a few interesting facts about mackerel

[micky-quayle]

it takes a mackerel around 7 years to reach 1lb in weight

they can live over 25 years

if touched by human hands they die within 2 days (i heard this years ago but dismissed it as an urban myth, apparently its true)

http://www.sacn.org.uk/Articles/Releasing_Mackerel.html

[phill_itofish]

all true by all accounts, every time you handle a mackie you end up covered in scales, use a wet towel when handling them and releasing

[mickcave83]

ive always used a towel to get them off, cannot stand the scales on me hands, they get every where.

[border reiver]

educate

I've been fishing for more years than i wish to remember and i swear this is the first time I've heard of this, so that being true, i & probably thousands like me are responsible for the slaughter of probably millions of mackerel even though we thought we were doing the right thing in returning them. Which begs the question - What the F--k have those bone idol A--eholes at DEFRA been doing all these years. Instead of dreaming up ways of imposing tax levy's and licenses why don't they try and educate people, surely it has to be more beneficial to fishstocks especially in this case

[phill_itofish]

I've been fishing for more years than i wish to remember and i swear this is the first time I've heard of this, so that being true, i & probably thousands like me are responsible for the slaughter of probably millions of mackerel even though we thought we were doing the right thing in returning them. Which begs the question - What the F--k have those bone idol A--eholes at DEFRA been doing all these years. Instead of dreaming up ways of imposing tax levy's and licenses why don't they try and educate people, surely it has to be more beneficial to fishstocks especially in this case

here here!!

[Lowrider]

Given what one trawler can scoop up in one trawl a doubt the angler has much impact.
Still the right info would be handy

[phill_itofish]

Given what one trawler can scoop up in one trawl a doubt the angler has much impact.
Still the right info would be handy

one angler would have no effect but there aint just one of us lol

i bet ive seen over 500 caught off shields and thats just the few times i've been there, so if theres say 1000 fish a week of each peir up the coast,,, thats a hell of a lot of fish!! still not as much as a trowler admitedly but still alot!

[fredsfish]

the real story on mackeral growth

http://www.glaucus.org.uk/mackerel.htm

[Oblickta]

interesting link, thanks and welcome to nesa

[ted180]

thanks for the info. i always take rubber gloves .when i catch a macky just slip the lefthand glove on to grip the fish and pull the hook out with right. then return fish to be caught another day ,stops your hands getting covered with scales which no matter how hard you rub with a towel never come off

[Davyred]

thanks for the info. i always take rubber gloves .when i catch a macky just slip the lefthand glove on to grip the fish and pull the hook out with right. then return fish to be caught another day ,stops your hands getting covered with scales which no matter how hard you rub with a towel never come off

If you use aberdeens, or other long shanked hooks, all you have to do is pick the fish up by the hook shank and shake it off - no need to touch it. Its even easier if you flatten the barbs.

[ted180]

only spin for macky mate (with barbless hooks) still a bit hard to get a treble hook out or fish that flaps about non stop without getting a grip of it . but still a good point to those who use feathers

[Davyred]

only spin for macky mate (with barbless hooks) still a bit hard to get a treble hook out or fish that flaps about non stop without getting a grip of it . but still a good point to those who use feathers

Try using a single hook instead of trebles - it won't stop you catching. I get more than enough over Scotland spinning sandeels for Pollack, believe me, MAckerel aren't shy!

[ted180]

ok mate cheers (what size hooks do you use)