Chub Mackerel
Photo: Unknown author / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

Scomber japonicus

Chub Mackerel

Saltwater

About this species

A blue-green, wavy-barred pelagic that is a dietary staple across Korea, schooling in huge numbers along the coast. It feeds on plankton and small fish, most active in cooler months. Sabiki rigs and small metal jigs worked through schools fill coolers fast.

Fishing Regulations

Min. Length21 cm

Season

123456789101112

Depth

0 – 200 m

Habitat Spots

NearshoreOffshoreHarbor

Fishing Methods

JiggingFloatLure

Bait & Rig

Sabiki rigs, small metal jigs, and tiny feather lures cast or dropped through feeding schools; berley greatly improves the catch.

Edibility & Taste

Excellent; the rich, oily flesh is best eaten very fresh — outstanding grilled, pickled or as sashimi; deteriorates quickly so ice immediately.

Similar Species

Blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) is nearly identical but lacks spots on the belly; range and coloration must be checked carefully.

Record Weight

2.9 kg

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