Habitat
Blue mackerel occur in coastal and pelagic waters. Adults are found in large schools off the continental shelf margins while small animals are often found inshore.
Fishing Information
They can be caught on a wide variety of baits including fish, raw chicken, squid and small baitfish. They will also take small flies and soft plastic or artificial lures set up to resemble a small fish. Often taken as bait and then used to target fish such as tuna, shark and gemfish.
Cooking
Mackerel is a fish that is becoming increasingly valued for its eating qualities because of its high oil content. Blue mackerel have delicate, clear to iridescent flesh when fresh and are favoured smoked or as sashimi style. The fish must be bled promptly to improve flesh quality.