Head-to-head
Northern Pike vs Atlantic Mackerel
How the tackle for northern pike and atlantic mackerel compares, and whether one setup can reasonably cover both.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (free licences) — credits on each species page.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Side by side
Tackle comparison
| Northern Pike | Atlantic Mackerel | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Regions | UK, EU, US, CA | UK, EU, US, CA |
| Typical weight | 3–20 lb | 0.5–2 lb |
| Main line | 30–65 lb | 8–15 lb |
| Rod | Heavy, fast action, 7–9 ft | Light to Medium spinning or light beachcaster, 7–10 ft |
| Reel | 4000–6000 spinning, or a strong baitcaster | 3000–5000 spinning |
| Hooks | Size 2–6 treble hooks on wire traces; 4/0–6/0 singles for deadbait | Size 1–4 on feathers or small spinners |
| Best conditions | Cool water, autumn through early spring; overcast, stable pressure. | Summer and early autumn when shoals are inshore, especially on high tides and at dawn and dusk. |
Verdict
Can one setup do both?
Line ranges don't overlap
Northern Pike typically needs 30–65 lb line and atlantic mackerel 8–15 lb. The gap is big enough that separate outfits are the sensible choice.
Shared methods
Techniques that work for both
Spinning with Lures
Casting and retrieving spinners, spoons or small soft plastics on light spinning tackle.
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