30 WHAT TRADIES WANT.scales at an impressive 40kg or more, and
can be caught by all offshore fishers, even
those with small tinnies or kayaks.
In short, there aren’t too many anglers
who don’t rate the old Spaniard as a mighty
opponent and a top-quality food fish.
Fishy bits
Spanish mackerel are an extraordinary fish
all the way from their razor-sharp teeth and
powerful jaw to their large, forked tail. A
dark-blue/green body along the top leads
into silver-and-black striped flanks that
can glow with an iridescent sheen when
first captured. They’re found in tropical and
subtropical waters around the world, and in
Australia that covers from mid-New South
Wales on the east coast all the way around
the northern half of Australia to Margaret
River on the west coast.
Spanish mackerel can cruise around solo,
but they often hang in small groups and in
certain places can be found in large schools.
Within their widespread distribution around
Australia they’re known to form genetically
independent breeding stocks, and most of
these stocks migrate to feed and spawn.
They’re a relatively fast-growing fish, attaining
sexual maturity at around 70cm within one to
two years, but have been scientifically agedat up to 20 years old. Ferocious predators
that feed mostly on fish or squid, a typical
attack involves a high-speed approach and
vicious first bite, slicing the victim in half
before circling back to pick up the leftovers.Targeting Spaniards
Spanish mackerel can, at times, be relatively
easy to target.
The fish frequent the high spots on offshore
reefs, and, like most fish, have peak bite
periods during the early morning and late
afternoon, although they can be caught at
any time of the day.
Large Spanish are commonly found only a
couple of kilometres offshore, which means
on a good day you can get amongst them in
a tinny or kayak. Seeing as they migrate, it’s
worth researching the best time of year to be
targeting the fish in a particular area. Even
when you’re in the right spot at the right time
they can be frustrating to hook. I’ve many
times reeled in a bait sliced in half without a
hook sticking in the fish’s bony mouth.
I’ve caught Spanish mackerel on live and
dead trolled baits, trolled lures, cast steel
lures, poppers and plastics. Even the old
faithful floated pilchard or garfish can be
monstered by a marauding Spanish.30 WHAT TRADIES WANT.Spanish mackeral have
a firm, white flesh full of
Omega-three oils.
Silver-and-black striped flanks
can glow with an iridescent
sheen when first captured.Spanish on the troll.SERVING UP BIG MACKS