found around natural structures such as rocky outcroppings, shipwrecks and artificial reef structures, as well as around schools of baitfish. They also frequently found in the vicinity of inlets, channels, and jetties.
PATTERNS
SPRING
Spanish Mackerel can be caught in the Mid Atlantic region as they migrate northwards from their wintering grounds in the south. They can be found in the vicinity of inlets and channels as they move in to spawn.
SUMMER
Typically abundant in the Mid Atlantic region as the waters are at their warmest and the fish are actively feeding.
They can be found in the vicinity of inlets and channels as well as nearshore ocean waters.
FALL
During the fall, Spanish Mackerel can still be caught in the Mid Atlantic region as they migrate southwards. They can be found in the vicinity of inlets and channels as well as nearshore ocean waters.
WINTER
Typically not as abundant in the Mid Atlantic region
Bait
Crab, Squid, Shrimp
Locations
Trolling
How: Trolling at a speed of 4-6 knots is effective for catching mackerel. Use a downrigger or planer to get the lures deeper in the water. Look for areas with baitfish, diving birds, or surface activity.
Gear: Rods: 6-7 ft light to medium weight trolling rod. Reels: 3000-4000 spinning or baitcasting reels. Lures: Small spoons, plugs, and feathers.
Jigging/Casting
How: Locate schools of mackerel and cast or vertically jig with fast retrieves to mimic the movement of a baitfish.
Gear: Rods: 6-7 ft light to medium weight spinning or baitcasting rods. Reels: 3000-4000 spinning or baitcasting reels. Lures: Metal jigs, soft plastics, or small spoons.
Live Bait
How: Catch small baitfish, such as anchovies or sardines, and use them as live bait. Toss the baitfish behind the boat and let them swim freely. Keep the reel in freespool or low gear, and set the drag when you get a bite.
Gear: Rods: 6-7 ft light to medium weight spinning or baitcasting rods. Reels: 3000-4000 spinning or baitcasting reels. Hooks: #6-#10 hooks.
Chumming
How: Create a chum slick by mixing ground-up fish with water and tossing it overboard. This will attract mackerel to the boat. Cast small lures or baitfish into the chum slick.
Gear: Rods: 6-7 ft light to medium weight spinning or baitcasting rods. Reels: 3000-4000 spinning or baitcasting reels. Lures: Small spoons, plugs, and feathers. Hooks: #6-#10 hooks.