Despite the bad wrap they get, we think that mackerel are probably one of the tastiest fish to be found in the seas around the UK.They are also one of the easiest to catch, and for a novice or once a year holiday angler, they provide brilliant sport and a tasty dinner for the bbq.
So - how do you catch a mackerel? Well, firstly you need a rod and reel - nothing expensive or fancy, we have had some fantastic success with a simple and cheap spinning rod set up, (ours cost about £20)
Got your rod? Now for the bait...
Even though mackerel are possibly one of the most beautiful fish, they are possibly the most daft, and will snap at anything that even vaguely looks like it could be dinner. Foil, sparkly bits - even a bare hook if you are having a good day, if they are in the same place as your lure you are pretty much guaranteed a catch.
We like to use a set of feathers (six white or coloured feathers set in a line, on the line, disguising the hooks) or a set of lures (five or six 'fake fish' set in a line, on the line, again disguising the hooks).
Cast out your chosen lures, let them sink a little bit, then retrieve them slowly, by both reeling and pulling in with your rod. Remember - you are trying to imitate a little shoal of little fishies for the predatory mackerel to lunge for.
If the mackerel are passing your way, you can get a bite on each hook with each cast, but as exciting as it is, try not to catch 'mackerel fever' - fish to only take in the mackerel that you will use or barter for something else - be a responsible angler!
Once you have your zebras of the sea, you should gut them as soon as possible to preserve the wonderfully sweet flesh, and cook them as soon as possible. Easy.
Fun, free food, in beautiful settings around the UK - go mackerel fishing on your next seaside trip!
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