Inshore Fishing Boston Chub Mackerel with Laddu Guddu

Chub Mackerel Overview Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) belongs to the Scombridae family and Perciformes order, making them cousins to tuna and bonito. These streamlined, fast-swimming fish are characterized by their distinctive blue-green backs with wavy markings and silver undersides. In Boston waters this December, they provide exciting action for anglers targeting inshore species with light tackle. Chub Mackerel Habitat and Distribution These highly migratory fish inhabit temperate and subtropical waters worldwide, typically found from onshore areas to offshore reefs. They prefer water temperatures between 50-68°F and are often located near upwellings and current edges where food concentrates. Around Boston, they're commonly found schooling in harbors, along jetties, and around structure that attracts baitfish. Chub Mackerel Size and Weight Most Chub Mackerel caught in Massachusetts waters range from 8-15 inches, though they can grow to 25 inches in optimal conditions. Weight typically ranges from 2-4 pounds for mature specimens, with the average catch being around 2.5 pounds. Their compact size belies their fighting ability, making them pound-for-pound impressive fighters. Chub Mackerel Diet and Behavior Chub Mackerel are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume small fish, squid, and zooplankton. They're known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often creating surface disturbances visible from distance when actively pursuing bait. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk hours, though winter patterns in Boston sometimes show midday feeding peaks during warmer periods. Chub Mackerel Spawning Season In New England waters, Chub Mackerel typically spawn offshore during summer months when water temperatures reach the mid-60s. Females release up to 500,000 eggs which are fertilized externally. By December in Boston, most mackerel have completed spawning and are focused on feeding to rebuild energy reserves. Chub Mackerel Fishing Techniques Light to medium spinning tackle with 8-12 pound test line works perfectly for these spirited fighters. Small metal jigs, spoons, and sabiki rigs are particularly effective when mackerel are schooling. In Boston Harbor during winter months, fishing deeper water near channel edges often produces best results as mackerel seek more stable water temperatures away from rapidly cooling shallows. Chub Mackerel Is It Good to Eat? Chub Mackerel offers excellent table fare with moderately firm, flavorful flesh rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Its taste is more pronounced than Spanish mackerel but less intense than king mackerel. These fish are delicious grilled fresh, smoked, or prepared in Asian-inspired recipes. Best consumed fresh, as their high oil content means they don't freeze as well as some other species. Chub Mackerel Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the best bait for Chub Mackerel in Boston? A: Small shiny lures like Kastmasters, Swedish Pimples, and sabiki rigs with small flashy flies work exceptionally well. Q: Where can I find Chub Mackerel near Boston? A: Look for them around harbor entrances, along deeper channel edges, and near structure that attracts baitfish schools. Q: When is the best time to catch Chub Mackerel? A: In Boston, spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action, though winter fishing can be productive when targeting deeper water. Q: How do you prepare Chub Mackerel for eating? A: They're excellent grilled fresh with minimal seasoning, smoked, or prepared in Asian-inspired dishes with ginger and soy to complement their rich flavor.