Mackerel Fishing

Mackerel fishing thrives in summer, when shoals chase smaller fish close to shore. They are caught with handlines or drift nets, their shimmering green-blue bodies often described in local lore as “the jewels of the sea.” Llyngor is known for its seasonal mackerel feasts, where fish are grilled on large community fires on the beaches and eaten with bread and ale. In the 19th century, mackerel was the everyday fish of the working class, easy to catch and quick to spoil, making it both a staple and a challenge. The railway solved that problem: trains sped fresh mackerel inland, and the fish became a common sight even on urban tables. Today, while not as commercially dominant as herring or oysters, mackerel remains beloved both for its flavor and for the lively festivals that celebrate its arrival.

Mackerel fishing – Llyngor c1920