Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Atlantic mackerel

Scomber scombrus

Also known as: Mackerel

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
Photo: Petar Milošević · CC BY-SA 4.0

Usual size

25–35 cm

Maximum

50 cm

Where

Harbours and breakwaters · Rock

When

Rough abundance from shore in each sea

Galicia and Cantabrian Sea

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Gulf of Cádiz

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Mediterranean and Balearics

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Canary Islands

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

The big season on the Cantabrian coast is spring (March–May); also in summer and early autumn.

Natural baits

  • Strips of sardine or mackerel

Lures

  • Sabiki / feather rigs
  • Spoons and metal jigs
  • Small minnows

How to recognise it

Blue-green back with wavy black bars and a plain white belly.

Tip

Cast long with a jig or spoon from piers and retrieve fast. When a shoal arrives, the bites don't stop.

Minimum size and rules by area

Galicia

Min. 20 cm

Asturias

Min. 20 cm

Cantabria

Min. 20 cm

Basque Country

Min. 20 cm

Atlantic Andalusia

Min. 20 cm

Mediterranean Andalusia

Min. 18 cm

Ceuta

Min. 18 cm

Melilla

Min. 18 cm

Murcia

Min. 18 cm

Valencia region

Min. 18 cm

Catalonia

Min. 28 cm

Balearic Islands

Min. 18 cm

Canary Islands

Min. 18 cm

Fish are measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail; squid and cuttlefish by the mantle. If it is undersized, release it alive.

Official sources →