Frigate Mackerel

FRIGATE MACKEREL

Torpedos

Frigate mackerel

# 1 Bait

Comes with 100% guarantee to get bit

When torpedos are found it’s worth changing up the spread to fish for more. Roosterfish can’t pass them up… even when trolled dead, tail first and spinning. Sailfish are going to eat it as will most any marlin you pass it over. Send it deep and a big snapper or grouper is going to eat it. This is the best bait to catch a giant Yellowfin Tuna or any other fish that eats

fish

The Frigate Mackerel (Auxis thazard), also known as frigate tuna, is a small to medium-sized mackerel species that inhabits the tropical and subtropical waters of the Eastern Pacific, including the coastal waters of Central America. These fish are part of the Scombridae family, closely related to tunas and other mackerel species.

Here’s an overview of what’s known about frigate mackerel in the context of Eastern Pacific Central America:

Migration and Distribution in Eastern Pacific (Central America):

Migration: Frigate mackerel are pelagic and migratory, following warm waters, and they tend to move in schools based on water temperature and prey availability. They are known to follow oceanic fronts and temperature gradients where food is abundant, particularly near areas like the Gulf of Panama, the Gulf of Tehuantepec, and along the Pacific coastlines of Costa Rica and Mexico.
These fish are found in open ocean waters, typically in depths of around 100 to 200 feet (30–60 meters), although they can occasionally come closer to shore in coastal waters.

Size and Weight:

World Record Size: The largest recorded frigate mackerel is around 7 pounds (3.2 kg) and 2.5 feet (75 cm) in length, although these measurements are rare, and most individuals are much smaller.
Typical Size: The average frigate mackerel is typically around 1 to 3 pounds (0.5–1.5 kg) and 1.5 to 2 feet (45–60 cm) long.
They grow quickly but remain relatively small compared to other tuna and mackerel species.

Growth Rates and Age:

Growth Rate: Frigate mackerel grow rapidly, reaching about 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) in their first year of life. They are considered fast-growing, but their growth slows significantly after reaching about 1.5 feet (45 cm).
Age: The average lifespan of frigate mackerel is around 5 years, though some individuals may live up to 7 years. The majority of fish caught commercially or for sport are typically in the 2 to 3-year-old range.

Pelagic Habits:

Frigate mackerel are highly pelagic and usually swim in large schools. They are fast swimmers, which makes them both an effective predator and a challenging catch.
They are often seen in association with floating objects (like debris or logs) or near the surface in search of small schooling prey.
These fish feed mostly on plankton, small fish, and squid, and are often preyed upon by larger predators, including sharks and large tuna species.

Feeding Behavior:

Frigate mackerel are opportunistic predators, feeding on small fish (like anchovies, sardines) and zooplankton.
They are also known to feed in feeding frenzies, where schools of these fish will rapidly move through schools of smaller fish or plankton swarms to take advantage of food concentrations.

Coloration and Behavior:

Frigate mackerel have a distinctive dark blue to greenish back, with a lighter belly and a distinct dark stripealong the side. This coloration helps them blend in with the surrounding water and provides camouflage.
These fish are highly agile, and when disturbed or threatened, they will often dart through the water in fast, erratic bursts.

Fishing and Conservation:

Fishing: Frigate mackerel is often caught in the Eastern Pacific using purse seines and longline fishingtechniques. They are popular as baitfish for larger tuna and billfish species, but are also caught for human consumption in some regions.
Conservation: Although not considered endangered, frigate mackerel populations can be affected by overfishing, especially when caught for their use as bait or through commercial fishing practices.