Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel Fishing

The most heavily fished pelagic of the Red Sea, known in Egypt as 'derak', with its main season in the cool months from November to April. Off Marsa Alam and Safaga troll 14-18 cm diving plugs or spoons at 6-8 knots along the reef edge. Its teeth are razor sharp, so a 30-40 cm thin wire trace is essential; nylon simply loses the fish. In summer it moves deeper and heavy jigs become the more productive method.

Scomberomorus commerson

Season calendar

JanFebMarAprMay
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
OctNovDec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
January–May, October–December
Water temperature
22–30 °C
Spawning
May–July
Behaviour
Daytime active, open water

Techniques

  • Trolling
  • spinning
  • live bait

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch narrow-barred spanish mackerel?
The productive window for narrow-barred spanish mackerel runs January–May, October–December. May–July is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does narrow-barred spanish mackerel feed in?
Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel is most active between 22 and 30 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for narrow-barred spanish mackerel?
Common methods: Trolling, spinning, live bait.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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