The best mackerel fishing tactics: how to work feathers and find fish like a pro
Here’s how you use mackerel feathers or a sabiki rig once they’re attached to your leader, along with a lead or metal jig for a casting weight.
Cast out as far as you can and tighten up a second or two after the lead hits the water. Then begin the retrieve immediately by simply pulling the rod back in one continuous sweeping motion whilst keeping the butt at waist height, like a big lever.
You then bring the rod forward and down again while reeling in the slack line quickly, and repeat. This is known as pumping and winding. You’ll know when you’ve hit a shoal of mackerel – everything suddenly goes solid and then it’s simply a question of slowly winding them in.
If you're using a small single lure, cast as far as you can and let it sink for a few seconds before starting a fast, erratic retrieve without moving the rod too much. The lure will have it's own built-in action.
Try letting the lure or feathers sink a little longer before retrieving if you're not getting bites – you'll find mackerel feeding both near the surface and near the bottom, so working out where they're hanging out is key to getting a good haul. Work the water column until you find them.
It's exciting stuff, mackerel fishing, especially with a full set of six lively fish on the line at once – it’ll certainly put a pleasing bend in your rod!