Atlantic Horse Mackerel
The Netherlands ranks among the world's top two horse mackerel fishing nations by volume, running large-scale midwater trawl and purse seine operations across the North Sea and NE Atlantic.
For recreational anglers, marsbanker show up along the Dutch North Sea coast and in offshore waters, where they're a lively light-tackle target — fast, schooling fish that hit small jigs and sabiki rigs readily.
Scientific Name: Trachurus trachurus
Also known as Marsbanker, Hordmakreel
- Streamlined, compressed body; bluish-green or grey-black on top, silvery white below, with a distinct black spot on the gill cover — the clearest field mark.
- A continuous lateral line armed with bony, keeled scutes (hard, ridge-like scales) running from head to tail — rough to the touch and unique among common North Sea species.
- Two separate dorsal fins; the first is tall and spiny, the second long and soft-rayed.
- Common fish run 20–35 cm and around 200–400 g; larger individuals can reach 60 cm and approach 2 kg.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the eastern Atlantic; present in the North Sea, including waters off the Dutch coast, as well as the broader NE Atlantic where Dutch vessels operate.
- A pelagic, schooling species — spends most of its time in open water rather than on the bottom, though it can be found anywhere from the surface down to around 200 m, and occasionally deeper.
- Two recognized stocks overlap Dutch fishing grounds: the North Sea stock (southern and central North Sea, eastern English Channel) and the larger western stock of the NE Atlantic.
- Congregates in coastal areas over sandy substrate, especially during warmer months when schools push closer inshore.
Key Locations
- North Sea coastal waters off the Dutch coast — the primary area where both commercial and recreational anglers encounter horse mackerel.
- Southern and central North Sea — the core range of the North Sea stock, fished by Dutch bottom trawlers and purse seiners.
- NE Atlantic grounds (ICES areas 2a, 5b, 6, 7, 8) — where Dutch midwater trawl and purse seine fleets target the larger western stock.
Specific Spots
- Schools suspend in mid-water over sandy bottom — vertical jigging through the water column is more productive than fishing a fixed depth.
- Offshore structure such as wrecks and reefs concentrates baitfish, which in turn draws horse mackerel; these are reliable holding spots when fish are scattered.
- Current lines and tide rips along the North Sea coast push zooplankton and small baitfish to the surface, pulling feeding schools up with them.
- From shore or pier, fish are most catchable when schools push into shallower coastal water, often signaled by surface activity or diving seabirds.
Atlantic Horse Mackerel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Horse Mackerel?
Sabiki rigs, multi-hook feather or tinsel rigs, are the most consistent producers when fish are schooled up; drop through the school and you'll often hook multiple fish at once.
When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Horse Mackerel?
Summer and early autumn (June–October) are the most productive months, when schools move into shallower coastal waters off the Dutch North Sea coast. Commercial fishing by Dutch vessels runs year-round across the NE Atlantic, but inshore recreational opportunities peak during the warmer half of the year.
How do you catch Atlantic Horse Mackerel?
Recreational anglers in the Netherlands target horse mackerel from boats and piers along the North Sea coast, primarily using sabiki rigs or small metal jigs worked through the water column.
What do Atlantic Horse Mackerel eat?
Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, squid, and zooplankton, the mix shifts with what's available in the water column. Small silvery jigs and sabiki rigs (multi-hook feather rigs that imitate a cluster of tiny baitfish or shrimp) match this feeding behavior well.
Where do Atlantic Horse Mackerel live?
Native to the eastern Atlantic; present in the North Sea, including waters off the Dutch coast, as well as the broader NE Atlantic where Dutch vessels operate.
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