GIVING IT LARGE

It’s said that a big bait will catch bigger fish, so here’s how to present a whole mackerel on a Pennell rig

How to prepare a whole mackerel on a Pennell rig.

When targeting larger species such as cod, bull huss or conger eels from a deep water venue, the preferred approach for many anglers is to use a whole mackerel bait. By taking the time to present this oily fish correctly, you’ll give yourself a better chance of securing a perfect hook-up. ■

PREPARATION

Choose a mackerel of around 10-12 inches long and remove the tail and fins with scissors. This prevents the fish bait from spinning in the air when you cast. Some anglers prefer to use large circle hooks of around size 6/0 on a Pennell rig. You can use other hook patterns with longer shanks but it’s important that they have a wide gape. Insert the hook just slightly into the flesh close to the rear of the mackerel, then push and turn the hook so the hook snood is secured under the skin. Pull the hook out of the fish and do the same just above the head of the mackerel, ensuring that the snood is flat on the back of the fish and the hook point is clearly visible either under or below the jaw.

SECURING

With a thin but strong bait elastic, begin to secure the whole mackerel by binding the cotton from tail to head. Always ensure the snood line is along the back of the fish. Repeat the process until the mackerel is secured fully in position with the hook still protruding out of the jaw. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of bait elastic to secure the fish but try to avoid masking it.

FIRM HOLD

Now take the top Pennell hook and push it through the hardest part of the mackerel. This is easy to locate about an inch from the tail where it’s firm and quite bony. Using the bottom hook at the jaw, pull it slightly so the snood line tightens along the back and straightens both of the hooks on a tight snood.

FINAL CHECK

Check the whole mackerel is secure and in position, ensuring the hooks are firm and cannot move or spin. If the fish is not secured to the hooks or if the snood line is loose, simply add more elastic cotton until you are satisfied it is fixed tightly on the Pennell and has no movement.

READY TO CAST

Your whole mackerel is ready to be fixed into a bait clip before casting. The best bait clips to use are the Gemini Solo versions. These can accommodate large hooks with a stronger wire pattern and will actually lock the hook into position to prevent the bait from falling off before you cast out. These bait clips are also perfect when casting off-the-ground because they will only open on contact with the sea after casting.