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Severn River Association

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Holy Mackerel!!! We have Spanish Mackerel in the Severn!

We are excited to pass along this cool pic from members of the esteemed Severn River Rod & Keg Club about the great Spanish Mackerel fishing in the Severn right now!

These Macs migrate up the coast from Florida and the Bahamas, typically reaching the mid-Chesapeake by August, then departing in late-September. They're an open water fish and very fast swimmers, often leaping well clear of the water as they feed.

They gorge on Bay Anchovies, Silversides and small Menhaden. Fishing for them entails either trolling small, flashy spoons (such as Clarke or Drone spoons) very fast -- 7-8mph -- or casting and retrieving a similar flashy lure as fast as you can turn the crank on your reel.

Most Macs caught in the Bay and Severn are between 18-24 inches, although some are larger. Their meat is delicate and great to eat, but it does not freeze well, so keep only what you plan to eat in a day or two.

Anglers in the Chesapeake are having one of the best Spanish Mackerel seasons in recent memory. Spanish Mackerel in the Severn in such numbers was unheard of before this year. They'll probably depart in a hurry after the first major cold front (forecast for some time between September 19-21), so enjoy these amazing tropical visitors while they're here! ... See MoreSee Less

Sep 11

Holy Mackerel!!! We have Spanish Mackerel in the Severn! We are excited to pass along this cool pic from members of the esteemed Severn River Rod & Keg Club about the great Spanish Mackerel fishing in the Severn right now! These Macs migrate up the coast from Florida and the Bahamas, typically reaching the mid-Chesapeake by August, then departing in late-September. Theyre an open water fish and very fast swimmers, often leaping well clear of the water as they feed. They gorge on Bay Anchovies, Silversides and small Menhaden. Fishing for them entails either trolling small, flashy spoons (such as Clarke or Drone spoons) very fast -- 7-8mph -- or casting and retrieving a similar flashy lure as fast as you can turn the crank on your reel. Most Macs caught in the Bay and Severn are between 18-24 inches, although some are larger. Their meat is delicate and great to eat, but it does not freeze well, so keep only what you plan to eat in a day or two. Anglers in the Chesapeake are having one of the best Spanish Mackerel seasons in recent memory. Spanish Mackerel in the Severn in such numbers was unheard of before this year. Theyll probably depart in a hurry after the first major cold front (forecast for some time between September 19-21), so enjoy these amazing tropical visitors while theyre here!
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Here’s a couple we caught last week out of the Severn. Spanish Macs are a beautiful fish.

Great write up. I learned something new about these fish. P.S. That's my boy's catch, he was stoked.

Got my first ever in the Severn River !! On 9/13/19

We like mackerel with salt pepper and olive oil in this house!

I’m from the Severn. I would love to catch them. Where about we’re you

Tricia Koontz

Cool

They tend to puke on deck too

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