Horse Mackerel
Trachurus trachurus
FR Chinchard · ES Jurel · PT Carapau · IT Sugarello · DE Pferdemakrele
Also known as: European Horse MackerelCommon ScadAtlantic Horse MackerelScadJurelChinchardPferdemakreleSugarelloCarapau
PelagicShoreBoat
Baitfish
Score
—
Prime time
Dusk to night under lights; also at first light.
Depth
0–200m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–OctGood Apr–Nov
Depth range
0–200mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Sabiki under lights90%
Spinning80%
Findr bio
Norway to South Africa is just my commute — I'm built for the open Atlantic, shoaling deep at 100-200m and covering more coastline than any cousin I've got...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep waterEstuaryOpen seaPier harbor
Recommended baits
Fish baitsArtificial baits
Diet
KrillCopepodsSmall fishSquidShrimp
Effective techniques
Sabiki / Bait CatchingSpinning
Gear
Best times
DawnDuskNight
Called “scad” in old English; now loved as carapau in Portugal.
Field notes
Where to find them
Atlantic, Mediterranean, North Sea
Where they hang out
Harbours, piers, lights; middle depths 5–50 m. (shore accessible range)
Prime time
Dusk to night under lights; also at first light.
Tide game
Low–moderate; harbour tides concentrate plankton.
What they're into
Fine sabiki, tiny metals; eats zooplankton, small fish/larvae.
Temperature vibe
More coastal in mild–warm water; drops deeper in cold.
Fave weather
Clear, calm nights best; murky water after storms reduces takes.
Fun fact about me
Called “scad” in old English; now loved as carapau in Portugal.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Few sport rules; size/bag may apply locally.Port/harbour by‑laws; national fisheries agency.
Looking after them
Least Concern