Mackerel

Size and possession limits:

For up-to-date information on size and possession limits visit QLD Fisheries.

Targeting:

Pelagics like mackerel school up in the cooler months off Mackay and usually stick around until late in the year while the northerly winds last.

When it comes to most pelagics, flash, splash, and speed, are some of the most important ingredients. Whether that's lures or baits trolled at high speeds (think 8 knots) or surface lures, metal slices or featherhead jigs cast and retrieved near bait concentrations or poppers blooped and popped near pressure points and white water. Also, don't discount high-speed jigs worked over marks showing bait balls. 

If targeting mackerel on bait, ganged hooks with pilchards or gar work well. Avoid wire traces if possible as they drastically reduce your bites. Heavy, abrasive-resistant fluorocarbon leaders are a much better choice. Mackerel feed upwards in the water column and love to snavel wounded fish that flutter down under a bait school. For this reason, use little or no lead, if possible, and let your baits waft and flutter around areas that bait congregates. Land-based anglers can enjoy success off the northern beaches (around the rocky points) and around the Marina wall. Surf gear will allow you to cast out past the breakers.