Frozen Mackerel: The Versatile & Oily Bait for Aggressive Strikes

Harnessing the Fish-Catching Power of Frozen Mackerel

Why Frozen Mackerel is a Staple Bait

Frozen mackerel is a go-to bait for anglers worldwide because it mimics a natural, high-energy food source for many predatory fish. Its firm yet oily flesh is easy to rig, stays on the hook well, and most importantly, disperses a strong scent that fish find irresistible. Whether used for inshore casting, offshore trolling, or deep-water bottom fishing, mackerel consistently produces results.

Understanding Bait Mackerel

Various species of mackerel, such as Atlantic Mackerel (*Scomber scombrus*), Spanish Mackerel, and Pacific Mackerel, are used as bait. These are typically fast-swimming, schooling pelagic fish known for their rich, oily meat. When properly frozen shortly after catch, they retain much of their natural appeal, making them a top choice for anglers.

Sourcing and Quality of Frozen Mackerel Bait

At Wholesale.Fishing, we ensure our frozen mackerel is of premium quality, typically blast-frozen to lock in freshness, natural oils, and texture. High-quality frozen mackerel should exhibit bright skin (though some darkening is normal with freezing), clear eyes if whole, and firm flesh upon thawing. Avoid mackerel that is overly soft, discolored, or has a strong off-odor.

Thawing and Preparing Frozen Mackerel

• Thawing: Slow thawing in a cooler with ice or in the refrigerator is optimal. For quicker thawing, place mackerel in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water. Do not use warm water or microwave.
• On-Trip Care: Once thawed, keep mackerel well-iced in an insulated bait cooler. Its oil content means it can spoil rapidly in warm conditions.
• Cutting Techniques:
  • Whole: Smaller mackerel can be trolled whole or used as a large offering for sharks or big striped bass.
  • Chunks/Steaks: Cut the mackerel crosswise into 1-2 inch thick "steaks" or chunks for bottom fishing, drifting, or chunking for tuna.
  • Strips (Flappers): Fillet the mackerel and cut long, tapered strips, often leaving the skin on one side. These "flapper" baits have excellent action in the water and are great for fluke, sea bass, or tipping jigs.
  • Fillets: Use one whole side (fillet) for larger presentations or when targeting species that prefer a bigger bait profile.

Effective Rigging Techniques for Mackerel

1. Whole Mackerel:
   • For trolling, rig with a lead hook through the lips/head and a stinger hook near the tail. Specialized trolling rigs or bait springs can improve presentation.
   • For drifting fresh-dead, hook through the lips or nostrils.
2. Mackerel Chunks:
   • Hook securely through the meatiest part of the chunk, ensuring the hook point is well exposed. Ideal for fish-finder rigs or three-way swivel rigs.
3. Mackerel Strips/Flappers:
   • Hook the tougher (often wider) end of the strip multiple times, allowing the tapered end to flutter freely.
   • Excellent for high-low rigs, bucktail jigs, or simple bottom rigs.

Use sharp, strong hooks appropriate for your target species. Circle hooks are highly recommended for chunking and live/fresh-dead baiting to promote jaw hooksets and aid in conservation.

Using Mackerel for Chumming

Mackerel is an outstanding ingredient for chum due to its high oil content. Grinding or chopping mackerel and mixing it with other ingredients (like fish oils, oats, or sand) creates a potent chum slick that can draw fish from a wide area, significantly enhancing your fishing success, especially when chunking or bottom fishing.