Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic mackerel inhabit the open ocean in the temperate waters of the North Atlantic. They are found on both sides of the Atlantic, from Newfoundland and Labrador down to North Carolina in the western Atlantic, and from Norway to the Mediterranean Sea in the eastern Atlantic. They prefer water temperatures between 5°C and 14°C (41°F to 57°F) and are commonly found in depths of up to 200 meters (656 feet), though they often stay near the surface when feeding. Atlantic mackerel are migratory, traveling seasonally between warmer southern waters during the winter and cooler northern waters during the summer for spawning and feeding. It’s hard to point out a “best” place to target them. From the Gulf of Maine and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to the British Isles and Bay of Biscay, you can hope for a great catch, if you hit the right time. April to June is generally the best across most of their range. In June to September the mackerel are highly active in cooler, northern waters, come close to shore and form large schools. In autumn (September to October) they begin their migration south for the winter, providing great fishing in the warmer waters off the Iberian Peninsula and in the Mediterranean Sea.

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) are small to medium-sized fish, typically reaching about 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 inches) in length, with a maximum recorded length of 60 cm (24 inches). They weigh up to 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs), though most are much smaller. These fish are easily recognized by their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies, with metallic blue-green coloring on the back and silvery-white bellies. One of their distinguishing features is the series of wavy, black vertical stripes that run along their backs. Mackerel also have two dorsal fins and a row of small finlets between the second dorsal fin and the caudal fin, which aids in their fast swimming ability. Atlantic mackerel feed primarily on small fish such as herring, sand lance, and capelin, as well as planktonic crustaceans like copepods and krill. They also consume squid, shrimp, and other small invertebrates. The larvae feed on zooplankton until they grow large enough to feed on small fish and crustaceans. Juvenile mackerel typically form schools and remain in shallower waters until they mature and join the adult population in deeper offshore habitats. Atlantic mackerel are known for their schooling behavior and often feed in large groups. Atlantic mackerel reach sexual maturity at about 2 to 3 years of age. Spawning occurs between April and August, with peak activity in the late spring and early summer. Spawning takes place in offshore areas, where females release between 200,000 and 450,000 buoyant eggs, which are fertilized by males in open water. The eggs hatch in about a week, depending on water temperature, and the larvae drift in the plankton until they develop into juvenile mackerel.

Catching Atlantic mackerel is an exciting and accessible activity for recreational anglers due to their schooling behavior and fast-swimming nature. Anglers typically target mackerel in inshore waters, particularly around piers, jetties, and rocky outcrops, as the fish move in large schools close to shore during their migratory periods. These fish are highly active during feeding times, and their aggressive feeding habits make them relatively easy to catch using light to medium tackle. One of the most popular techniques for catching Atlantic mackerel is casting or jigging with small lures. Mackerel respond well to shiny, fast-moving lures that mimic small baitfish, such as spoons, feather jigs, or metal jigs. These lures should be retrieved in an erratic manner and rather quickly, as mackerel are fast predators that will strike at rapidly moving targets. Trolling is often used when targeting larger schools in deeper waters. Move the boat at a moderate speed, and let out several lines to cover a large area at varying depths. Once a mackerel is hooked, its quick and strong swimming provides an exhilarating fight on light tackle. Their small size allows anglers to use relatively light gear, which increases the challenge and enjoyment of reeling them in. Mackerel tend to stay in groups, so where one is caught, many more are often nearby, making it possible to catch multiple fish in a short time. Catch yourself a school of Atlantic mackerel with the best fishing charters that you can find on BaitYourHook.com!