Mackerel Fishing 101 Get ready!!!! - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

Leif · #1 12-06-2010, 04:08 PM

The Mackerel fishing is around the corner, and a few Sponsor boats are targeting these little gems this winter. Now is the time to get ready so you can take advantage of this great fishing. The Miss Belmar Princess (Mackerel Express)and Golden Eagle are sailing for them in December and the fishing is great when conditions are good.

Recently I have been receiving some questions on Mackerel fishing and rigs used so I thought I would do a quick post to show what I have been using. All comments additions and other recommendations are welcome.

While Mackerel fishing is relatively simple some methods and rigs do work better than others at times. So keep your eyes peeled and ask the mates as well.

Here are a couple of pictures of some productive Mackerel rigs and some material recommendations so you can make your own.

For the rigs: 3-5 hook Mackerel teaser rig. I like the "Fire Cracker" type rigs(See Pictures). They are easy to make and very flashy. I find these the most productive although the Red surgical tubing rigs work very well. Both can be purchased "ready made".

Use a 6-10 oz sinker to get the rig down to the bottom.Mackerel will often hit on the way down as well and may be found at different depths.(the mates will help you with the proper weight. If it is a fast drift you will need a heavier weight.

Rod/Reel 7 ft 20-40lb rod loaded with 25-40lb test Matched reel/ penn Jigmaster or similar. (Rental rods are fine for this type of fishing)

Be prepared to prepare your catch. Don't keep more than you can handle. TIP/PAY the mates to at least remove heads and gut if that is what you want. It will save you time, and lighten your load. It took me 3 hours after I got home to prepare my fish (250 Mackerel 72 quart cooler full) AND another 2 hours to Vacuum seal the fillets. Bring ice even if it is cold and put a little water in the cooler.

Before I go fishing I make sure I have enough bags, wrap, freezer room and a spot to prepare the fish.

Material list for making Mackerel rigs.

Red surgical tubing (Surgical supply, home depot,)

Clear surgical tubing (aquarium air hose works)

Mylar tubing/ Silver and Gold (you can find this in craft stores)

40-50 lb Leader material

1/0 2/0 2X long shank saltwater hooks

Black barrel swivels 75-90lb

Fire Cracker instructions:

1) Thread Mylar braided tubing over 2/0 2xlong Mustad hook(unravel the end so it sticks out over the bend or the hook a little.

2) Tie in and glue with crazy glue near eye of hook.

3) Cover hook with clear surgical tubing up to bend.

Have fun,

Leif

AJFISH13 · #2 12-06-2010, 05:17 PM

Im gonna do it again this winter hopefully. Last Feburary when we went me and my dad had nearly 500 mackeral and herring fishing 3 teaser rigs! Capt. Jimmy took me up top to see the screen at the end of the day. From 50' to the bottom the screen was red!

Ryan W · #3 12-07-2010, 12:09 AM

I will be doing a trip on the mack express or my usual NS for a half and half deal- I can't use a full day of mackeral, although I might be able to give them all away. I missed last winter, but wanna get in this year. I haven't mack fished since we had a spring run.

jmurr711 · #4 12-07-2010, 02:57 AM

Leify something fun if i may add.i used to do this all the time when the macks came around more consitently. bring a light-medium spinning/baitcasting set up and some 007-a27 avas or similar size crip or dirty dick. if the boats not crowded and you get your "meat" using the 45 hook teaser rig try the light outfit and the single jig macks fight reallly hard on the light stuff and it can be alot of fun. AGAIN ONLY IF THERE IS ROOM!