Hooking a live mackerel for bait involves strategic placement of the hook to keep the fish alive and active for as long as possible, making it irresistible to predatory species. Live mackerel is a highly effective bait, often favored as much as or even more than species like yellowtail or tailor, making it an excellent choice for attracting various game fish. Once rigged, the bait is then deployed, often by dropping it to the bottom depending on the target species and fishing conditions.
Why Use Live Mackerel as Bait?
Live mackerel are energetic swimmers and naturally attractive to a wide range of predatory fish, including tuna, kingfish, amberjack, marlin, and sharks. Their natural scent and vibrant movements trigger a predatory instinct that artificial lures often cannot replicate.
Essential Gear for Live Baiting Mackerel
Before you start, ensure you have the right tackle:
- Hooks: Strong, sharp circle hooks or J-hooks appropriate for the size of your mackerel and target species.
- Leader: Fluorocarbon or monofilament leader, often 80-200 lb test, for abrasion resistance.
- Main Line: Heavy braided or monofilament line, suitable for offshore fishing.
- Swivels: High-quality barrel or ball-bearing swivels to prevent line twist.
- Live Bait Rig: Often a single-hook or two-hook snelled rig.
- Live Bait Tank: Essential for keeping your mackerel alive and healthy until deployment.
Common Methods for Hooking Live Mackerel
The choice of hooking method depends on how you plan to present your bait (trolling, drifting, bottom fishing) and the target species. The goal is always to maximize the mackerel's natural swimming action and longevity.
1. Nose Hooking (Through the Nostrils or Front of the Jaw)
This is one of the most common and effective methods, especially for trolling or drifting, as it allows the mackerel to swim naturally and breathe easily.
- Procedure:
- Hold the mackerel gently but firmly.
- Carefully insert the hook through the top of both nostrils, or through the harder cartilage just in front of the eyes.
- Alternatively, pass the hook through the top jaw, coming out through the bottom jaw, ensuring it doesn't impede the mouth opening.
- Advantages: Maximizes swimming action, keeps bait alive for a long time, and is less likely to foul.
- Best for: Trolling, drifting, and surface fishing.
2. Back Hooking (Through the Dorsal Fin or Shoulder)
This method is excellent for allowing the mackerel to swim freely away from the boat or when fishing with a float. Care must be taken to avoid the spine.
- Procedure:
- Gently grasp the mackerel.
- Insert the hook just behind the dorsal fin, above the lateral line, ensuring you only pass through the muscle and skin, not the spine.
- Alternatively, for a deeper presentation, hook through the meaty part of the shoulder, behind the head but above the gills.
- Advantages: Allows for strong, natural swimming, good for presenting bait deeper or near structure.
- Best for: Drifting, bottom fishing with light weight, or float fishing.
3. Tail Hooking
Less common for active live bait but can be effective when you want the bait to dive or when using heavier weights for deep-water fishing.
- Procedure:
- Pass the hook cleanly through the hard part of the mackerel's tail wrist, just before the tail fin.
- Advantages: Makes the bait dive when retrieved slowly or allows it to kick against a weight.
- Best for: Deep dropping, specific trolling patterns where a diving action is desired.
4. Bridle Rigging (Advanced Method)
Bridle rigging involves attaching the hook to the mackerel using a rubber band or waxed floss, rather than piercing the fish directly with the hook. This method maximizes the bait's liveliness and swimming action.
- Procedure:
- Use a rigging needle to pass a strong rubber band or floss through the mackerel's eye socket or nostril.
- Loop the band or floss around the hook shank.
- Secure the hook in place without it piercing the fish.
- Advantages: Extends bait life significantly, provides unrestricted swimming, and ensures a better hook-up ratio as the hook is completely exposed.
- Best for: Big game fishing, when targeting wary predators, or for long deployments.
Tips for Maximizing Bait Effectiveness
- Keep Mackerel Healthy: Store mackerel in a well-aerated livewell with clean water. Avoid overcrowding.
- Handle Gently: Minimize handling, use a wet cloth or glove if necessary, to preserve their protective slime coat.
- Match Hook Size: Use a hook that is appropriate for the mackerel's size and the mouth of your target species.
- Stealthy Presentation: Ensure your leader is as light as possible without compromising strength, to avoid spooking fish.
- Observe Bait Behavior: A lively, natural-swimming mackerel is your best bet. If it looks sluggish, consider re-baiting.
Summary of Hooking Methods
| Method | Hook Placement | Best Use Cases | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nose Hooking | Through nostrils or front of upper jaw | Trolling, drifting, surface fishing | Natural swimming, long bait life | Can impede breathing if placed poorly |
| Back Hooking | Behind dorsal fin or through shoulder muscle | Drifting, bottom fishing, float fishing | Strong swimming action, good for deeper presentation | Risk of injuring spine if not careful |
| Tail Hooking | Through tail wrist | Deep dropping, specific trolling patterns | Creates diving action, good for heavy weights | Less natural swimming, shorter bait life |
| Bridle Rigging | Attached with band/floss to eye/nostril | Big game fishing, wary predators, long deployments | Maximum liveliness, unrestricted swimming | More complex to rig, requires specific tools |
For further information on live bait fishing techniques, explore resources like Saltwater Sportsman or Sport Fishing Magazine.
