MACKEREL, BROAD BARRED

B, M -

MACKEREL, BROAD BARRED

Scientific Name: 
Scomberomorus semifasciatus
Fish Group: 
Mackerel
Salt/Fresh: 
Salt
Also Known As: 
Broad Barred Mackerel; Broad Barred Spanish Mackerel; Brownie; Grey Mackerel; School Mackerel; Striped Mackerel; Tiger Mackerel; MACKEREL, BROAD BARRED
Rating: 
Countries: 
Australia
Description: 
The broad barred Mackerel is one of the Mackerels caught in Australian Waters. It is sometimes confused with the Narrow Barred, or Spanish Mackerel.
How To Identify: 
The Broad Barred Mackerel is slightly deeper in body than other Mackerel. Distinguishable from other Mackerel by two common features, the first dorsal fin is black and the broad vertical bands which are much wider than the Spanish (or Narrow Barred) Mackerel which is often confused with. Once dead the Broad Barred Mackerel becomes quite a grey drab colour (hence its common name - Grey Mackerel). As with all Mackerel they have extremely sharp teeth and should be handled with care. The Broad Barred Mackerel can grow to about 120 cm and about 10kgs in weight
How To Catch: 
All Mackerel are great fun to catch and are excellent for the table, especially when fresh and when caught they are quickly bleed and put on a slurry of ice (which is really good for all fish that you are keeping to eat). Mackerel readily take trolled lures of minnow, feather jigs, metal lures and skirted lures. Live baits are another excellent way to catch all Mackerel. Mackerel can be come a common catch when reef fishing by 'floating' an unweighted pilchard or live bait out the back of the boat while bottom bouncing.
Where Found: 
In Australia the Broad Barred Mackerel is found along the entire eastern coastline of Queensland and sometimes into Northern New South Wales. It is found usually in close in coastal waters and reefs and into major bays and estuaries.

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