Mackerel Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Mackerel belonging to the Trachurus and Scomber genera are sleek, torpedo-shaped fish with forked tails and small, sharp teeth. They typically have dark blue-green backs with silvery sides and bellies, often featuring wavy lines or spots. These fish are known for their oily flesh, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Mackerel are pelagic fish, meaning they inhabit open waters rather than staying close to the bottom or shore. In Victorian waters, they can be found in coastal areas, often in large schools. They are migratory fish, with their movements influenced by water temperature and food availability.

These fish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Their diet makes them an important link in the marine food chain, and they are in turn preyed upon by larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Fishing for mackerel can be exciting due to their fast swimming and fighting abilities. They are often caught using techniques such as trolling, casting lures, or bait fishing from boats. Shore-based anglers can also target mackerel during their seasonal runs along the coast.

What restrictions are in place for Mackerel fishing in Melbourne?

When fishing for mackerel in Victoria, anglers should be aware of the following rules:

1. There is no minimum legal size for mackerel species.
2. The bag limit is a combined total of 40 for one or more species of mackerel, except for yellowtail scad which has a separate limit.
3. Ensure you have a valid Victorian fishing license before fishing.
4. Always check for any local or temporary fishing restrictions in your specific area.
5. Practice responsible fishing by adhering to catch limits and releasing unwanted fish carefully.

How to catch Mackerel

To catch mackerel in Victorian waters, try these techniques:

1. Trolling: Use lures or bait behind a moving boat.
2. Casting: Use metal lures or soft plastics and retrieve quickly.
3. Bait fishing: Use pilchards, squid strips, or small live baits.
4. Look for birds diving or surface activity to locate schools.
5. Fish early morning or late afternoon for best results.
6. Use light tackle for more sport, but be prepared for bigger fish.
7. Try berley (chum) to attract mackerel to your fishing area.
8. When shore fishing, look for headlands or rocky outcrops where mackerel might hunt.

What should you fish with for Mackerel?

When it comes to fishing for Mackerel, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you can find success with nearly anything when fishing for Mackerel, as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Pilchards as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 5 Baits to Use for Mackerel

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results for Mackerel:

• Pilchards
• Squid
• Whitebait
• Small Fish
• Prawns

The Top 5 Lures to Use for Mackerel

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Mackerel:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Metal Spoon Lures
• Minnow Lures
• Trolling Lures

Where to catch Mackerel in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Mackerel. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Mackerel can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for Mackerel, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Mackerel fishing in Melbourne