Mackerel fishing – tips for beginners

Location

    You can't catch the fish while at home.

• Go to a harbor, pier, or beach where others are fishing — mackerel move close to the coast.

• If fishing from land, look for water where there are active fish or flocks of birds.

Equipment

• Use a telescopic rod or a simple combo (rod + reel + line) for a quick start. The fishing rod should handle more than 1.5 kg.

• Line: 0.25 mm nylon is sufficient for larger mackerel; 0.35 mm for tougher casts or multiple fish.

• Have different weights (10–40 g) to try depending on float depth and fish behavior.

Bait

• Best: very fresh or live small herring. Cut off large heads if the bait is too big.

• Frozen small herring (sprat) in portion bags is practical and economical.

• Spoon lures, sabiki rigs, and small jigs work well if you don't want to use natural bait.

Float and depth

• Set float depth according to season: summer 1–4 m (larger fish deeper), spring/autumn often 5–8 m.

• Use a lighter sinker (e.g., 10 g) if the bait fish sinks too quickly.

• Ask local fishermen for current depth tips.

• When rigging your fishing rod for sea fishing, it's important to use a reliable rubber float stop so that your bait lands at the exact right depth where the mackerel are swimming.

Technique

• Float fishing: wait until the float disappears below the surface, quickly lift the rod and hook.

• Tackle/Spinning: cast out and reel in or make up-and-down movements with the rod. Stop sometimes — fish often bite when stationary.

• Keep the rod up after hooking until the fish is in.

Practical advice

• Prepare bait at home: portion frozen small herring into bags and thaw in the fridge the night before.

• Have extra hooks, sinkers, and a few different lure sizes.

• Practice knots and hooking before you go out.

Respect and environment

• Keep your distance from other anglers, do not disturb their casting.

• Take trash and cut line with you — do not leave line in the water.

• Follow local rules and any closed seasons.

Safety

• Wear a life jacket when fishing from a pier or boat.

• Be careful on slippery rocks and in the dark.

Cooking tips

• Clean the mackerel quickly, fry in butter with salt and pepper — simple and delicious.

Good luck and enjoy fishing!