ideal for the spotted mackerel.The next bait in line is pike, followed by local herrings and pilchards..

During the mackerel season, finding the bait can be the most important part of the day as no bait or the wrong kind of bait may mean no fish. Mackerel are a first rate table fish and can be filleted or turned into cutlets as they have a very soft spine. They must be iced soon after capture to keep them in good condition so a large cooler filled with plenty of ice is essential.

Always remember that mackerel have extremely large, sharp teeth and they can and do bite and slash unwary anglers. When the fish is gaffed, the quickest answer is a tap on top of the head with a small bat or length of pipe. Leave the hooks in its mouth and just tie on another trace. The hooks can be extracted later when cleaning the fish.

We recommend trying the recipe below you will not be disappointed!

Spanish Mackerel (Serves 5-6)

Ingredients:

4 Spanish mackerel steaks on the bone

4 limes juiced and zested

1/4 cup light soya sauce

Good splash fish sauce

2 cloves garlic

1 soup spoon ginger crushed and chopped

1/4 cup white wine (semillon or sauvignon blanc)

Marinate fish in above mixture 1-2 hours, then prepare the following: 1/4 cup chopped coriander 1/4 cup chopped parsley 2 chopped chillies 1 soup spoon sesame seeds 3 to 4 drops sesame oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped Juice of 1 lime plus zest

Method:

Mix together all ingredients and pat one side of fish steaks and sear on hot BBQ plate with oil, or on char grill, but not for too long as you don’t want to burn the herbs. Turn over and cook for enough time to bring to medium (do not overcook). Serve with mixed green leaf salad tossed with remaining mixed herbs.

Should you want alternate Spanish Mackerel recipes or recipes for any other fish please do not hesitate to contact Marilyn via email marilyn@fishinggear.com We will email them to you within 24 hours. Alternatively if you have a favorite recipe you would like to share please email that. We shall put that on our site with credit to you.

Buy the Award Winning ‘Esca Lures’ online at http://www.innovativefishingtackle.co.uk/