Atlantic mackerel (*Scomber scombrus*) are one of the fastest and most exciting saltwater species that can be targeted with a fly rod. Arriving around the UK coastline each summer in large shoals, they provide fast-paced sport and are often the first saltwater fish many anglers catch on the fly.
Mackerel are found around almost the entire UK coastline during the warmer months, usually arriving from late spring before remaining throughout the summer and into early autumn. They are highly migratory fish that follow shoals of baitfish such as sandeels, sprats and juvenile herring, often driving them to the surface in spectacular feeding frenzies.
Unlike many freshwater species, mackerel are constantly on the move. They rarely remain in one place for long, so successful anglers spend their time searching for feeding activity rather than waiting for fish to arrive. Diving seabirds, splashing baitfish and surface disturbances are all excellent indicators that feeding mackerel may be nearby.
Compared with bass and pollack, mackerel will often hold slightly further offshore over deeper water before pushing baitfish towards the surface. One of the great sights of a British summer is watching dolphins work these shoals of baitfish. As dolphins drive the bait towards the shoreline, mackerel often follow, bringing the action well within fly casting range. These feeding events can produce spectacular sport and offer shore-based fly anglers an excellent opportunity to target fish that may otherwise remain just out of reach.
Mackerel are aggressive predators and are rarely fussy about fly patterns when actively feeding. Slim baitfish imitations such as Sandeel patterns, Clouser Minnows, Surf Candies, Deceivers and other small silver baitfish flies all produce excellent results. White, silver, blue and pearl combinations imitate the baitfish they most commonly hunt.
One of the great attractions of mackerel fly fishing is its accessibility. Fish can often be caught from beaches, piers, breakwaters, harbour walls, rocky headlands and small boats. Long casts are not always necessary, as feeding shoals frequently move surprisingly close to the shoreline.
Fast retrieves are usually the key to success. Mackerel are built for speed and instinctively chase fast-moving prey, so maintaining a brisk retrieve often produces more takes than fishing slowly. If fish are actively feeding on the surface, retrieving just beneath or through the feeding activity can result in multiple fish competing to intercept the fly.
A 6-weight to 8-weight fly rod is suitable for most mackerel fishing, depending on the size of the flies and the conditions. Floating and intermediate fly lines cover the majority of situations, while a faster sinking line may occasionally help reach deeper shoals. Saltwater tackle should always be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water after use to help prevent corrosion.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, we recommend keeping things simple when targeting mackerel. Rather than carrying dozens of fly patterns, concentrate on matching the size and profile of the baitfish being hunted. Choosing the correct fly line and retrieving at an appropriate speed will usually have a greater influence on success than constantly changing flies.
Despite their modest size, mackerel are incredibly powerful fish. Their streamlined bodies are built for speed, and they fight with rapid runs, constant vibration and surprising determination. On appropriately balanced fly tackle they provide outstanding sport and are ideal for anglers new to saltwater fly fishing.
Mackerel are also one of the best species for developing confidence in saltwater fly fishing techniques. Their willingness to attack artificial flies allows anglers to practise casting, retrieving and playing fish in a marine environment before progressing to more demanding species such as bass, pollack or mullet.
Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, mackerel offer exciting, accessible and action-packed fly fishing throughout the summer. Their speed, aggression and abundance make them one of the UK's most enjoyable saltwater species and an excellent introduction to the world of saltwater fly fishing.