How to Get Horse Mackerel in Animal Crossing – Fishing is one of the most relaxing and rewarding activities in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Among the various fish you can catch, the Horse Mackerel is one of the more common ones, making it an ideal target for beginners and seasoned players alike. While it’s not the rarest catch, understanding when, where, and how to catch it can make your fishing experience more enjoyable.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about catching a Horse Mackerel, its uses, and tips for maximizing your fishing success.

What Is a Horse Mackerel in Animal Crossing?

The Horse Mackerel is a small, saltwater fish available year-round in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While it may not be the most valuable or unique fish, it plays a role in completing your museum’s fish collection and can be a quick way to earn Bells.

Why Catch a Horse Mackerel?

Here are a few reasons why you might want to catch this fish:

• Complete the Museum Collection: Donate the Horse Mackerel to Blathers at the museum to complete your fish exhibit.
• Craft Fish Bait Recipes: Some crafting recipes, like the Fish Door Plate, require Horse Mackerel.
• Sell for Bells: While not highly valuable, selling multiple Horse Mackerels can add up quickly if you’re looking to make extra Bells.
• Daily Tasks: Catching common fish like the Horse Mackerel can help fulfill Nook Miles+ goals, which reward you with extra points.

When Can You Catch a Horse Mackerel?

The Horse Mackerel is one of the more accessible fish to catch in the game, as it is:

• Available Year-Round: You don’t have to wait for specific seasons.
• All-Day Availability: You can catch this fish at any time, day or night.
• This flexibility makes it an easy target for players regardless of their in-game schedule.

Where in Animal Crossing Can I Catch Horse Mackerel?

The Horse Mackerel is found in the ocean, which surrounds your island. Here’s what you need to do:

• Head to the Shoreline: Look for small fish shadows swimming near the water’s edge.
• Check the Fish Shadow Size: Horse Mackerels have small-sized shadows, so you don’t need to cast your line for larger ones.
• Avoid Rivers and Ponds: This fish is exclusively found in the ocean, so fishing in rivers or ponds won’t yield any results.

How to Catch a Horse Mackerel

1. Equip a Fishing Rod

To catch any fish in Animal Crossing, you’ll need a fishing pole. A variety of fishing rod varieties are available, including:

• Flimsy Fishing Rod: Crafted using 5 tree branches.
• Fishing Rod: Upgraded version of the flimsy rod, lasts longer.
• Tip: If your rod breaks, visit Resident Services to craft or buy a new one.

2. Look for Small Shadows

When you’re at the beach, walk along the shoreline and look for small fish shadows in the water. These are the likely candidates for Horse Mackerels.

Hint: Don’t waste time casting your line for medium or large shadows; they are unlikely to be Horse Mackerels.

3. Cast Your Line

Position yourself in front of the fish shadow and press A to cast your fishing rod. Make sure your bobber lands close to the fish to grab its attention.

4. Wait for a Bite

Once the fish notices the bobber, it will nibble on it a few times before taking a full bite. Listen for the distinct “splash” sound and watch for the bobber to sink fully. Quickly press A to reel it in.

5. Repeat if Needed

If you don’t catch a Horse Mackerel on your first try, don’t worry. They are relatively common, so you’ll likely encounter one within a few attempts.

Tips for Catching Horse Mackerel

Here are some additional tips to help you catch Horse Mackerels more efficiently:

1. Use Fish Bait

Fish bait can help you spawn fish more quickly:

• You can dig up Manila Clams on the beach and use them to make bait.
• Scatter the bait in the ocean to attract fish instantly.

2. Avoid Rainy Days

• While Horse Mackerels are available year-round, rainy weather tends to attract rarer fish like Coelacanths. This might make it harder to encounter common fish.

3. Use Sound and Vibration

For beginners, it can be tricky to time the button press when the fish bites. Turn on your sound or hold the controller to feel the vibration as the fish bites.

4. Check Mystery Islands

If you’re visiting a Mystery Island using a Nook Miles Ticket, you can fish in the ocean there too. Horse Mackerels are just as common on these islands as they are on your home beach.

Selling Horse Mackerel

Once you’ve caught a Horse Mackerel, you can sell it for Bells.

• Price at Nook’s Cranny: 150 Bells each.
• Selling in Bulk: While a single Horse Mackerel isn’t very valuable, catching and selling them in bulk can earn you a decent profit.

Pro Tip: If CJ visits your island, sell your fish to him for a 1.5x profit boost.

Donating to the Museum

After catching your first Horse Mackerel, head to the museum and donate it to Blathers. He’ll happily accept it and add it to the fish exhibit.

Using Horse Mackerel for Crafting

While not as versatile as other materials, Horse Mackerels are used in certain DIY recipes. One notable recipe is the Fish Door Plate, which can be displayed on your home.

Tip: Save a few extra Horse Mackerels in your storage for crafting needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fishing in the Wrong Location:
Remember, Horse Mackerels are found in the ocean, not rivers or ponds.

Ignoring Fish Shadow Size:
Casting your line for larger shadows will waste time if you’re specifically looking for Horse Mackerels.

Overlooking Fish Bait:
Always have fish bait on hand to save time, especially during limited fishing sessions.

Fun Facts About Horse Mackerel

• In real life, Horse Mackerels are part of the jack mackerel species and are common in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
• In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Blathers describes the Horse Mackerel as “a relatively small fish but quite bony,” making it less desirable as a food source.

Conclusion

The Horse Mackerel might be one of the most common fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but it’s still an essential part of the game. Whether you’re filling your museum’s collection, completing crafting recipes, or just looking to earn a few extra Bells, catching this fish is a straightforward and satisfying task.

By following this guide, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge needed to reel in as many Horse Mackerels as you want. So grab your fishing rod, head to the beach, and start casting your line today!