Atlantic Chub Mackerel
Scomber colias
FR Maquereau Espagnol · ES Estornino · PT Cavala · IT Lanzardo · DE Bastardmakrele
Also known as: betaundiEstorninoMaquereau EspagnolBastardmakreleLanzardoCavala
PelagicShoreBoat
Baitfish
Score
—
Prime time
Summer nights under harbour lights; daytime shoal pushes
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Apr–JulGood Mar–Aug
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Sabiki under lights90%
Spinning80%
Preferred seabed
Sand
Findr bio
Open-water hunter — inside mangrove channels and pounces when tide turns; Natural Baits On Light Fluoro.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Open seaPier harborRocky shoreSandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
Fish baitsArtificial baits
Diet
CopepodsZooplanktonSmall fishSquidAmphipods
Effective techniques
Sabiki / Bait CatchingSpinningJigging
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskMid floodNight
Snubbed by cousins, but in the right hands I’m secretly delicious.
Field notes
Where to find them
Harbours, piers, headlands across temperate/warm coasts
Where they hang out
Surface to mid-water, close range
Prime time
Summer nights under harbour lights; daytime shoal pushes
Tide game
Moderate; moving water concentrates bait
What they're into
Sabiki/feathers, small metals; eats plankton and small fish
Temperature vibe
Prefers 16–22°C, moves inshore as water warms
Fave weather
Calm, settled conditions bring shoals close in
Fun fact about me
Snubbed by cousins, but in the right hands I’m secretly delicious.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Generally unrestricted; check local bag limitsLocal/regional fisheries authority
Looking after them
Least Concern