SeaAj
Best months
March–November
Where
- Open sea
- Harbours & piers
Best time
- Dawn
- Dusk
Usual size
25–40 cm
General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.
How to catch it
Methods
- Feathers / sabiki
- Spinning (lures)
- Float
Baits
- Fish strips
- Shrimp
Lures
- Feathers / sabiki
- Spoons
The angler's tip
Feathers or sabiki from piers and boats when the shoals move in; mackerel is also one of the best fresh baits for bigger fish.
Easily confused with
Legal minimum size
| Country | Minimum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | ≥ 20 cm | Source Checked 2026-10-23 |
Rules change. Check the official source before you keep a fish; this table is not legal advice.
About this fish
The Atlantic mackerel, also known as Boston mackerel, Norwegian mackerel, Scottish mackerel or just mackerel, is a species of mackerel found in the temperate waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the northern Atlantic Ocean, where it is extremely common and occurs in huge shoals in the epipelagic zone down to about 200 m (660 ft). 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. During the fall and winter, it migrates out into deeper and more southern water, seeking warmer temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch Atlantic mackerel?
The best months are March–November. Best time of the day: Dawn, Dusk.
What bait or lure works for Atlantic mackerel?
Fish strips, Shrimp · Feathers / sabiki, Spoons · Feathers / sabiki, Spinning (lures), Float.
What is the legal minimum size of Atlantic mackerel?
Portugal: 20 cm.
Related species
These are estimates, not guarantees. Always look at the sea yourself before going out, do not go alone and wear a life jacket.