LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

• Spanish Mackerel can be found in coastal waters of the North East of the US, including bays, inlets, lagoons, estuaries, and the surf zone along beaches. They are also found in the Atlantic ocean.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• Spanish mackerel prefer areas with strong tidal currents, shoals, and underwater structure, where they can find baitfish and other prey.

• Look for them near tidal inlets, sandbars, and areas with submerged reefs, where nutrient-rich water attracts baitfish schools.

• Pay attention to water temperature, clarity, and surface activity, as these factors can indicate the presence of feeding Spanish mackerel.

PATTERNS

SPRING

• During the spring months, Spanish mackerel migrate into nearshore waters along the Northeast coast in search of warmer temperatures and abundant prey

SUMMER

• In the summer, Spanish mackerel can be found in nearshore waters, bays, and estuaries, where they feed on baitfish and other prey.

  
  

FALL

• As temperatures cool down in the fall, Spanish mackerel may continue their migration along the Northeast coast, following schools of baitfish.

  
  

WINTER

• During the winter months, Spanish mackerel may migrate southward to warmer waters along the Southeast coast, making them less accessible to anglers in the Northeast

Bait

• Crab, baitfish, squid, shrimp.

Techniques

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 trolling reels. Lures: Small spoons, plugs.

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.