Saltwater · Winter on the east coast, peak December-February; shore fishery almost entirely in the cold months
Atka Mackerel
Pleurogrammus monopterygius
A large cold-water greenling of the North Pacific — despite the 'mackerel' name, a relative of the other Hexagrammos on this list. It is Korea's classic winter shore fish on the east coast: when the water is coldest, schools press onto the rocky headlands and piers of Gangwon-do, where anglers cast small jigs and bait fish. The east coast is the species' main Asian shore fishery; the Canadian and US inventories passed it over for North American greenlings.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- A single long dorsal fin — the species name monopterygius means 'one-finned'
- Five lateral lines, like its close relative the otakii greenling
- Olive-green to yellowish marbling, paler in winter
- Blunt head with a small mouth and thick lips
- To 22 in (55 cm) and the largest Hexagrammos in the North Pacific
Habits
- A cold-water fish that moves inshore with winter temperatures
- Feeds on small fish, shrimp and amphipods
- Spawns in summer over reefs — males guard the eggs
- Despite the 'mackerel' name it is a greenling (Hexagrammidae), no relation to tunas
- Schooling fish that may press close to shore at midday on mild winter days
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Sokcho headlands in January, Gangwon-do
- Gangneung piers in deep winter
- Yangyang rocky shores during cold snaps
Where they live
How to catch them
Winter jig casting from headlands Shore
Rig: 20-40 g metal jig or spoon cast from rock headlands and piers and hopped back over reef bottom
Bait/lure: Small jig or spoon (lure)
Key tip: Fish at midday on mild winter days when schools come close; keep the jig near the bottom.
Bait fishing off winter piers Rock fishing
Rig: Bottom rig with a whole small fish or strip fished at the pier base over reef and kelp
Bait/lure: Whole small fish or fish strips
Key tip: Fish after winter storms when the water is coloured; Atka mackerel hunt boldly close to the blocks then.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Medium 7-9 ft shore or reef spinning rod
- Line: 14-20 lb braid with fluorocarbon leader
- Terminal: 20-40 g jigs and spoons, hooks size 1-2/0 for bait
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 12-16 in (30-40 cm); large fish to 22 in (55 cm)
On the table
Rich, oily white flesh valued grilled in winter Gangwon-do; high oil content means it spoils fast.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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