Atlantic Mackerel

About this species

A small, tiger-striped pelagic that swarms temperate Atlantic waters in vast schools. It is a key baitfish and an easy, fun catch on light gear. Strings of small feathers or sabiki rigs jigged through a school fill a bucket quickly.

Season

Depth

0 – 200 m

Habitat Spots

Fishing Methods

Bait & Rig

Strings of small feathers, sabiki rigs, or metal slices jigged through surface-feeding schools; they strike almost any shiny lure.

Edibility & Taste

Exceptionally oily and rich flesh, superb smoked, grilled fresh, or pan-fried; best eaten very fresh as it spoils quickly.

Similar Species

Has wavy dark stripes only on the back with a plain white belly, unlike the chub mackerel which has small dark spots on the lower flanks.

Record Weight

3.4 kg