|
|
I haven't fished for these in a few
years but I hope to see a return of these fish in greater numbers. I am fortunate to say
that I have been mackerel fishing and experienced the heavy bite that you hear so much
about. I will mention a few tips here which I learned from the head boat elders. These fish
are best fished for on a head boat due to the weather . I have done best from the last week
in March to mid April. You can plan on very big seas and expect the majority of the people
on the boat to be deathly ill or drunk at best. In spite of all the flying food, the
fishing can be very exciting! I start with a special rig with very small tubes, shad darts
or small hooks with tinsel or bucktail tied on. Four or more hooks are good
and I like torpedo sinkers from 5 to 8 oz. These smaller jigs seem to work best on herring
and small mackerel which will ignore the larger mackerel tubes. If the boat hits a good
bite on large mackerel, I will have a larger tube rig all ready, maybe set up on a rod. I
like to fish about 1/3 the way up the boat, near a door. A good spot on the boat is
achieved by arriving early and planting your rod in your chosen area. I have had my best
luck on the O.C. Princess with her fast engines and dedicated captains. I have been
rewarded by fishing very hard for the captain during the first hours of fishing. An angler
that consistently catches fish and is courteous will be well attended by the mates. This
is because the lead anglers will serve as motivators to the less experienced and seasick
among the passengers. On a good day, the fishing enthusiasm will spread thru the boat and
everyone will have a super day and a cooler laden with fish. I try and tip the mates
properly for their work. Boston mackerel trips have been a great beginning to the fishing
season for me many years.
|
|