Species

Spanish Mackerel

Scomberomorus commerson

Also known as narrow-barred Spanish mackerel

Tier 1Eating8/10medium tackleNear ThreatenedNSWQLDWANT

91 waypoints80–130 cm (max 240 cm) typical

Regulations

QLD75 cm min · bag 1WA90 cm min · bag 2NT75 cm min · bag 5

State	Size	Bag
QLD	75 cm min	1
Closed: East-coast closure typically 16 Sep - 31 Oct (verify annually post-2022 stock review)
WA	90 cm min	2
NT	75 cm min	5

Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.

Overview: about spanish mackerel

Premium tropical pelagic of northern NSW, QLD, NT and WA. Targeted by trolling rigged garfish, skirted lures and big stickbaits along reef edges and inshore current lines, particularly in winter on the east coast. Wire trace is mandatory — they have razor teeth and a habit of chopping leaders.

Biology: Spanish Mackerel size, diet & habitat

Habitat: Inshore, Offshore, Pelagic, Reef
Typical size: 80–130 cm (max 240 cm)
Weight: 5–20 kg (max 70 kg)
Depth range: 0–100 m
Diet: garfish, mullet, small reef fish, squid
Most active: diurnal
Global range: Indo-West Pacific tropics (Scomberomorus commerson)

How to target: Spanish Mackerel angling strategies

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

trolling rigged garfish on a wolf-herring rig along headlands and reef edges
live yakkas or slimies on a downrigger or float around isolated reef pinnacles
high-speed trolling Halco Laser Pros and bibless minnows at 7-8 knots
metal slugs and stickbaits cast into bust-ups on the run

Best season: when to catch spanish mackerel in Australia

QLD: Apr-Sep (north QLD)
WA: Mar-Aug (Pilbara)
NT: Apr-Nov

Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.

Safety & handling

Ciguatera risk: moderateAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.

Larger fish (>13kg / 125cm) in tropics elevated ciguatera risk — health advice to avoid in some QLD jurisdictions.

Conservation

IUCN: Near Threatened

QLD east coast stock assessed Depleted in 2022 — tighter management since.

Recent community catches: anglers who caught spanish mackerel

No spanish mackerel catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: spanish mackerel fishing spots in Australia

Northern Territory41

Queensland33

Western Australia14

New South Wales3

More information: spanish mackerel references & sources

Log catch

Spanish Mackerel

Regulations

AboutOverview: about spanish mackerel

Habitat & biologyBiology: Spanish Mackerel size, diet & habitat

Best baits & luresHow to target: Spanish Mackerel angling strategies

Best seasonBest season: when to catch spanish mackerel in Australia