Learning how to catch mackerel is time well spent because, according to many experts, there is nothing better than using freshly caught mackerel as fishing bait.
This is due to the fact that any fish in any ocean that has even the slightest predatory instincts will consume mackerel in some form, and it is also free if you catch it yourself. Its a win–win situation for any angler.
The good news is that this plentiful fish is just waiting to be reeled in wherever the species is distributed if you use the right bait and tackle and some of our expert mackerel fishing tips about the best tackle, baits, rigs, locations, times, and seasons. Bring the barbecue, too, as theyre delicious grilled or fried!.
Additionally, fishing for mackerel is a great way to introduce anyone to angling. It’s a simple and exciting fish to catch for children and people with short attention spans, and it puts up a surprising good fight on light fishing gear.
Fresh mackerel is one of the best baits available, as was previously mentioned, so it’s worth reading our guide on how to catch your own bait and utilize this wonderful fish.
Because of the current restrictions on international travel caused by Covid-19 rules, anglers are likely to be “staycating” in greater numbers than ever. You can try your luck in saltwater by going on a day trip to the coast or a longer fishing trip. However, for the most recent information on fishing with coronavirus restrictions in the UK, please refer to the Angling Trust’s sea fishing recommendations (opens in new tab).
Mackerel Fishing Pier Access in England (Wales & Scotland below)
Central pier, South pier, North pier. Mackerel fishing access: YES (check to confirm).
Access to the Bognor Regis Pier for Mackerel Fishing: YES but check to make sure since the pier is privately owned
Boscombe or Bournemouth piers offer year-round access to mackerel fishing.
Access to the Palace Pier for Mackerel Fishing is NO LONGER ALLOWED.
No access to the Burnham-on-Sea Pier’s mackerel fishing, but you can fish from the jetty and the beach instead.
Clacton pier Mackerel fishing access: YES but you have to book here
Mackerel fishing access at Cleethorpes Pier: Unknown, but people do fish the beach
Clevedon Pier Mackerel fishing access: NO, club members only
Cromer Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
There is no pier, but the deep water is excellent for fishing mackerel. However, it appears that fish won’t start showing up in large numbers until late April or early May in 2022, which is about the same time as usual. Mackerel fishing access: YES.
Deal Pier Mackerel fishing access is available, but tickets are necessary and can be purchased on the spot.
Access to mackerel fishing from Eastbourne Pier: YES, the pier is accessible.
Prince of Wales Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Access to fishing for mackerel at Felixstowe Pier is prohibited.
Harbour Arm Mackerel fishing access: YES
Gravesend Town & Royal Terrace Mackerel fishing access: : YES
Britannia Pier, Wellington Pier Mackerel fishing access: NO
Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Hastings Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Herne Bay Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Hythe Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Mackerel fishing access at Claremont Pier and South Pier: YES but verify as privately owned
Access to the St. Annes Pier for mackerel fishing is YES (be cautious of tides).
Access to fishing for mackerel from Paignton Pier is possible, but only when casting out to sea and not inside the harbor.
Yes, with a ticket purchased on-site, you can fish for mackerel off Ryde Pier.
Saltburn Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Access to mackerel fishing off of Culver Pier: Definitely, I believe a harbor was built here specifically for fishing…
NO, fish for mackerel from the beach rather than from Skegness Pier.
Royal Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Southend Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Southport Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
South Parade Pier & Clarence Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Southwold Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES, permit required
Swanage Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Grand Pier Mackerel fishing access: NO, pier sunk
Princess Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Totland Pier Mackerel fishing access: NO.
Walton-on-the-Naze Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Grand Pier & Birnbeck Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Weymouth Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Worthing Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
Yarmouth Pier Mackerel fishing access: YES
How to catch mackerel: The best tackle, rods, poles and reels for mackerel fishing
Megabucks rods aren’t typically necessary when it comes to the best fishing equipment for catching mackerel; instead, a 10-13ft (3-05-3) 65m) rod suitable for casting 3-6 oz of medium-power saltwater beach or surf. You can combine this with a spinning reel of sizes 6000 to 8000 or an equivalent multiplier to create a reliable mackerel fishing setup that even novices will find simple to use.
