Scaly Mackerel illustration
Species

Scaly Mackerel

Sardinella lemuru
Also known as southern herring
Tier 4Eating5/10ultralight tackleQLDWANT
0 waypoints15–20 cm (max 25 cm) typical

Overview: about scaly mackerel

Schooling tropical northern baitfish, commonly used as live or dead bait for marlin, tuna and big mackerel. Cast-netted off northern Australian beaches.

Biology: Scaly Mackerel size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Beach, Inshore
Typical size
15–20 cm (max 25 cm)
Weight
0.05–0.15 kg
Depth range
0–30 m
Diet
plankton
Global range
Indo-West Pacific

How to target: Scaly Mackerel angling strategies

Generally fished with ultralight tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

  • cast nets
  • small bait jigs

Recent community catches: anglers who caught scaly mackerel

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More information: scaly mackerel references & sources