greenie, greenback, mossback, spanish?

what's the difference between all the mackerels used for bait on the california coast?

The two most common, in fact probably only, mackerels used for bait in CA are the Pacific mackerel, Scomber japonicus (aka greenie, greenback and mossback) and the Jack mackerel, Trachurus symmetricus (aka Spanish mackerel).  Both could be found near Monterey.  If you search Google Images by the scientific name you will get enough pictures.  In fact I just used it and the second picture for Trachurus symmetricus is perfect for showing the distinct lateral line which is a great characteristic for telling the difference between the two because the Jack Mackerel (aka Spanish mackerel is actually a jack like yellowtails.  Hope this helps.

thanks!  one is a mini-tuna and one is a mini-yellowtail!

and now I know I have caught both in capitola.



check this link, it figures the baja catch guys (gene kirra and neil kelly) would have the answer. those guys kick ass!

http://www.mexfish.com/fish/chhuil/chhuil.htm

here's anothe rof the pacific mackerel (greenie, greenback, mossback, etc)