Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic Mackerel

The Atlantic Mackerel can be found in

large

schools from

the

Canadian

Maritime

Provinces to the Virginia

Capes. It

is found

through

Canada

during the summer and off the Virginia Capes in the winter time. These
fish are smaller fish, but they are strong fighters and very fast for their
size. Averaging 1 to 3 pounds, these fish will hang out in schools of
identical-sized fish.

They are one of the best species for younger anglers because they
hang out in large schools and are very easy to catch. Atlantic mackerel
typically hang out around major fishing areas for a couple of weeks and
then move along. Charter boats, party boats and private boaters enjoy
outstanding fishing while these fish pass through.

Catching Atlantic Mackerel

Fishermen will find these fish on their fish finder, and then they will drift
over these fish. Once you are on the fish, it is very easy to catch these
fish on jigs. A common technique when jigging is to let the jig fall a
couple of feet, jerk up, then let it fall a couple of more feet. Continuing
working the jig this way until your jig reaches the bottom. Once it
reaches the bottom, bring it up with the same method, except this time
you will reel it in for a couple of feet, then jig it, let it pause and reel it in
another couple of feet. Do this until you get to the surface, and then
start all over again.

A 1 to 2 ounce jig is usually all you need to catch Atlantic mackerel.
When they are finicky, anglers go to the “Christmas Tree” rig. This rig
consists of three 2-inch plastic-tube tails that are red, green and yellow,
which is why it is named the Christmas Tree rig. With this setup, it
appears that there are wounded bait fish darting through the water.
These fish can’t resist this setup and at times, you can catch 2 or 3 fish
at a time making it very exciting.