Photo: Unknown author / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Scomberomorus niphonius
Japanese Spanish Mackerel
Saltwater
About this species
A slender, fast-swimming mackerel with sharp teeth, a popular seasonal food and sport fish in Korean waters. It slashes through schools of anchovy and sardine near the surface. Casting metal jigs to feeding schools and trolling with wire leaders are effective.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
5 – 50 m
Habitat Spots
NearshoreOffshoreEstuary
Fishing Methods
LureTrolling
Bait & Rig
Metal jigs and wire-rigged skirted lures trolled or cast at speed; a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon trace is essential against the razor-sharp teeth.
Edibility & Taste
Very good; the oily, soft flesh is excellent as sashimi in autumn and popular salt-grilled or pickled.
Similar Species
Korean Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus koreanus) coexists in Korean waters but has spots on the body; Japanese Spanish mackerel has dark wavy lines along the upper back instead.
Record Weight
10 kg