Mackeral

[Fly Rod]

Mackeral everywhere on Cape Ann.

[Johnny Two Legs]

Fly Rod, I'm interested in fishing for Mackeral, but have no clue as to how to go about doing it. Could you be of any assistance?

First off, what do you look for? Do they school on the top of the water like Blues, Pogies??? Or is necessary to have a fish finder?

Second, what is a good rig setup to use? I've seen the mackeral rigs at stores, which have 4 or so hooks attach to a line, either each being a different color or containing some type of shiny material, and finally including a swivel on both ends, one to attach to the line, and the other to attach a spoon or jig of some sort. Is this the prefered (BEST) method to fish for mackeral? If not, can you suggest a better rig setup?

[Fly Rod]

Best way around here is a boat is a must. Now a days every body uses them SABIKI setups. I use the#12-14 size hook. When trolling I put a4-6oz diamond or norwegien jig on the end or what ever.

Yes they school sometimes on the surface and at other times they are down deep. if they are close to the surface you won't see them on the fish finder. Look for birds feeding or use trial and error by trolling blindly for15-20minutes, look for other people drifting or trolling. Here in Gloucester Harbor we troll from the inner harbor to the break water and if no results move on and try again.