Spanish Mackerel

Season in Long Island

The Fisherman (2019): August into early September is typical, prevalent in some years only. OTW: Spanish mackerel 'in heavy' and at Shinnecock Inlet and Hampton Bays in August 2020; sliding into Montauk and the eastern Sound in August 2026. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

A late-summer visitor out east: Shinnecock Inlet, Hampton Bays, Montauk and the eastern Sound, mixed with bonito and bluefish. Abundant some years, scarce in others.

Often beyond the first bar; sometimes right in the trough when bait is pinned.

What to look for

Birds (terns especially) diving on small bait, bait showering, quick slashing splashes on the surface.

What to throw

Got-Cha style jig plug7/8 to 1 oz, 3 to 3.5 in. Sharp upward rod-tip jerks while reeling fast, so it darts and flashes.

Metal casting jig (diamond, Hopkins or Stingsilver style)1 to 2 oz, 3 to 4 in. Fast steady retrieve for mackerel; let it sink and rip it up for blues; jig near bottom for weakfish.

Silver casting spoon (Clarkspoon or Drone style)1/2 to 1 oz, No. 0 to 1 / 2.5 to 3.5 in. Burn it. Fast, steady, just under the surface.

Swimming minnow plug (Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow style)3/4 to 1 oz, 4 to 5 in. Steady medium retrieve with occasional twitches and pauses.

Bait

Free-lined live finger mullet, Glass minnows. Free-line or light float rig with a short wire or 30 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Leader

20 to 30 lb fluorocarbon, 18 to 36 in, or a short #3 to #4 wire. Skip shiny swivels; mackerel hit them and cut you off.

Common mistakes

• Retrieving too slowly; mackerel chase fast lures
• Using a bright swivel that draws strikes and cut-offs
• Casting into the middle of the school instead of past it

Landing

Swing small fish up on a wave; on a heavier fish let a wave carry it up the beach rather than dragging it through the wash.

Handling

• Very sharp teeth

Use pliers to unhook. Keep fingers away from the mouth.

Keep or release

Good eating fresh; bleed and ice quickly. Check the New York rules.

Recipes for spanish mackerel

Typical: unknown. Large: unknown. No NY record set yet (NYSDEC requires at least 5 lb).

New York (marine waters) limits

• Minimum: 14 in TL
• Maximum: none
• Bag: 15 per angler
• Season: All year

Last checked 2026-10-17. A summary, not legal advice; the official rules win. New York State DEC fishing regulations.

Sources

• The Fisherman: Southern Visitors Arrive on LI (2019) (Angler knowledge)
• On The Water: Long Island and New York Fishing Report, August 13, 2020 (Angler knowledge)
• On The Water: Long Island and NYC Fishing Report, August 27, 2026 (Angler knowledge)
• ASMFC Spanish mackerel species profile (Official source)
• NOAA Fisheries: Spanish mackerel (Official source)
• Fisherman's Post North Myrtle Beach / Little River reports 2025-2026 (Angler knowledge)
• Gregg Holshouser Grand Strand fishing reports, 2019-2020 (mirror) (Angler knowledge)
• NYSDEC Marine Recreational Angler Records Program (Official source)
• NYSDEC Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations: size, possession limits and seasons (fish table last changed May 12, 2026; shark table last changed Aug 27, 2025) (Official source)

All the fish of Long Island