SeaAj
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Best months
January–December
Where
- Open sea
- Harbours & piers
Best time
- Night
- Dusk
Usual size
20–35 cm
General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.
How to catch it
Methods
- Feathers / sabiki
- Float
- Spinning (lures)
Baits
- Fish strips
- Shrimp
- Bread / paste
Lures
- Feathers / sabiki
- Spoons
The angler's tip
Schools under harbour lights at night: sabiki or small strips of fish; a lively horse mackerel is also prime bait for predators.
Legal minimum size
| Country | Minimum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | ≥ 20 cm | Source Checked 2026-10-25 |
| Portugal | ≥ 15 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 horse mackerel, also known as the European horse mackerel or common scad, is a species of jack mackerel in the family Carangidae, which includes the jacks, pompanos and trevallies. It is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean off Europe and Africa and into the south-eastern Indian Ocean. It is an important species in commercial fisheries and is listed as a Vulnerable species on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch Atlantic horse mackerel?
The best months are January–December. Best time of the day: Night, Dusk.
What bait or lure works for Atlantic horse mackerel?
Fish strips, Shrimp, Bread / paste · Feathers / sabiki, Spoons · Feathers / sabiki, Float, Spinning (lures).
What is the legal minimum size of Atlantic horse mackerel?
Morocco: 20 cm; Portugal: 15 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.