🎣 Best Techniques for Mackerel Fishing in Summer

When summer arrives, mackerel shoals appear along the UK coast, offering fast, abundant action. Known for their speed and numbers, they’re a top choice for both sport and supper.

This guide explains when and how to catch mackerel, including legal size limits, bag restrictions, and proven fishing methods.

Atlantic mackerel with clear stripes and visible dorsal finlets for UK species identification — Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)—note the striped blue‑green back, silvery belly, and dorsal finlets.

🐟 Mackerel Basics & Legal Size Limits

Season: June – September (peak activity)
Locations: Piers, rocky marks, harbours, and beaches near deep water
Behaviour: Shoaling fish that chase small baitfish into shallow water
UK Minimum Size:
- North Sea waters: 30 cm
- Elsewhere around UK coast: 20 cm

💡 Always measure your catch from snout tip to tail fin — any undersized fish must be returned immediately.

⛔ Catch Limits & Sustainability Notes

There are no specific bag limits for recreational anglers under UK law, but regional IFCA byelaws may apply — always check locally.
Sustainability warning: Mackerel stocks have been informed to be declining, and the Marine Conservation Society downgraded UK hook-and-line caught mackerel to a 3/5 on their seafood guide — still acceptable but under pressure.

⏰ Best Times to Catch Mackerel

Early morning & evening: Light changes trigger feeding activity
Incoming tides: Shoals follow current inshore
Clear, calm conditions: Ideal for lure work and visibility

🎯 Proven Mackerel Fishing Methods

✅ 1. Feathering (Most Effective)

Mackerel feathers rigs with multiple hooks
Steady retrieve from piers or deep-water beaches
Must use correct hook sizes to avoid catching undersized fish
Targets active feeding shoals efficiently

👉 For rig details, see our Terminal Tackle Guide.

✅ 2. Spinners & Metal Lures

Cast small metal lures like Dexter wedges or Vibrax spinners
Let sink before retrieving fast to mimic fleeing baitfish
Good when shoals are more dispersed or out of feathering range

👉 Learn more in our UK Lure Guide.

✅ 3. Float Fishing

Use a float rig with a strip of mackerel or sandeel
Drift naturally with current — great when casting room is tight
Effective over deeper water from beach or rock marks

🪝 Gear Setup Recommendations

Rod: 9–12 ft spinning or beach rod
Reel: Size 4000–6000 fixed spool reel
Line: 15–20 lb mono or braid plus good shock leader

👉 See our UK Sea Fishing Gear & Equipment Guide for recommended setups.

🔗 Related Reading & Resources

✅ Final Thoughts & Responsible Angling

When fishing for mackerel:

Only keep legally sized fish (≥20 cm or ≥30 cm depending on region)
Check for local IFCA rules on catch restrictions
Fish responsibly to help preserve population health
Focus on hook-and-line methods, which have better sustainability scores
Only take what you need, don’t be greedy!

With the right gear, timing, and legal awareness, mackerel fishing delivers thrilling action and rewarding catches — while protecting stocks for the future.

🎣 Free Download – UK Shore Fishing Species Guide

Want an easy way to identify your catch and stay within UK fishing laws?
📥 Grab our FREE printable PDF guide covering species ID, legal sizes, bag limits, and seasons.

👉 Download the UK Shore Fishing Species Identification & Regulations Guide