Cero Mackerel

Cero mackerel are popular game fish and are frequently taken by commercial fishermen.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A CERO MACKEREL

Cero differ from the king mackerel and Spanish mackerel in having a pattern of both yellow spots, yellow-orange streaks, and a dark color line running the length of the body, and a lateral line that gradually curves down toward the caudal peduncle. The anterior third of the first dorsal fin is black like the Spanish mackerel. The pectoral fins are covered with small scales like the king mackerel. They are an epipelagic species that are most abundant in the clear waters around coral reefs, usually found solitary or in small groups.

 

WHERE TO CATCH CERO MACKEREL

While known from New England to Brazil, cero are primarily fish of the tropical and sub-tropical reefs. They are common throughout the Florida Keys, West Indies, and Cuba. It is the most common Scomberomorus in the West Indies. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

 

BAITFISH PATCHES                               FLOATING FOAM AND DEBRIS

BIRDS                                                 COASTAL WATERS

MAN-MADE STRUCTURES                               REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS

SHORE POINTS                                              BAYS AND ESTUARIES

CHANNEL ENTRANCES                                    DEEP SHORE WATER

JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS                           MERGING WATER

RIP TIDES                                                     SURF AND SHORE

 

HOW TO CATCH CERO MACKEREL

They feed mainly on small schooling fishes, especially sardines, herrings, pilchards, anchovies and silversides and sometimes squids and shrimps.Fishing methods are identical for cero and Spanish mackerel. As with any mackerel fishing, fast trolling while looking for baitfish is a good way to find ceros. Common lures include small silver spoons and white jigs. They also hit surface swimming plugs, chuggers, and shallow running plugs. They have sharp teeth so a wire leader is essential. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

DRIFT FISHING                           CHUMMING                     SURF CASTING

SALTWATER TROLLING                FLY FISHING            BOTTOM BOUNCING

STILL FISHING                            SALTWATER JIGGING

 

CERO MACKEREL LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

CUT BAIT                                   JIGS                                SPOONS

SALTWATER LIVE BAIT                TROLLING LURES              FLIES

PLUGS                             SHRIMP                           SQUID