Cero mackerel

Scomberomorous regalis

A state link is a recorded source association, not a catch guarantee or confirmation that targeting is legal. Check current regulations with the responsible state agency.

Peak months
Typical depth
Typical size: Up to 36 inches Coastal waters, especially over coral reefs and other structure, occurring mainly in south Florida. Unlike other mackerels, cero mackerels do not stray far from south Florida waters
Catch minimum
National record

See state records · Browse all fishing records

Biology, seasons and size reflect the canonical source record, which may contain Florida context. They are not state-specific guidance for every linked state. Missing fields remain unfilled.

Overview

Habitat summary: Coastal waters, especially over coral reefs and other structure, occurring mainly in south Florida.
Diet: feed on small fish and squid.
Water type: saltwater

When to fish

Good months: Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Seasonality: They spawn offhshore in midsummer and feed on small fish and squid.
Bite time of day: daytime around reefs with bait

Where to fish

Habitat summary: Coastal waters, especially over coral reefs and other structure, occurring mainly in south Florida.
Habitat zone: nearshore
Fishing zone: nearshore

How to catch

Techniques: similar to Spanish mackerel: fast retrieves, light wire, live bait on stinger

Bait & lures

Preferred bait: live sardines and small baitfish
Preferred lures: fast metal spoons/jigs with light wire

Size

Typical size: Up to 36 inches Coastal waters, especially over coral reefs and other structure, occurring mainly in south Florida. Unlike other mackerels, cero mackerels do not stray far from south Florida waters

Records

Recorded catches retain their source scope; state and world catches are not national records.

state record evidence

Source context: Florida

Record type: florida state
Record weight lb: 17.13
Record location: Islamorada
Record date: 05/05/1986
Record angler: G. Michael Mills
Record catch text: 17.13 lb; by G. Michael Mills; on 05/05/1986; at Islamorada

Record source

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Related states & places

Place links are planning context, not proof of local species presence. Florida city links marked local context follow existing directory relationships, not catch reports.

Florida fishing guide

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Source-linked directories

Real local listings currently cover Florida only. Boat-ramp, charter and creator links below follow existing Florida species relationships. Bait-shop links are city context only, not species-targeting evidence.

Boat ramps — Florida

Selected examples from 135 source-linked directory records.

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Bait shops — Florida

Selected examples from 169 source-linked city-context records.

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Fishing creators — Florida

Selected examples from 2 source-linked directory records.

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Related species

Navigation links share a recorded scientific genus or a source state and water-type grouping. This is not a claim of identical habitat or legal targeting.

Source evidence by state

Florida

State guide · State species

common name local: Cero Mackerel
scientific name local: Scomberomorous regalis
water type local: saltwater
enrichment status: enriched
geo regions fl: Southeast · Inland South
range precision: region
record catch text: 17.13 lb; by G. Michael Mills; on 05/05/1986; at Islamorada

Legacy Florida source profiles

Cero Mackerel

LoveToFish is a national fishing guide. Fish species coverage spans all 50 states. Ramp, charter, bait shop, and creator directories currently cover Florida. Verify current local regulations with the responsible agency.