Halfday Mackerel Trip

Several fleets have halfday mackerel trips from May to July. The earliest trip starts in the middle of May. Late May to early June is the season you can catch a number of mack. It is very easy to catch double/triple with a sabiki rig. All you have to do is to keep the rig at 15-20’ depth with some up&down movements. I usually tie a float stopper on the braid main line as a depth marker, which also helps kids to catch a bunch. Once I caught over 90 at Captain’s in early June.
 

In late June, fishing becomes slower. From this season, NH fleets such as Eastman’s go to Isles of Shoal. You can enjoy really scenic view at this trip but it takes an hour to arrive. It means you can fish only for 2 hours during 4 hours of trip, compromising the catch.

In July, a sabiki becomes less effective. Single mackerel jig as used for a rental rod works better. I use Shimano Sellus 6’8’’ freshwater drop shot rod and a small spinning reel with 10 lb mono line. A 1/3 oz mackerel jig is tied with loop knot. This setting maximizes dart action when you jig and fall. I cast a jig, count down for 5-7 seconds and jig in fast and short stroke. This technique is what party boat crews usually use and effective to catch fish in relatively slow condition. At this time the evening 2 h trip starts. You could catch a really big one at evening trip although the number is not so many.

As bluefish show up in August, halfday trip is switched to a bluefishing. Most of the fleets close a halfday bluefishing at the end of September. Al Gauron got back to the mack trip in late September last year and we enjoyed a super trip on Columbus day. Fishing is similar to the early June season. Fish are very active and easy to catch. Mack in this season is the best for table, oily like toro tuna.

 

A bobber stopper is useful for a depth marker.