Jack mackerel occur from southern Baja California to southeast Alaska. They are found near the surface from southern California to central Baja California. Older and larger jack mackerel are found further offshore from California to Alaska. The season is year-round. Whole jack mackerel usually range in size from 6 to 14 ounces, with a maximum of about 2 pounds.
Whole fish are usually randomly graded by size.
Canned jack mackerel are usually packed in 16 ounce tall cans. The color of raw jack mackerel is creamy tan. The texture is soft, flaky and moist. The flavor is sweet and moderate.