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Atlantic Horse Mackerel

Atlantic Horse Mackerel

Known almost universally in the UK as scad, Atlantic horse mackerel are a staple of Light Rock Fishing (LRF) and summer shore sessions along the south and west coasts.

They're a jack — related to trevally — and fish like one: fast, schooling, and built for low-light hunting. Most run well under a pound from shore, but they're a genuine target species in their own right, especially popular with LRF anglers chasing variety.

Scientific Name: Trachurus trachurus

Also known as Scad, aji, common scad, European horse mackerel

Physical Characteristics:
  • Slim, streamlined body, blue-green to grey above and silvery white below, with a distinct black spot just behind the gill cover.
  • Two dorsal fins: the first short with long thin spines, the second longer and lower — different from true mackerel, which have a more uniform fin profile.
  • The most reliable ID feature: a lateral line armoured with raised, bony scutes (hardened scales) that become especially pronounced near the tail — run a finger along it and you'll feel the ridge.
  • Most UK shore-caught fish run under 1 lb; occasional specimens from deeper boat marks push toward 3 lb. Max published weight is around 2 kg.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to UK waters; most common along the south and west coasts of England and Wales, but found right around the country in warmer months.
  • A migratory species — fish move north through spring and summer, reaching Scottish waters and beyond, then retreat south or into deeper water as temperatures drop in autumn.
  • Typically found in coastal pelagic water, schooling over sandy bottoms; adults usually hold at 100–200 m depth but come much shallower at night or when chasing prey near structure.
  • Two main populations use UK waters: a western Atlantic stock that spawns off western Europe, and a North Sea stock.

Key Locations

  • South-west England (Cornwall, Devon) — the most consistent shore and boat fishing, with the longest season running into autumn.
  • South coast harbours and piers (Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex) — night sessions under lights produce good numbers through summer.
  • West Wales and the Bristol Channel — scad follow the coastline north through summer and are regularly encountered here.
  • Jersey and the Channel Islands — a reliable mark for scad, including some of the larger specimens caught from UK-adjacent waters.

Specific Spots

  • Harbour walls, piers, and jetties after dark — scad move into very shallow water at night to feed, and lit structures that attract baitfish and plankton concentrate them reliably.
  • Rocky headlands and reef edges where tidal current pushes baitfish and small crustaceans — scad school up on the downtide side to intercept food.
  • From boats, mid-water over sandy ground in 20–50 m is productive; scad often suspend well off the bottom rather than hugging it.

Atlantic Horse Mackerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Horse Mackerel?

Micro jigs (1–5 g) in silver, white, or chartreuse are the go-to LRF choice, a slow lift-and-drop or steady retrieve at the right depth triggers strikes; match the size to the baitfish scad are chasing.

When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Horse Mackerel?

Summer and early autumn (roughly July–November) are the prime months across most of the UK, with August–November particularly productive in the south-west. Fish arrive earlier and stay later on the south and west coasts than further north, where the season is compressed into the warmest months.

How do you catch Atlantic Horse Mackerel?

Shore anglers in the UK target scad almost exclusively after dark from piers, harbour walls, and rocky marks using LRF gear and micro jigs or small soft plastics. Boat anglers use feathers or sabiki rigs, working mid-water over sandy ground.

What do Atlantic Horse Mackerel eat?

Small fish, shrimp, squid, and zooplankton, they feed across a wide size range, which is why tiny LRF lures (1–3 g micro jigs and soft plastics imitating small fry or shrimp) consistently outfish larger offerings.

Where do Atlantic Horse Mackerel live?

Native to UK waters; most common along the south and west coasts of England and Wales, but found right around the country in warmer months. A migratory species, fish move north through spring and summer, reaching Scottish waters and beyond, then retreat south or into deeper water as temperatures drop in autumn.

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