Jack Mackerel
Trachurus symmetricus
Also known as: Pacific Jack Mackerel; Horse Mackerel; Spanish Mackerel
Size & Weight
Average Length
19.2"
Max Length
32.0"
Average Weight
1.0 lbs
Max Weight
5.0 lbs
Lifespan
35 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 1800 ft
Water Temp
55-68°F
Offshore; schooling; surface to deep; pelagic
Behavior
Spawning Season
Spring-summer
Migration: Extensive migrations; follow prey; can move north in warm years
Diet: Small fish; squid; crustaceans; plankton
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round variable; more common warm years
Techniques: Light tackle; sabiki rigs; pier fishing
Best Bait: Small jigs; cut bait; flies
Eating Quality
Edibility
Fair
Oily; strong; popular as bait
State Records
Washington
4.99
lbs
California
5.5
lbs
Fun Facts
Often used as bait; schools extensively; found surface to very deep
How to Identify
School throughout water column; small sharp teeth; greenish-blue upper; silvery lower; abundant in productive years
Official Resources
Sources: WDFW; CDFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 04, 2026 at 06:10 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 04, 2026 06:10 AM | Added image | — | species-86-015d1bb03e255788.jpg |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 19.2 |