Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)
All species

Atlantic horse mackerel

Trachurus trachurus

Also known as: Scad

Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)
Photo: jujurenoult · CC BY 4.0

Usual size

15–30 cm

Maximum

50 cm

Where

Harbours and breakwaters · Rock

When

Indicative abundance from the shore in northern Spain

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Summer and autumn in harbours and harbour mouths, especially at dusk and at night near lights.

Natural baits

  • Sardine strips
  • Ragworm
  • Squid

Lures

  • Sabiki rigs
  • Small spoons
  • Micro-jigs

How to recognise it

Lateral line covered in bony scutes (hard scales) from head to tail.

Tip

It moves in shoals: a sabiki and a little sardine groundbait can bring several in a row.

Minimum size and rules by area

Galicia

Min. 15 cm

Asturias

Min. 15 cm

Cantabria

Min. 15 cm

Basque Country

Min. 15 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 →