How to Catch Mackerel in Poole: A Complete Guide

There's no better fish to start with than mackerel. They arrive off the Dorset coast in huge numbers through late summer, they fight hard for their size, and you don't need expensive tackle to catch them. Here's everything you need to know about mackerel fishing in Poole — and right now, in late August, we're right in the middle of the best fishing of the year.

When to catch mackerel in Poole

Mackerel are a summer and autumn fish in our waters, and the season runs roughly from late spring through to early autumn.

Late spring (May): The first mackerel start showing up in Poole Bay as the water warms. **Summer (June to August):** Peak season. The shoals are thick and the fishing is reliable most days. **September:** Often the best month of all — the fish are at their biggest after a summer of feeding. **October:** The last of the mackerel hang around before heading for deeper water.

Where to catch them

Mackerel follow the baitfish, so they can turn up almost anywhere around Poole Bay.

— Poole Bay and the harbour approaches are the most reliable spots close to home. - Shallow reefs and sandbanks hold baitfish, and the mackerel follow them in. - Deeper water offshore holds the bigger shoals later in the season.

The best free fish-finder there is: seabirds. If you see gulls and gannets diving on baitfish, there's a very good chance mackerel are working underneath.

What tackle you need

Mackerel fishing is simple, and you don't need to spend a fortune.

— A light spinning or boat rod, around 6 to 8 feet, with a bit of flex in the tip. - A reel loaded with 12 to 20lb line — light enough to feel the bite, strong enough to land the fish. - Mackerel feathers — a string of small, flashy hooks with a weight on the end. This is the classic rig and it catches fish all day. - A couple of silver lures or spinners if you fancy casting rather than feathering.

If you're coming out with us, all rods and tackle are provided, so you don't need to bring a thing.

How to catch mackerel: the feather rig

Feathering is the classic mackerel technique, and it's brilliantly simple.

First, drop the feathers down to the depth where the shoal is holding — often 20 to 40 feet, but your skipper will know exactly where to start. Let the weight settle, then jig gently up and down with short, sharp lifts. When you feel a tap, keep winding. Mackerel hit in numbers, and it's common to pull up two, three, or even a full string of five or six at once.

Because mackerel are aggressive feeders, once you're over a shoal the action is fast. Don't be surprised if you're into fish within minutes.

Tips for a good mackerel session

— Get there early — mackerel often feed hardest in the morning light. - Keep the rig moving — a moving feather is far more attractive than a static one. - Look for the birds — diving seabirds are the best fish-finder there is. - Stay shallow when the sun is low — fish higher in the water early on. - Bring a cool bag — mackerel are best eaten fresh, so get them on ice quickly.

Handling your catch

Mackerel are delicate fish. If you're keeping them, bleed them and get them on ice straight away for the best eating. If you're returning fish, handle them with wet hands and release them quickly — they'll swim off strong.

Bring the family

Mackerel fishing is the perfect family day out. The action is fast enough to keep kids interested, the tackle is light enough for small hands, and there's a real thrill in pulling up a string of silver fish. We run mackerel trips for families and first-timers all summer long from Poole Quay.

Book a mackerel trip with Danny Boy 2

If you fancy giving mackerel fishing a go, we run regular trips from Poole Quay through summer and into autumn. Tackle's provided, the skipper knows exactly where the shoals are, and we'll have you into fish in no time. Get in touch through the contact form to book your place.