Scomber japonicus

How to identify a Pacific Chub Mackerel

Pacific Chub Mackerel are found in coastal bays, estuaries, beaches, jetties, reefs, and continental-shelf waters. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Coastal bays, estuaries, beaches, jetties, reefs, and continental-shelf waters

Where to catch Pacific Chub Mackerel

• Northeast US offshore (MA/NJ) — all species we list for this fishery
• Gulf of Mexico — all species we list for this fishery
• California offshore — all species we list for this fishery
• Atlantic Europe (FR/ES/PT) — all species we list for this fishery

Pacific Chub Mackerel by state

State season calendars that list Pacific Chub Mackerel — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• Alabama — seasons, best months and licence info
• California — seasons, best months and licence info
• Florida — seasons, best months and licence info
• Louisiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Massachusetts — seasons, best months and licence info
• Mississippi — seasons, best months and licence info
• New Jersey — seasons, best months and licence info
• Texas — seasons, best months and licence info

Baits and lures

Species-dependent · baitfish · squid · shrimp · crabs · worms · jigs · spoons · plugs · or flies

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Pacific Chub Mackerel:

• Atlantic Mackerel — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Jack Mackerel — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• King Mackerel — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Spanish Mackerel — identification & profile (Saltwater)