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(Click for large pic. 27Kb)
This comparatively small Mackerel is generally captured at a weight from 3 to 4.5 kg (six to ten pounds); however, occasional examples are seen up to a weight of 9 kg (20 lb.). Still larger fish have been reported. but confirmatory identification is lacking.
This species is most commonly seen in central and northern coastal waters. where it is taken by trolling in the shallow waters adjacent to outcrops of reef. However, during the late summer months large shoals of them move on to the close inshore reefs from Double Island Point to Southport (S. Qld.) where they are fished by amateurs and professionals alike. The best catches are made by drifting slowly over these inshore reefs, or even anchoring up on them, using "floating" lines baited with pilchards or other small bait fish set on a gang of three or four linked hooks.
Freshly caught Spotted Mackerel have a distinctive purplish sheen over the body, which bears four irregular rows of dense black spots. The spinous dorsal fin is bright blue to purple; the ventrals and anal are silvery grey. The inside of the pectoral fin is bluish black a character that aids identification.
The Spotted Mackerel is a first quality table fish; however, as is the case in all Mackerels, the flesh is better textured and less dry if cut lengthwise into steaks which can be cut further into thin fillets, rather than into transverse steaks, which is the usual practice. The typical dryness of Mackerel can be remedied by brushing with or dipping the fillets into lemon juice prior to grilling. If Mackerel are chilled in crushed ice immediately following capture, the “steaks” cut from the. have a characteristic rainbow like sheen. It is poor practice to rely upon wet sacks for keeping the fish aboard ship, as is generally done on smaller craft.
The fishing season is largely a summer one, and Mackerel that are stored under wet, warm sacking quickly become pulpy.
Many anglers hold the opinion that this fish offers better sport, weight for weight. than its larger relative. the Narrow barred Mackerel.(Spanish)
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