Open Year-Round
Blue Mackerel
Scomber australasicus
Also known as: Slimy mackerel
DPIRD Category
Other Finfish
Peak Season
Year-round
Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
★☆☆☆☆
Regulations & Limits
OTHER FINFISH
Limits by Bioregion
West Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
South Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 20-30 cm |
| Max Size | 50 cm |
| Typical Weight | 0.2-0.5 kg |
| Max Weight | 1.5 kg |
Habitat
Where: Open coastal waters in large schools, statewide
Depth: 0-200m
ID Features: Blue-green back with wavy dark lines, silvery belly, streamlined body
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Year-round | Water Temp: 14-24°C
How to Catch Blue Mackerel
1
Sabiki rigs
Setup
- Line: PE 0.4-1
- Leader: 10-15lb fluorocarbon
Top Lures
- Sabiki rigs
- Small metal jigs
Best Baits
- Small pieces of prawn
Eating Quality
Flesh: Oily, dark flesh best eaten very fresh
Best cooked: Grilled, smoked, cured. Excellent as bait
The Fight
Minimal individually but catching a school is fast-paced fun.