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.
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