Best Mackerel Fishing Plugs of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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For fishing enthusiasts, mackerel fishing plugs are a must-have. These lures are designed to mimic the natural movements of small fish, attracting mackerel and other predatory species. They come in a variety of colours and sizes, allowing anglers to select the perfect plug for their fishing location and target species. Mackerel fishing plugs are durable and easy to use, making them ideal for both novice and experienced anglers. With their realistic appearance and enticing action, these plugs are sure to increase your chances of a successful fishing trip.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Nomura Nagasa Extra Long Plug: Real Mackerel Cover #TOP 1
Nomura Nagasa Extra Long Plug: Real Mackerel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Calissa Offshore Tackle 140mm California Inshore Fishing Cover #TOP 2
Calissa Offshore Tackle 140mm California Inshore Fishing
ftb score rating icon 9.8
DMSHARK 5" Jointed Fishing Lures Minnow of Medium Diving Jerkbait Lifelike Swimbaits Hard Crankbait Topwater Slow Sinking Fishing Tackler Cover #TOP 3
DMSHARK 5" Jointed Fishing Lures Minnow of Medium Diving Jerkbait Lifelike Swimbaits Hard Crankbait Topwater Slow Sinking Fishing Tackler
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 Mackerel Fishing Plugs

#TOP 1

Nomura Nagasa Extra Long Plug: Real Mackerel

NOMURA
Real Mackerel
Nomura Nagasa Extra Long Plug: Real Mackerel Cover
Nomura Nagasa Extra Long Plug: Real Mackerel

Features
The Streamlined Profile And The Weights Inside Allow Long And Accurate Casting
Nagasa Extra Long Is The Bait Of Choice For Catching Big Predators
Three Ultra Strong Treble Hooks With Anti-Salt Treatment Complete The Work
The Same Weights Also Give This Lure A Swimming Tilting Action
21.4cm - 38g
#TOP 2

Calissa Offshore Tackle 140mm California Inshore Fishing

JX-UVIB-JWLE
Glow Mackerel
140mm
Calissa Offshore Tackle 140mm California Inshore Fishing Cover
Calissa Offshore Tackle 140mm California Inshore Fishing ||| Special Jerkbait Crankbait Surf Flash Fishing Salt Pro Lure Minnow Zebra MS Metallic Sardine Glow 140 (Glow Mackerel)

Features
1) EXTRA LARGE 14cm Length: Stronger Body And Hooks, And More Vibrant Action!
2) SALTWATER GRADE: Made From The Highest Quality Material, Our Lures Are Saltwater Corrosion Resistant. Uses Upgraded Saltwater Grade Hooks That Won't Bend When Fighting 10+ Lbs Fish!!
3) SWIMMING SPECS: Length: 5.5" Weight: 1.2 Oz Swimming Depth: 1-2 Ft
4) USA COMPANY: An Innovative American Owned Company. Specifically, For Targeting Big Halibut, Large Calicos, And Oversized Perch From Shore. Largemouth, Smallmouth, And Striped Bass In Freshwater
5) 12-MONTH GUARANTEE: Disappointed? Out-Fished By Other Lure Brands? Shoot Us A Message And We'll Refund Your Purchase Without Question!!
#TOP 3

DMSHARK 5" Jointed Fishing Lures Minnow of Medium Diving Jerkbait Lifelike Swimbaits Hard Crankbait Topwater Slow Sinking Fishing Tackler

DMSHARK
Blad Mackerel
5 Inch
DMSHARK 5" Jointed Fishing Lures Minnow of Medium Diving Jerkbait Lifelike Swimbaits Hard Crankbait Topwater Slow Sinking Fishing Tackler Cover
DMSHARK 5" Jointed Fishing Lures Minnow of Medium Diving Jerkbait Lifelike Swimbaits Hard Crankbait Topwater Slow Sinking Fishing Tackler for Bass Walleye Trout Freshwater Saltwater (Blad Mackerel)

Features
DMSHARK 5" Jointed Fishing Lures Minnow Bait Is A Top-Rated Choice Among Anglers Who Target Trout, Pike, Perch, And Salmon.
Powerful Double 6# Treble Hooks For A Higher Chance Of Catching Big Fish.High-Quality Hooks That Are Sharp And Durable, Ensuring That You Can Reel In Big Fish Without Worrying About Losing Them.
Realistic Action And Look That Mimics The Natural Prey Of These Fish, Making It Irresistible To Hungry Predators.
Diving Vane And Jointed Body Create Vibration And Wobble In The Water, Triggering Strikes From Even The Most Cautious Fish.
Available In A Variety Of Colors And Sizes To Suit Different Fishing Conditions And Preferences. Some Of The Most Popular Colors Include Baby Bass, Rainbow Trout, And Fire Tiger.
#TOP 4

YZD Saltwater Trolling Fishing lure Minnow Hard Bait 4.5'' 6'' Big Game Floating Topwater Crankbait Lure for Kingfish Tuna Mackerel Marlin GT Ulua Bait

YZD
Green
4.5 inch 1.5 oz
YZD Saltwater Trolling Fishing lure Minnow Hard Bait 4.5'' 6'' Big Game Floating Topwater Crankbait Lure for Kingfish Tuna Mackerel Marlin GT Ulua Bait Cover
YZD Saltwater Trolling Fishing lure Minnow Hard Bait 4.5'' 6'' Big Game Floating Topwater Crankbait Lure for Kingfish Tuna Mackerel Marlin GT Ulua Bait (Green, 4.5 inch 1.5 oz)

Features
※ Super-Tough Stainless Steel And A Stout Hardwood Body It Will Stand Up To Visious Abuse.
※ Ideal For Saltwater Predators. It Is Built With Saltwater-Grade Components
※ Mustad Hook Fixed With Split Rings And Heavy-Duty Swivel.
※ Length: 4.5 / 6 Inch -Weight: 1.5 / 2.7oz
※ Equipped With Lifelike Fish Eyes And Two Saltwater-Grade
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best bait for mackerel?

The best bait for catching mackerel is either a sandeel or strip of mackerel, but lures are also highly effective. I recommend the spinners listed on this page alongside Japanese Sabiki feathers for more hook ups. Fishing with baited mackerel feathers allows you to catch mackerel as well as other species.

2. What can you catch with a plug lure?

Diving offshore fishing plugs are used when trolling in deep water for species such as king mackerel, tuna, grouper, dolphinfish (mahi mahi), and wahoo. Many of these offshore plugs are reflective holographic hardbaits with large plastic lips that enable them to reach depths of 20 or 40 feet.

3. What Tackle do I need for mackerel fishing?

There is no need for finesse or complicated rigs when fishing for mackerel. Nor is there any need for any specific rods and reels. For the best sport, choose a light spinning rod or lure rod and match it up with a small fixed spool reel. Use 15 lb monofilament line or better still 15 lb braid.

4. What is a sea plug?

Plugs are a type of hard lure which is most commonly associated with fishing for bass, although they can be used to catch many other predatory species such as pollock, coalfish and mackerel.

Editor's Notes

During our mackerel fishing plug research, we found 6 mackerel fishing plug products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,155 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mackerel fishing plugs list. We found that most customers choose mackerel fishing plugs with an average price of £17.18.

The mackerel fishing plugs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mackerel fishing plugs, including NOMURA, Calissa Offshore Tackle, DMSHARK, YZD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 442 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.