Spanish Mackerel
Pelagic / Reef edgeFast pelagic predator of WA's Gascoyne and North Coast bioregions, hunting bait schools along the outer reefs from Steep Point through Exmouth, the Pilbara and into the Kimberley. Razor teeth, blistering first runs, and a stock that has been under pressure — current bag limits reflect the recovery work.
Spanish mackerel are the headline pelagic of WA's tropical north, holding on the bommies and current lines from Shark Bay up through Exmouth, Onslow, Dampier and Broome. They follow bait — pilchard, mullet, fusilier — and tend to stack up on the same productive marks year after year. Most WA recreational catches come from boats trolling the outer reefs of Ningaloo and the Pilbara, though land-based spots like Tantabiddi and Steep Point produce fish on the right tides. The fishery has had stock issues over the last decade and the bag limit is now tight, so most anglers fish for one good fish rather than a feed.
Whole gar on a wire-trace gang, slimy mackerel, fresh pilchards, live yakka or mulie
Halco Laser Pro 190, deep-diving hard-bodies, Halco Twisty 30–60g, large skirted trolling lures, slow-pitch jigs
Wire trace is non-negotiable — 60–80lb single-strand or 7-strand, 40–60cm, run to a 6/0–8/0 single hook plus a stinger treble for trolled baits. For lures, a short wire bite tippet under a 60–80lb mono leader. Single-hook setups for live baits, gang hooks for whole pilchards or gar.
Troll skirts and deep-divers along the outer reef line at 6–8 knots, looking for bait shows on the sounder and bird activity above. When fish are holding on a particular bommie, switch to drifting live baits or slow-pitch jigs. They often follow a hooked fish to the boat, so have a second rod ready with a pitch bait. Land-based, cast metals into the current sweep at high tide. Keep retrieves fast — Spanish run down their prey.
Spring through autumn is prime in the Gascoyne, with September–November and again March–April standout months. Run-out tides on the outer reefs concentrate bait. Early morning and the last hour of light produce most quality fish; bright midday sun pushes them deeper.
Up to 30kg, commonly 6–15kg
Sep–Apr (Gascoyne/Pilbara peak)
Excellent eating when bled and iced the moment it comes over the gunwale — the flesh oxidises fast in tropical heat. Firm pink fillets that suit grilling, smoking, or sashimi from a fresh fish. Larger Spanish from northern waters carry a small ciguatera risk, so locals tend to keep mid-sized fish over trophies.
Bag limit: 2 (within the large pelagic mixed daily limit). Minimum size: 90cm. Possession limit applies. Always check current DPIRD rules — regulations may change.
Tantabiddi, the Muiron Islands, the Mackerel Islands off Onslow and the Montebellos all produce good fish in season. Most charters out of Exmouth target Spanish on a half-day trolling trip. Common rookie mistakes are running mono leader (one bite-off and the lesson is learned), and gaffing a green fish boat-side — wear them out properly first.