Mackerel is particularly popular with other fish, especially when fresh.
Mackerel, bait for many species
The mackerel is a scombridé very present on our coasts. This elongated ball of muscle has flawless power. Its size-to-europower ratio is just incredible. With its fusiform body, it swims at 10 km/h.
At the end of the line, it's a ball of nerves that offers a most entertaining fight on fine to medium line. As a bonus, it's an excellent bait for many species: garfish, sea bass, bream, skate, sharks and many others.
Find fresh mackerel
To target mackerel, simple feathers are all you need. I recommend the use of white feathers fitted with n° 2 to 1 hooks and 0.40 to 0.45 mm nylon.
You can cut a set of feathers in two parts to use only two or three feathers at a time. Stems point upwards, towards the reel line! This is a typical beginner's mistake, and even some manufacturers make mistakes in their packaging recommendations. As ballast, I use a 50-120 g metal spoon, often fitted with a treble hook in the tail, which undulates on the way down. This jerky descent of the feather set is decisive in the effectiveness of the feathers.
By boat, mackerel regularly stop near sandy ridges in 5 to 15 m of water. Good general observation of the water surface is important. Birds wandering near the surface or biting on the water are an excellent clue to the presence of mackerel below the surface.
Binoculars can tell us whether the birds are hunting or feeding on the remains of a trawler that has just passed over the area.
Presentation idea for mackerel
The mackerel is cut into steaks, divided into 2 strips. One slice is pricked onto a n° 1 to 1/0 octopus hook.
Simply cast once on the wide base of the strip, flush with the edge, in the center of the width to avoid the strip fluttering in the current, which would twist the leader. When you touch the line, keep your wits about you as the following fish may give a few headbutts before taking the bait. You must wait for a stronger head strike than the others before taking your hand and hooking.
