Fish Id: A Guide To East Coast Fishes

Mackerel/Mackeral (Scombridae)

Top: a live shot of a Boston Mackerel(our bait, 1-2 lbs 14" common size), Middle: the Spanish Mackerel(spots on sides and no stripes, 9-10 lbs x 3 ft are large fish). Below: the Atlantic Mackerel(1 to 36 lbs, 12-36" max) . All three kinds can be found off the NJ coast. Distinctively patterned backs in blue with black striping, and pale belly. Great bait fish: blues, weakfish, etc.  The run in this area is generally around April 10th or later(spawning season, for about 2 weeks. They hit on diamond jigs and mackerel tube lures.

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