I discovered the same thing myself this last year John
Mackerel are lousy in the freezer. When I unthaw them to cook them they are
almost unbearably fishy and just don't seem right. (sadly I have about 10 in
there that I'm just keeping until spring for bait now.)

however, after I make my chowder or what not that does seem to freeze ok.
Maybe it has something to do with the oils in them.
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Everything from fishing to Freaks
www.sprattoo.com
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"John Murphy" wrote in message
...
Further south, Macks are not normally caught from shore. I fish for them
in the spring run off Va/Md/Del/NJ and we are usually 10-15 miles
offshore. The standard tackle used is a conventional boat rod with 3-5
hooks (tubes and a jig). I like to bring along a light spinning rod with
6-8 pound test line and a small chrome jig or spoon and catch them one at
a time instead of 4 at a time. They are quite good little fighters when
fished on light tackle. I addition to being good bait, I enjoy a fresh
broiled mackerel with a little butter, lemon and garlic. They don't freeze
well fresh but they certainly do smoke well. I bought a home smoker and
now smoke a couple of dozen and enjoy them over a 3 month period following
the run.



sprattoo wrote:
I really enjoy catching Mackerel here in Maine on light tackle. They make
fast runs, fight hard and generally make for fast fishing action when you
are fishing for one at a time off a Jetty or Pier.

I have even been making unique flies and lures geared just for Mackerel
in Maine.

Does anyone else around consider Mackerel as a "sport" fish? If so I
would really be interested in what type of terminal gear and fishing
style is being used.

I figure If I'm catching them for striper bait, I might as well have a
lot of fun doing it. I haven't seen many sites geared specifically toward
mackerel fishing from shore.