Mackerel
Scomber scombrus
FR Maquereau · ES Caballa · PT Sarda · IT Sgombro · DE Makrele
Also known as: Atlantic MackerelCaballaMaquereauMakreleSgombroSarda
PelagicShoreBoat
Baitfish
Score
—
Prime time
Daylight when shoals are in; dawn/evening peaks in summer.
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–AugGood May–Sep
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Sabiki under lights90%
Spinning80%
Findr bio
Sun's out, shoals in; dawn/evening peaks in summer. Sucker for feathers and fast retrieves...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Open seaPier harborRocky shoreShallow water
Recommended baits
Feather rigsSpinnersFish baits
Diet
CopepodsSand eelSpratSmall fishKrill
Effective techniques
SpinningDrifting
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskMid flood
Mackerel are so oily they spoil in hours without ice.
Field notes
Where to find them
Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic
Where they hang out
Shoals close to piers/headlands; middle depths 5–20 m.
Prime time
Daylight when shoals are in; dawn/evening peaks in summer.
Tide game
Low–moderate; moving water helps push bait inshore.
What they're into
Feathers/sabiki, small metals; eats sprats, sandeels, krill/zooplankton.
Temperature vibe
Stays near the surface in warm seasons; moves offshore/deeper when cold.
Fave weather
Stable, settled weather concentrates shoals; heavy swell scatters bait.
Fun fact about me
Mackerel are so oily they spoil in hours without ice.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Local bag limits in places; observe pier/harbour rules.Local harbour by‑laws; national fisheries sites (e.g., UK IFCA/MMO; Ireland SFPA).
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Mackerel