Scad (Horse Mackerel)
Fish
Similar in build to mackerel but slimmer, with a distinctive row of hard, bony scutes running along its lateral line from head to tail — easy to feel if you run a finger along its flank.
Facts
- Often turns up mixed in with mackerel catches on feathers, especially later in summer.
- The bony lateral-line scutes are a defence feature, and the reason scad is sometimes called 'horse mackerel'.
- A good bait fish for larger predators like bass and conger when fished whole or as fillets.
UK fishing rules
No recreational size or bag limit currently applies in UK waters.
Where to catch Scad (Horse Mackerel) (8 marks)
| Mark | Region | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brixham Breakwater | South West | Jun–Sep | Feathers fished from the outer third of the breakwater |
| Chesil Beach (Ferrybridge, Dorset) | South West | Jun–Sep | Feathers or spinners cast into clean water on the drop-off close in. |
| Eastbourne Seafront | South East | May–Sep | Float-fished baits or small feathers off the pier on light gear |
| Portreath | South West | Jun–Sep | Feathers cast from the harbour walls in summer. |
| Salcombe (Bolt Head) | South West | Jun–Sep | Feathers or spinners fished off the rocks in summer. |
| Selsey Bill | South East | Jun-Sep | Feathers/float tackle |
| Shoreham Harbour Arms (East & West Arm) | South East | Jun-Sep | Float or feathers, best at night in high summer |
| Welcombe Mouth | South West | Jun–Sep | Feathers or small spinners worked mid-water off the rocks when fish are showing. |