Atlantic Mackerel Fishing in Massachusetts
When atlantic mackerel are caught across Massachusetts, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Atlantic Mackerel catch through the year
Recreational catch in Massachusetts by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Catching atlantic mackerel in Massachusetts
Atlantic Mackerel catches in Massachusetts run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 81% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Massachusetts fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch atlantic mackerel in Massachusetts?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release atlantic mackerel in Massachusetts?+
Across Massachusetts, about 81% of the atlantic mackerel caught are kept and 19% are released. That works out to roughly 2.7M kept and 648K released in 2024.
How many atlantic mackerel are caught in Massachusetts?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 3.4M atlantic mackerel caught by recreational anglers in Massachusetts in 2024, making it the #2 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this atlantic mackerel data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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