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| Chub mackerel have been around in good numbers this week. I've caught good numbers on a 3-inch NLBN paddle tail. |
Although we usually see these fish in September, the chub mackerel are staging a late season show. They have been around the oceanfront this week in good numbers. It's the first time I have seen them this year.
These are easily recognized by the way they blitz on the surface. The water will "boil" in a froth when they attack schools of small bait. They move fast. I've seen many schools pop up this week, and maybe I had 5 seconds to get the lure just ahead of the breaking fish.
This species of mackerel is quite chunky. They measure 12 to 15 inches in length but have wide girths. They fight well for their size. I catch most of mine on a small, 3-inch NLBN paddle tail. Other fishermen might use small epoxy jigs or small metal lures, similar lures you'd use for albies or bonito. Going small is the key.
Check out this school boiling on the surface yesterday.