ON a few recent trips to the mid north coast region, well known Sydney anglers Vic and Zane Levett set out to target both Spanish and spotted mackerel.
The pair managed to tag and release a number fish during a few sessions. Three of the tagged mackerel went on to be recaptured a short time later. This challenges the commonly held thought that mackerel species aren’t well suited to catch and release.
The three recaptures are summarised below:
1. Tag Number: A634522 – 128 cm Spanish mackerel – time at liberty 28 Days
2. Tag Number: A633478 – 85 cm spotted mackerel – time at liberty 35 Days
3. Tag Number: A634517 – 80 cm spotted mackerel – time at liberty 23 Days
The images in the gallery above show Vic with his 128 cm Spaniard before release. Angler Nick Angus, who recaptured the tagged fish 28 days later, is also pictured. And Zane Levett is shown displaying a nice spottie before it was tagged, released and eventually recaptured!
For more information on best practice catch and release techniques, click HERE.
And if you’re interested in NSW DPI’s tagging program, there’s plenty of info HERE.
