Mackerel in Scandinavia
- Chris
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
How to Catch Mackerel in Scandinavia (A Sailor’s Guide)
Mackerel are one of the easiest and most rewarding catches for sailors in Scandinavian waters. They turn a passage into a dinner opportunity and are ideal for trolling from a cruising yacht. This short guide covers timing, speed, tackle and simple rigging so you can make the most of mackerel season with the :HELM.
When to Go
Mackerel typically arrive on the Swedish west coast from late May to September, with July–August usually the most reliable months. Their movement depends on water temperature and food, so timing can vary year to year.
They’re most active at dawn and dusk, so plan a short troll around those times for the best chance of strikes.
Find the Right Depth and Speed
Early season (late spring / early summer): fish 2–8 metres deep — close to islands, shoals and current lines. Later in the season (autumn), mackerel move deeper; you may find them down to 30–40 metres. If you need to fish that deep, consider slowing or stopping the boat for better control.
Speed: Keep It Slow and Steady
Sailboats naturally troll in the right range. For mackerel, keep speed around 3–4 knots. Faster speeds tend to outrun the fish.
Tackle & Lures
Mackerel are not fussy, but the right gear helps:
Line: 0.5–0.8 mm monofilament or light braid works well. For small hooks and multiple traces a fine mono keeps things simple.
Hooks: Paternoster rigs with hooks in the 1/0–3/0 range are common.
Weights / Depth control: A ~500 g lead or a small paravane will hold your rig at the desired depth.
Lures: Small jigs, spoons, feathers and small plugs that run true at low trolling speeds. Our store lures are selected for exactly this purpose.
Using the :HELM
The :HELM is designed to sit ready on your pushpit or transom so you can troll without fuss. For mackerel:
Run a light paternoster trace and set drag low enough to feel the bite but firm enough to hook.
The :HELM will indicate even small strikes — reduce drag incrementally for small fish.
Keep spooled line tidy; mackerel are quick and lively but rarely heavy.
Practical Tips
Fish near islands, kelp edges and current lines where bait gathers.
Use short tugs on retrieval to check for light takes.
Keep tangles to a minimum: one well-set rig beats many complicated ones.
Follow local regulations and only keep what you will eat.
Quick FAQ
Best months? July–August (late May–September window). Ideal speed? 3–4 knots. Line strength? 0.5–0.8 mm mono is fine for mackerel. Depth? 2–8 m early; up to 30–40 m later in season (then consider slowing/stopping).
Final Word
Mackerel fishing from a sailing yacht is simple, social and very rewarding. With the right rig, a steady speed and a :HELM ready on the stern, nearly every passage can become a chance for fresh fish.
Tried this out? Share the catch — tag @fishhelm on Instagram