A freshwater rod can also be used, and models geared toward catching carp, pike, and catfish are suitable. Something around 12ft (3. A 3oz weight is suggested for casting at a comfortable test-curve of 3-4 lb (approximately 6-m). Large fixed-spool reels and large pit-style reels are also suitable tackle for fishing for mackerel, but if you use equipment designed for freshwater, make sure to give it a thorough wash in warm soapy water afterward to prevent rust and seizing problems.
Therefore, for general mackerel fishing gear from a beach or pier, we prefer the 12 feet or longer rod option coupled with a large reel filled with approximately 12 pounds (5 kilograms) of line. 20lb (9kg) braided main line or monofilament that is stronger (between 30 and 60 lb) to serve as a casting leader. View our guide to the best fishing line to help you make your decision. The setup is finished with a string of high-quality mackerel feathers, a sabiki rig, and the appropriate weight.
Reaching mackerel shoals typically only requires a 3 oz (85 gm) distance lead, but if your rod and tackle can handle it, don’t be afraid to go much heavier to reach a more distant shoal. A long cast and heavy weight aren’t always necessary because they can occasionally swim within a few yards of the shore as they wreck havoc on their prey.
A finger stool protects your index finger from repeated casting. A priest quickly handles mackerel that will be used as food or as winter pike bait. Kill those fish firmly but swiftly to avoid prolonged suffering and immediately place them on ice to maintain freshness. Due to the high oil content, be aware that they will quickly spoil if left out in the sun or at room temperature.
Your tackle options are much wider when fishing from a boat because casting is not necessary when you drop the rig over the side; instead, you simply reel up and down the water column. A short 6–8ft (1. 8–2. The best boat fishing equipment for mackerel will consist of a rod (45m) rated for 10-20lb line and a small multiplier loaded with either 10-20lb monofilament or 20-30lb braid.
How to catch mackerel: The best seasons and times for mackerel fishing
Mackerel are plentiful along many coastlines if you go during the summer’s prime mackerel fishing times, when water temperatures are at their highest and there is an abundance of food that mackerel eat.
Unless you have access to a boat or kayak, in which case they’re accessible for the majority of the year, they lurk too far away for even the longest casters for part of the year, which can make learning how to catch mackerel challenging.
Peak summer, autumn, and any time the water temperature is at its warmest are the best times to catch a lot of mackerel because they can be found in enormous shoals in the warmer months, pursuing bait fish like sandeels close to shore.
Like many species, mackerel feed best at dawn or dusk in terms of the time of day. Around these times, their prey, including small fish, sandeels, lance, shrimp, and squid, is also most active. You’ll most likely have a busy session if you can fish when the light changes around dawn or dusk, with a tidal change just before or after this time so the water is moving in or out somewhat.
Use a light stick or glow stick on the line to entice mackerel to the rig if you want to try night fishing. This can work a treat off a pier or jetty. Use a size 8 to 1 hook and a few feet of fresh mackerel belly with the white flesh on the glowstick to fish near pier lights or other areas where baitfish congregate. You can also use a baited sabiki rig.
FAQ
What is the best month to catch mackerel?
The best time to catch mackerel is from May to June, though they are also frequently caught throughout the summer and occasionally even in the winter.
What season is mackerel season?
In the Mid-Atlantic Bight, Atlantic mackerel spawn from April to May; in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence.
What is the best month to catch mackerel in UK?
In the south of England, mackerel season begins late spring. The season begins later in the north of England, around midsummer. However, May through June is when mackerel fishing is most successful.
Is mackerel in season in Florida?
King, Spanish and cero mackerel are biting year round. All year long and throughout the Sunshine State, Florida anglers can pursue mackerel.
