Devon Baits Mackerel

Frozen Mackerel

Mackerel is widely regarded as the ultimate, all-time classic sea deadbait for pike, renowned for its incredible oil output, heavy scent trail, and proven track record with specimen fish. Gerry’s Fishing Frozen Mackerel gives you prime-condition, full-sized fish packed with rich natural fats, blood, and an unmistakable aroma that leaks steadily into the swim. The striking, high-contrast pattern—featuring dark, mottled blue-green stripes against a brilliant silver belly—provides maximum visual appeal that predators can spot from a distance in all water clarity conditions.

Full-sized mackerel offer a substantial, high-calorie meal that big winter pike actively seek out. Their firm flesh and resilient skin hold treble hooks securely, taking the strain of heavy power casts and holding up against river currents or nuisance fish pecks. Whether fished whole for a huge specimen profile or cut into sections to release an immediate oil cloud, mackerel remains an essential cornerstone of any predator angler’s bait tin.

Key Features & Specifications

Bait Profile: Full-sized, high-oil sea deadbait with vibrant silver belly and striped back
Target Species: Specimen Northern Pike, Zander, and large freshwater predators
Oil Dispersal: Exceptionally high oil and blood content for rapid, far-reaching scent slicks
Durability: Firm flesh and resilient skin built for long-distance casting and running water
Versatility: Ideal whole, halved, or cut into steaks and sectioned hookbaits
Condition: Flash frozen at peak freshness to lock in natural oils, skin sheen, and body integrity

Pro Tip

To get the absolute maximum performance out of a full-sized mackerel, use a sharp bait knife to lightly score 3 or 4 diagonal slashes across the flanks before casting out. This simple trick exposes the dark, oil-rich inner flesh directly to the water column, creating an immediate, dense scent slick without compromising the structural integrity of the skin where your hooks are seated.

When targeting big fish on large waters, try fishing a half-mackerel presentation. Cut the mackerel diagonally in half; use the aerodynamic tail section for hitting extreme casting distances, or use the head-and-gut section to release an unbeatable flood of natural blood and belly oil straight into the swim.

Where & How to Use

Large Reservoirs & Gravel Pits: The substantial size and heavy oil output make whole mackerel the premier choice for drawing open-water specimen pike from distance.
Cold Winter Conditions: Packed with high-fat energy that triggers essential feeding responses from low-mobility, lethargic winter fish.
Rivers & Tidal Stretches: Super-tough skin holds firm on twin-treble traces against heavy river flow, releasing a long, downstream attractor trail.
Murky & Coloured Water: The combination of an intense oil slick and bright, reflective belly scales helps pike locate the bait using both scent and sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many do I get in the packet?

Dependant on the size, these are either packed in 2 or 3 per pack.

What size treble hooks should I use with full-sized mackerel?

Because full-sized mackerel are a substantial, thick-set bait, a heavy wire twin-treble trace fitted with size 4 treble hooks is recommended to ensure clear hook exposure and maximum hook-up efficiency.

Is it better to fish mackerel whole or in halves?

Both are exceptionally effective. Whole mackerel are ideal for targeting big specimen pike on long static sessions. Halved mackerel or cut steaks leak scent much faster into the water, making them perfect for shorter sessions or building an attractor area.

How do I mount a whole mackerel to prevent it from slipping on the cast?

Insert the top treble hook securely into the tough, bony tail root, which absorbs the full force of the cast. Seat the lower treble into the mid-flank or shoulder area. For extreme power casting, add a few turns of fine bait elastic around the tail root and trace wire.

Bait delivery exemption confirmation. (required)

Add bait elastic

Gift Vouchers

Visit Our Super Store

Flexible Payment Plans

Devon Baits Lamprey Sections 4 per Pack

Devon Baits Sardine Maxi Pack 6 per Pack

Devon Baits Herring 3 per Pack

Devon Baits Trout Bulk Pack

Devon Baits Trout 3 per Pack

Devon Baits Roach 4 per Pack

Luce Baits Medium Roach

Baitbox Smelt Medium 5/6

Information

Support

Subscribe Newsletter

Chest Size Guide