How to Build a Rig & Fish for Mackerel

Atlantic mackerel is a fast-swimming, predatory species found along the Atlantic coast of North America from Labrador to North Carolina. Historically one of the eastern seaboard's most important commercial species, mackerel is also popular with game fishermen along the Mid-Atlantic coast, especially during early spring months when many other species are still in deeper waters. Mackerel are aggressive feeders that often move inshore to feed in large shoals, which are easy to fish with a simple, weighted tube rig.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-foot monofilament leader, at least 20-pound test
  • Barrel swivel
  • 3 Size 2/0 long shank hooks
  • 1/4-inch red plastic tubing, 2 feet
  • 12-ounce fishing weight
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Instructions

  1. Mackerel Tube Rig

    • 1

      Tie the 20-pound test leader onto a barrel swivel with a Palomar knot.

    • 2

      Tie three size 2/0 long shank hooks onto the leader using dropper loops, spaced 10 to 12 inches apart. Use a Palomar knot to tie a 12-ounce fishing weight onto the end of the leader.

    • 3

      Cut the red plastic tubing into four-inch sections. Bait each hook with one of the sections. Slide the tube over the barb of a hook and up toward the hook eye. Push the the barb of the hook out of the plastic about one inch from the end, then snug the front of the tube up against the hook eye.

    Fishing the Rig

    • 4

      Locate schooling mackerel by using your fish finder or by staying abreast of local fishing reports. Atlantic mackerel are a pelagic, schooling species that can be found in large shoals when they migrate inshore to feed during spring and summer.

    • 5

      Tie or clip a tube rig onto your main fishing line at the barrel swivel.

    • 6

      Lower the tube rig directly into the school of mackerel. There's no need to cast the rig, and it's unsuited for trolling. Simply drop the rig over the side on your pole and wait for a mackerel to take the bait.