Species
Jack Mackerel
Trachurus declivis
Tier 4Eating5/10ultralight tackleNSWVICSATAS
2 waypoints~20–40 cm typical
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Where to catch
Range & spots
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Overview: about jack mackerel
Schooling pelagic of southern Australian waters from southern QLD around to WA. Targeted with bait jigs and small metals when schools push into bays and around wharves. Better as a livebait and burley source than a table fish.
Biology: Jack Mackerel size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Inshore, Offshore, Pelagic
- Typical size
- 20–40 cm (max 60 cm)
- Weight
- 0.3–1 kg (max 2.5 kg)
- Depth range
- 10–200 m
- Diet
- krill, small fish, squid
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Southern Australia (Trachurus declivis)
How to target: Jack Mackerel angling strategies
Generally fished with ultralight tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- bait jigs (sabikis) tipped with tiny pilchard flesh around offshore reefs and wharves
- small metals cast into surface schools
Best season: when to catch jack mackerel in Australia
No seasonal pattern for jack mackerel yet. Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions — check state fisheries advice and recent local reports before planning a trip.
Where to catch: jack mackerel fishing spots in Australia
2 mapped fishing spots, marks and waypoints for jack mackerel across Australia, covering land-based fishing, estuary fishing and jetty and wharf fishing. Each location below links through to access notes and coordinates.