Atlantic Chub Mackerel
Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) are a schooling pelagic species found along Argentina's Atlantic coast and continental shelf.
They travel in dense schools and are taken mainly as bycatch in commercial purse-seine and trawl fisheries targeting sardine and anchovy, but recreational anglers fishing from shore or small boats along the Buenos Aires coast encounter them regularly, especially when schools push inshore.
Scientific Name: Scomber colias
Also known as Caballa, macarela
- Streamlined body with a deeply forked tail and greenish-blue back covered in dark, oblique zigzag lines — the marbled lower flanks distinguish it from Atlantic mackerel, which has a clean white belly.
- Belly and lower flanks are pale white with faint wavy lines or dusky spotting — more mottled than the plain silver underside of Scomber scombrus.
- Noticeably large eyes relative to head size; a useful field mark when comparing to similar mackerel species.
- Typical fish run 25–35 cm; specimens over 40 cm are uncommon, and the species maxes out around 60 cm and roughly 1.5 kg.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the western South Atlantic; found along Argentina's entire Atlantic coastline and out across the continental shelf to depths of 250–300 m.
- A pelagic, schooling species that spends most of its time in the water column near the surface in coastal and shelf waters, though schools can dive deep quickly when threatened.
- Juveniles tend to stay closer inshore than adults, which range further out over the shelf.
- Prefers temperate to warm water; adults are most active and concentrated when sea temperatures sit in the 15–21°C range.
Key Locations
- Buenos Aires Province coast — schools move inshore along the Atlantic-facing beaches and rocky points, particularly in warmer months.
- Mar del Plata area — one of Argentina's main commercial fishing ports; chub mackerel appear regularly in catches here alongside anchovy and sardine.
- The Patagonian continental shelf — important commercial fishing grounds where this species is taken as bycatch in pelagic trawl and purse-seine operations.
Specific Spots
- Schools follow baitfish concentrations near the surface — watch for birds working the water or visible surface disturbance to locate them quickly.
- Inshore, they push close to beaches, piers, and rocky points along the Buenos Aires coast when water temperatures are favorable, making them accessible from shore.
- At night, schools are drawn toward light sources at the surface — a tactic commercial fishermen exploit with encircling nets, and one that shore anglers with lights can use to their advantage.
Atlantic Chub Mackerel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Chub Mackerel?
Small metal jigs and chrome spoons in the 10–30 g range are the go-to, cast and retrieve with an erratic, fast action to mimic fleeing baitfish. Silver and blue-green finishes match the local anchovy and sardine forage well.
When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Chub Mackerel?
Spring (September–November), schools begin moving inshore as water temperatures rise; fishing picks up along the coast. Summer (December–February), peak inshore availability; fish are most accessible from shore and in shallow shelf waters.
How do you catch Atlantic Chub Mackerel?
Recreational anglers in Argentina typically target chub mackerel from shore or small boats along the Buenos Aires coast using light spinning gear and small metal lures or Sabiki rigs.
What do Atlantic Chub Mackerel eat?
Smaller fish feed heavily on zooplankton, tiny crustaceans like copepods and small shrimp-like organisms. As they grow, they shift toward larger prey: small pelagic fish like anchovies and sardines, squid, and larger crustaceans.
Where do Atlantic Chub Mackerel live?
Native to the western South Atlantic; found along Argentina's entire Atlantic coastline and out across the continental shelf to depths of 250–300 m.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Atlantic Chub Mackerel.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every Atlantic Chub Mackerel water
Pick Atlantic Chub Mackerel and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch Atlantic Chub Mackerel
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where Atlantic Chub Mackerel are.
Open the map, filter by Atlantic Chub Mackerel, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.