Species
Spotted Mackerel
Scomberomorus munroi
Also known as Australian spotted mackerel
Tier 2Eating8/10light tackleNSWQLDWANT
19 waypoints50–80 cm (max 110 cm) typicalLast catch 1 mo ago
Regulations
NSWbag 10QLD60 cm min · bag 5
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | — | 10 |
| QLD | 60 cm min | 5 |
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about spotted mackerel
Inshore tropical mackerel of QLD and northern NSW — best known for the schools that pile down the east coast in late summer. Targeted with small chrome slugs, slim hardbodies and floated pilchards. Wire trace and quick hands — they cut leaders fast.
Biology: Spotted Mackerel size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Inshore, Offshore, Pelagic
- Typical size
- 50–80 cm (max 110 cm)
- Weight
- 1.5–5 kg (max 10 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–50 m
- Diet
- pilchards, anchovies, small baitfish
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Indo-West Pacific tropics (Scomberomorus munroi)
How to target: Spotted Mackerel angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- small metal slugs (40-80g) cast into bust-ups along headlands and bay entrances
- trolling small bibless minnows and feathers at 5-7 knots
- ganged pilchards drifted in a berley trail
Best season: when to catch spotted mackerel in Australia
- QLD
- Nov-Apr (south-east summer run)
Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.
Safety & handling
Ciguatera risk: lowAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.
Bleed and ice fast — flesh deteriorates quickly.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught spotted mackerel
Where to catch: spotted mackerel fishing spots in Australia
Queensland19
- 10 mile North endReef · QLD-26.60°
- 12 mileReef · QLD-26.53°
- 12 mile SouthReef · QLD-26.57°
- 8 mileReef · QLD-26.62°
- Bowen Artificial ReefReef · QLD-19.98°
- Brisbane Twelve Apostles Artificial ReefReef · QLD-27.35°
- Caloundra 12 mileReef · QLD-26.80°
- Myora ReefReef · QLD-27.48°
- Northern North Reef off NoosaReef · QLD-26.27°
- Palm Beach Artificial ReefReef · QLD-28.12°
- Southern North Reef off NoosaReef · QLD-26.30°
- Southport SeawayRiver Mouth · QLD-27.94°
- Spot X bait spot west of Murphy'sBait Ground · QLD-26.70°
- Sunshine Reef off NoosaReef · QLD-26.38°
- Tangalooma WrecksWreck · QLD-27.18°
- Urangan PierJetty · QLD-25.29°
- Waddy Point GutterBeach · QLD-24.90°
- Western Rocks/YellowpatchReef · QLD-27.02°
- Wide CurrimundiReef · QLD-26.77°
More information: spotted mackerel references & sources
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