Kembung · Indian mackerel
Rastrelliger kanagurta
Kembung school in coastal bays, harbours and lagoons. They are pelagic; check local conditions and boat safety with the operator or local anglers.
A marine pelagic fish; also called Indian mackerel
What it eats in the wild
Phytoplankton and small zooplankton; adults also take larger plankton such as shrimp and fish larvae.
Bait to try
Try small bait pieces or fish bait where allowed; schools can move quickly.
Lures to try
Try a micro-jig, sabiki or small shiny lure for active schools.
Starter setup
Use a light setup with a permitted sabiki or small lure; on a boat, follow crew directions and wear a life jacket.
Local names can vary
Common names and the exact species can vary by region and fishery. Treat bait and rig advice as starting points, follow venue rules, and adjust to current, tide and conditions.
Photo credit: Sahat Ratmuangkhwang · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Species reference: FishBase
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