Fish ID Help: Monterey fishing this past weekend

Gents and Ladies, I believe the attached pic are both large Mackerel, but...I wanted to confirm ID. Caught them off a kayak by the yellow buoy by Monterey Bay Kayaks. One took a 1/0 hook with half a squid on the bottom I was using to try for Halibut. They were fairly thick, and I know what macks look like, but they just looked different. Darker eyes, and more defined ridges by the tail fin. With the Bonita being taken out of Santa Cruz, I thought I would at least ask. Oh...and btw, these guys put up a fight like too! Loads of fun, and we nearly got it to tow our tandem kayak! LOL

Thanks in advance.

They look like trophy mackerel to me. Monterey Mack bite has been hot! Nice score

Mack's if you ask me.

Definitely Mackerel

Thanks Gents. Problem Solved. Was hoping it could be more! 

Appreciate the help brothers!

They are pacific mackerel, also known as chub mackerel.  Not same as jack mackerel, jackerel (i just made that up)

There were a few out there tonight

Can't believe they're still out in Monterey bay. They usually leave by around Oct/Nov and come back around may

Going to try & hit it tomorrow night with the kids.  The big macs kicked off at about 8:30 tonight.  12-14" with some power in em!  Furbags were thick too!  Lots of commotion on & off the water when someone on the beach fired off a red distress flare.

Nice catch. Caught a few off the pier this evening.  Picked up about 15 or so. Dumped my bucket Into my friends when we got back to my house. Hoping to try them smoked after he prepares them in a few days

will be hitting the Bay this weekend for some marks.
Nice pick's and thanks for sharing

Monterey Bay is definitely alive right now.

There have even been a few sightings of sea lions tossing salmon around.

Can't wait 'til April...

Thanks guys! The fishing was really good even off the Kayak. We were on the right side of the fishing Wharf.  Some of the big ones are out deeper, near the end of the wharf. We hung out at the outer yellow bouy and just drifted and in the late afternoon, and they were on fire. We were picking up Macks and Herring. My son caught around 75 fish between both days... If on the Wharf, make sure you reel fast. The furbags are literally chasing the fish on the lines as people reel up... We did not have any problems on the Kayak... but then again, I have a speargun    (Kidding).

Lots of fun for kids!!! Sabiki rigs, number 4 or 6 hooks... consider a strip of squid on the hook. One tip...consider cutting the rigs to just a few hooks vs the 5 or 6. That may reduce the number of birds nests caused by getting more than one on the line...

-Quinn

Glad you guys are getting in on the mack action, but I sure hope they move along before the salmon opener. They love to chew up your expensive tray anchovies and herring!

Lots of memory's catching those of my grandfather's boat. He would always like to clean and slice them up sashimi style right in the galley after we bring them in just a touch of wasabi and soy YUM! I am not a big mackerel eater these days but those memory's make my mouth water. I bet they would be great smoked as well.