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Photo of Pacific Mackerel (Scomber japonicus)

Photo: CC0 — Ruff tuff cream puff, Wikimedia Commons

Saltwater

Pacific Mackerel

Scomber japonicus

An easy, action-packed catch from any pier and also the go-to live bait for bigger gamefish.

Size

No CA min

Season

Year-round

Difficulty

Habitat

Open water around piers, harbors, and pilings — often in dense schools.

Best lures & bait

Multi-hook bait rig (Sabiki / Lucky Lura)
Small chrome jig

How to catch them

Drop the multi-hook rig straight down near pilings and jig gently
Retrieve small jigs quickly through visible bait schools

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