The best time to catch mackerel is dusk or dawn and at high tide. Spring high tides are often the best as they push bait fish closer into shore and the mackerel follow them in.
What is the best way to catch mackerel?
Using a beachcaster or bass rod and daylights or feathers is a very effective way to catch mackerel, and if a shoal is cast into it is possible to catch a mackerel on every lure. However, there is little sport in this method. Most anglers use lighter bass or spinning rods if they are fishing for mackerel for sport.
What lure is best for mackerel?
Small soft plastic lures also work well. Mackerel will nail these in the top 20 ft or so of water. Effective lures include the Fiiish Black Minnow 70, Savage Gear Sandeels in the mini 10 cm or small 12.5 cm sizes and many others that imitate small baitfish such as sandeels and sprats.
Are the mackerel in yet 2022?
The 2022 Mackerel Hook & Line fishery is to open by Fisheries Management Notice for all eligible vessels under 15 metres in length overall on 1st May 2022.
What is the best time to fish for mackerel? – Related Questions
What depth do you catch mackerel?
Mackerel generally remain at the same depth which is between 8ft to 20ft. They also generally stay quite close to cliffs and walls. If you’re fishing from a pier then you will probably only need to be casting out between 5 to 30 yards.
What months are mackerel in season?
Mackerel is a species found in the northern Atlantic Ocean during the summer months where it is common and occurs in large shoals. It spends the warmer months close to shore and near the ocean surface, appearing along the coast in spring and departing with the arrival of colder weather in the fall and winter months.
Do you need bait to catch mackerel?
Some days mackerel turn their noses up at a string of feathered lures, and this could be the time to try a small bar spinner or even cast a fly. At other times fishing a single fish bait under a float really works. It’s the same tactic for catching garfish and is the most sporting and enjoyable way to catch mackerel.
Are mackerel top or bottom feeders?
It might surprise you that the following fish and shellfish are classified as bottom-feeders: halibut, flounder, sole, cod, haddock, bass, carp, snapper, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, squid, octopus, catfish, shrimp, crabs, lobster, crayfish, snails and shellfish.
What size hooks for mackerel?
Hook size. Mackerel have small mouths so if you miss a lot of bites, go down a hook size or two. Depending on the size of your bait, you can go down to a size 4 or even 6.
Are mackerel in UK waters yet?
The mackerel fishing season depends on which part of the UK you’re fishing in. In the south of England, mackerel season begins late spring. In the north of England, the season starts later, around mid Summer. However, the best time to catch mackerel is from May to June.
Where are the Spanish mackerel now?
There are two stocks of Spanish mackerel: Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic.
What are the best fishing days for 2022?
This is what the Almanac’s Best Fishing Days are based on.
Best Fishing Days in 2022.
| Month |
Best Fishing Days |
| 2022 |
| October |
1–9, 25–31 |
| November |
1–8, 23–30 |
| December |
1–7, 23–31 |
Are mackerel being caught at Dover?
Mackerel season is in full swing! Plenty being caught on both Admiralty pier and Folkestone arm. Admiralty is open from 8am Friday right through to Sunday at 9pm then 8am-9pm Monday to Thursday.
Are the mackerel in yet 2022 UK?
The 2022 mackerel season got underway in the first week of January and Denholm Seafoods is already processing fish caught by its boat partners in the sustainable rich waters of the North Atlantic.
Where is the best place to fish mackerel?
Being a highly mobile migratory fish, mackerel like deeper water and any beach, jetty, pier or breakwater that gives you access to deep water is a great choice, particularly if it’s in open ocean.
How many mackerel can you keep UK?
1. Catch limits November 2022
| Stock (species and area) |
Period |
Catch limit (tonnes) |
| Ling – Western |
Monthly |
3 |
| Mackerel – North Sea |
Monthly |
6 |
| Mackerel – Western |
Monthly |
10 |
| Mackerel – Area VIId Handline |
Monthly |
2 |
How long can you keep mackerel after catching?
Mackerel of medium fat content stowed in ice or in refrigerated sea water immediately after capture will keep in good condition for 4-5 days. Stale or noticeably spoiled mackerel should not be used for processing.
What size hooks for mackerel?
Hook size. Mackerel have small mouths so if you miss a lot of bites, go down a hook size or two. Depending on the size of your bait, you can go down to a size 4 or even 6.
What is the biggest mackerel caught in the UK?
The record for an Atlantic mackerel was set in 1984 when one weighing 6lbs 2oz was caught off Cornwall.
What is the deadliest fish in the UK?
One of the only venomous fish to be found in British waters, the lesser weever fish is certainly one to watch out for!