Pacific Sierra Mackerel

The Pacific sierra mackerel, found in the Pacific Ocean, is considered a game fish. These fish are known to have very sharp teeth and should be handled with care. The best methods for catching them include trolling, bottom fishing, chumming, drift fishing, saltwater jigging, saltwater trolling, and surf casting.

Pacific Sierra Mackerel

Region: West
Habitat: Bay, Ocean

How to identify Pacific Sierra Mackerel

The Pacific sierra mackerel, also known as the Mexican sierra, has a long, compressed body. It’s coloring is silvery-blue on its back and silvery-white with yellowish brown spots on its sides and belly. Its tail is black, as is the first frontal spine on the dorsal fin, while the rest of the fin is a lighter color. It has very sharp, triangular-shaped teeth.

Where to catch Pacific Sierra Mackerel

The Pacific sierra mackerel is the most numerous game fish living along the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America. It can be found from La Jolla, California south to Peru, and has been reported as far south as Chile. It lives in shallow waters in the eastern central Pacific Ocean. Pacific Sierra Mackerel is a surface fish generally found in depths of about 50 feet of water. Younger Pacific sierra mackerel stick closer to the shoreline shallows.

Range: West
Pacific Sierra Mackerel Fishing Map

The following are habitats where you can catch Pacific Sierra Mackerel:

How to catch Pacific Sierra Mackerel

The population of the Pacific sierra mackerel is large, but fishing for them is limited in certain US states. Many anglers consider fishing for these fish to be enjoyable. Look for them just under the surface. The best method to use is slow trolling with lures or baits. Bottom fishing also produces good results, as does chumming, drift fishing, saltwater jigging, saltwater trolling, and surf casting. These fish have very sharp teeth; therefore, anglers should use a wire fishing leader and be cautious when taking these fish off the hook.

The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Pacific Sierra Mackerel:

Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Pacific Sierra Mackerel

The best baits to use for the Pacific sierra mackerel are shiny lures, flies with flashy streamers, or baits, such as anchovies or sardines.

The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Pacific Sierra Mackerel: