Mastering Fly Fishing Mackerel: Expert Tips
The thrill of fly fishing mackerel exploding on a fly is something every angler should experience. Fly fishing for these species offers a thrilling challenge and satisfying reward.
These fish are lightning-fast, acrobatic, and put up a good fight. With the right approach and some knowledge about where these fish like to feed, even beginners can hook up.
This guide shares expert advice and tips from experienced anglers who have spent years chasing these speedsters on the fly.
Table of Contents
How Many Species of Mackerel and How to Tell the Difference
Mackerel are a popular game fish for fly fishermen. But did you know there are actually a bunch of different types of mackerel? This can make it tricky to know exactly what you’re reeling in. Let’s break down a few key species, especially the ones fly fishermen often target: Spanish mackerel and blue mackerel. This will help you tell them apart.
Spanish mackerel have a sleek, torpedo-like body. They’re generally silvery-green or greenish-blue on top. Their sides have a scattering of small, golden-brown spots. Their mouths are large with sharp teeth. These guys can put up a serious fight on a fly rod!
Blue mackerel, sometimes called Boston mackerel, tend to be a bit smaller than Spanish mackerel. They also have that classic mackerel shape. But they’re more bluish-green with wavy, dark vertical bars on their backs. These bars sometimes fade as the fish gets bigger. Although smaller, blue mackerel are still a blast to catch on the fly.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you remember the key differences:
- Spanish Mackerel: Gold-brown spots, larger size.
- Blue Mackerel: Wavy vertical bars, smaller size.
While there are other types of mackerel out there, like king mackerel and cero mackerel, these two are the most common targets for fly fishermen. Now you’ll have a better idea of what you’re hooking into next time you’re out fly fishing for Spanish and blue mackerel.
King Mackerel
Whoa there, partner! Before we get too caught up in Spanish and blue mackerel, let’s talk about their big brother: the king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla). This fish is a whole different ball game. They are much larger than Spanish or blue mackerel, sometimes reaching over 5 feet long and weighing over 100 pounds! You won’t be casually fly fishing for these beasts.
King mackerel have a sleek, streamlined body built for speed. Their silver sides flash in the sunlight. This makes them tough to spot sometimes. But they also have a distinctive dark stripe running down their back. This can help you pick them out in the water. Their powerful jaws are filled with sharp teeth. This tells you they are a serious predator.
These fish are found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer warmer waters. They like to cruise along the coast. They also hang around reefs and other structures. King mackerel are a favorite target for sport fishermen. They put up a tough fight! But they are also delicious to eat.
While we are focusing on fly fishing for Spanish and blue mackerel on this trip, it’s good to know about the king. You might spot one while you are out there! Because they are in the same waters as Spanish and blues, this means the fishing grounds are healthy and diverse. Just remember, if you hook into something really big, it might not be a Spanish or blue! It might be a king. And you’ll probably need more than a fly rod to land it.
So, keep your eyes peeled. You never know what you might see out on the water! But let’s get back to those Spanish and blue mackerel. They are the stars of our fly fishing show today.
