A Guide To Shore Angling For Mackerel In Cornwall
Mackerel Fishing & Cornish Holidays Go Hand In Hand Together
Cornwall's stunning coastline offers excellent opportunities for shore anglers looking to catch mackerel. These fast-swimming, silver-scaled fish are popular targets for anglers due to their abundance, sportiness, and delicious taste. This guide will help you get started with shore angling for mackerel in Cornwall, covering everything from the best spots and gear to techniques and tips for a successful fishing experience.
Choosing the right location
Mackerel are migratory fish that often come close to shore during the warmer months, particularly from late spring to early autumn. Here are some prime locations for shore angling in Cornwall:
Piers and Harbours: Places like Newlyn, Penzance, Falmouth and Mevagissey offer excellent opportunities for mackerel fishing. Piers provide easy access to deeper waters, where mackerel often feed.
Rocky Outcrops: Locations such as St. Ives, Padstow, Pendennis Point and Lizard Point are known for their rocky coastlines, which attract mackerel schools chasing baitfish.
Beaches and Cliffs: Gwithian Beach, Sennen Cove, and Porthleven are popular among anglers. Mackerel can sometimes be found feeding close to the surf, especially during high tide.
Pendennis Point, Falmouth
Essential Gear for Mackerel Shore Angling
Rods and reels: A lightweight spinning rod (7–10 feet) paired with a spinning reel is ideal. Choose a rod with medium to fast action that provides good sensitivity and casting distance with a weight rating of 10-40 grams.
Line: Use a monofilament or braided line with a breaking strain of around 10–15 lb. The braided line offers better sensitivity and casting distance but is more visible in the water.
Rigs and Lures: The most common rig for mackerel fishing is the feather rig, or sabiki rig, which consists of several small, brightly coloured lures on a single line. Mackerel spoons, spinners, and soft plastic lures can also be effective. A 20g metal casting lure is our favourite.
Other Equipment: A bucket or cool bag for storing your catch, a landing net for easy retrieval, and a sharp knife for cleaning fish are all useful. Don’t forget a pair of polarised sunglasses to reduce glare and spot fish more easily.
Techniques for Catching Mackerel from the Shore
Casting and retrieving: Mackerel are attracted to shiny, fast-moving objects that resemble small fish. Cast your rig or lure as far as possible and retrieve it with a fast, jerky motion. Experiment with different retrieval speeds and patterns to find what works best on a given day.
Using Float Fishing: Attach a float to your line to keep the bait at a desired depth. This method is useful when mackerel are feeding on the surface or mid-water. Floats also help detect bites more easily.
Fishing with Bait: Mackerel are often caught using small pieces of bait such as mackerel strips, sandeel, or squid. Combine bait with a feather rig or use a single hook setup with a float. Bait fishing can be particularly effective when the mackerel are selective.
Tides and Timing: Mackerel are most active during high tides and periods of strong tidal flow. Dawn and dusk are prime times, as these are when mackerel often come closer to shore to feed. Check local tide tables to plan your fishing trips accordingly.
Safety and Conservation Tips
Safety: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when fishing from rocks or near cliffs. Wear appropriate footwear and consider a life jacket if fishing in precarious spots.
Catch Limits and Sizes: Familiarise yourself with local regulations regarding catch limits and minimum sizes. This helps ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and the protection of marine life.
Handling and Releasing Fish: If you're practicing catch and release, handle the fish as little as possible, wetting your hands before touching them to protect their slime coating. Use barbless hooks or flatten the barbs to make release easier.
Safety First
Enjoying the experience
Shore angling for mackerel in Cornwall offers not just the thrill of fishing but also the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and vibrant wildlife of the Cornish coast. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the experience can be both rewarding and relaxing. Remember to respect the environment, follow local regulations, and savour the joy of being out in nature.
With the right gear, techniques, and a bit of patience, you’ll be well on your way to catching mackerel from the shores of Cornwall.
If you would like to try your hand at mackerel fishing, why not let Cornwall Adventures take care of the tackle and bait and gently guide you to success. Click here for more information.
Happy fishing!