Sierra/spanish mackerel

Sierra Mackerel are a common inshore fish found throughout Pacific Coast Mexico, particularly in the late winter/spring months. It is also common in the gulf of Mexico, where it is known as Spanish Mackerel. They may have different latin names, but it’s pretty much the same fish, at least in appearance and characteristics. It is somewhat like an inshore Wahoo, both of which are Mackerel species.  At times the Sierra is sought after by panga or surf/shore fishermen, while at other times it is considered a pest, especially while fishing for Roosterfish and Pargo (Cubera Snapper). Sierra are very aggressive, have razor sharp teeth, and often swivel-hit trolled lines or leaders on a hooked fish. By that I mean biting the swivel at the top of a leader, where it is attached to the line, leaving an angler bait-less or lure-less and in most cases fish-less. It can be very frustrating. When this occurs, one must usually leave the area and fish elsewhere to avoid repeated strikes. Small specimens have been used as baitfish for large Roosterfish and even Sailfish and Marlin on occasion. 

 

Sierra Macs are long, slender, slightly compressed fish, which appear to be a cross between a Tuna and a Mackerel. They have a metallic dark blue back, with silver sides and fluorescent blue hues, along with large yellow spots throughout. As I said, this fish is almost identical to the Atlantic Spanish Mackerel, but may attain larger sizes. Most fish, especially in the winter months, are 1 to 5 pound fish with 6 to 8 pound fish being considered large. In late spring and early summer large ones can get to over 15 pounds.

 

Sierra Mackeral can be caught by boat, trolling small hootchie skirts and smaller Rapala-type lures, utilizing a wire leader. From shore, surf fishermen usually cast chrome spoons and jigs, retrieving fast, although larger Sierra will hit topwater lures, Rangers and the like. Generally, you see them at first light in the morning for a while and the last hour before sunset. Caution must be taken when unhooking a Sierra as not only do they have nasty teeth, but they have a bad attitude as well and will seemingly look at you, then bite you, easily mangling up a finger if you're not quick enough to pull your hand away. I have many scars on my hands attesting to this. 

 

Sierra are superb eating when used used in ceviche. They must be filleted and chilled upon capture, as the thin tender filets will go soft and mushy quickly.

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For more info on the Sierra Mackerel and other fish species, order my book "Fishing ... Mexican Style".