Atlantic Mackerel

Identification

The mackerel is a streamlined, spindle-shaped fish with a pointed snout and deeply forked tail. The back is steel-green to blue-black with characteristic wavy dark stripes. The belly is silvery. The body lacks a swim bladder, meaning the fish must swim constantly to avoid sinking. Mackerel in the North Sea typically reach 25 to 40 cm, with occasional specimens to 50 cm.

Behavior & ecology

Mackerel are pelagic schooling fish that hunt through open water at high speed. They feed eagerly and aggressively on smaller fish (sand eels, herring, sprat), shrimp, and plankton. In spring, large shoals migrate from deeper water towards the coast. They often hunt in groups, driving bait schools to the surface — visible as boiling water.

Fishing techniques

Mackerel fishing is hugely popular and accessible:

• Feathering / sabiki rigs: The classic mackerel rig with 3 to 6 feathers, fished from pier or boat. Catching multiple mackerel at once is common.
• Spin fishing: Small spoons, jigs, or pilkers work well on feeding schools. Light tackle provides the most enjoyment.
• Boat fishing: Drifting over schools with pilkers or paternoster rigs.

In the Netherlands

Mackerel is by far the most popular sea fish for sport anglers. Schools pass along the Dutch coast from May to October, peaking in June and July. Popular locations include the Zeeland piers (Westkapelle, Vlissingen), Scheveningen, IJmuiden, and the Wadden Islands. Mackerel is also highly prized culinarily for its rich, flavourful flesh.