Mackerel

• One of the best baits for mackerel are fresh mackerel strips. Fresh mackerel strips cut down to slim triangles can be placed on a hook. Frozen mackerel can also be used. Fresh mackerel will spoil fairly quickly and may require refrigeration to ensure freshness. Special bait rigs can be purchased to help keep bait in place. Mackerel bait will need to be replaced after a half hour of use as it loses its scent underwater.
  
  

Surge Tube Worms

• Surge tube worms can be used to bait mackerel. Anglers can set up a bait with a dozen or more surge tube worms to create what looks like a larger sea animal. The bait will be highly visible and need to be released and brought back up to the surface to attract mackerel. A popular way to use surge tube worms as bait is to use a "mackerel tree" which is a special bait rig designed to display the surge tube worms underwater.
  
  

Fresh Squid

• Fresh squid can also be used in a similar way as mackerel strips. Cut a fresh squid into small pieces and attach to a large hook. Squid may be difficult at times to hook, but has a strong scent for catching mackerel. Squid used as bait works best with a spinner rig. A spinner rig creates the illusion that the bait is still alive, which is effective for attracting mackerel.
  
  

Metal Lures

• Metal lures can be set up to be effective bait for mackerel. While a metal lure may not have the scent or blood from fresh bait such as squid or mackerel, when attached to a spinner rig it will create the illusion of movement as well as create striking colors. Metal lures also do not have to be replaced as regularly as there is no issue of losing scent or freshness as fresh bait lures do.