Open Year-Round

Spanish Mackerel

Scomberomorus commerson

Also known as: Spaniard, Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel

DPIRD Category Large Pelagic Finfish
Peak Season Sep-Apr
Difficulty Moderate
Fight Rating ★★★★★
Spanish Mackerel

Regulations & Limits

LARGE PELAGIC FINFISH

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast OPEN
Min Size 900mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
South Coast N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne OPEN
Min Size 900mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) OPEN
Min Size 900mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.

Good to Know

  • Part of 3 fish mixed large pelagic limit
  • Premium eating - excellent sashimi grade

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size100 cm
Max Size180 cm
Typical Weight15 kg
Max Weight45 kg

Habitat

Where: Open water, reef edges, current lines, FADs

Depth: 5-50m

ID Features: Long streamlined body, blue-grey with darker vertical bars, razor sharp teeth

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Sep-Apr | Water Temp: 22 – 28°C

How to Catch Spanish Mackerel

1

High-speed trolling

Setup

  • Line: PE4-6 / 24-37kg
  • Leader: 80-100lb wire trace

Top Lures

  • Skirted trolling lures
  • Bibbed minnows 150mm+
  • Konaheads

Best Baits

  • Garfish
  • Gar ballyhoo combo
2

Live baiting

Setup

  • Line: PE3-4 / 20-30kg
  • Leader: 60-80lb wire trace

Top Lures

  • Stickbaits on wire
  • Metal slugs

Best Baits

  • Live yakkas
  • Live slimy mackerel
  • Live herring

Eating Quality

★★★★★ Excellent

Flesh: White/pink

Best cooked: Sashimi, grilled, pan fried

The Fight

★★★★★ 5/5

Blistering runs, explosive strikes

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