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The King Mackerel’s primary
range is from Virginia to the Florida Keys and though out
the Gulf of Mexico. The high jumping fast running fish can
be found very close to shore allow just about anyone land
one. They can be caught from piers and even the beach. Their
depth range is from 5 feet to 300 feet. They can be found
hanging around wreck, inlets, jetties and piers.
Baitfish is a major clue for locating kingfish.
Ocean currents and other current flows are another
attractant allowing Kingfish to ambush its prey. Any
structure that will hold baitfish is another hot spot in
locating these silver torpedoes.
Seasonal migration patterns and water
temperatures have a lot to do with the location of Kingfish.
In the winter, the Florida Key is the place to be. Off the
South Carolina coast, they can be found in deep water and
then they move in during the spring. In the Gulf, summer is
the time to work the jetties.
Ballyhoo, Ribbonfish, blue runners, menhaden,
and cigar minnows are the typical natural baits for King
Mackerel. Swimming plugs and sliver spoons are also proven
lures when trolled or cast in known territory.
Slow trolling is the best way to catch large
Kingfish. Your live bait should be healthy and lively. You
should, if possible, catch your bait the morning of fishing.
Your bait well should have plenty of water flow and you
should replace tired bait with fresh bait. You should try to
cover the vertical water column using downriggers.
Drifting can also produce large fish around
wreck, inlets and jetties. The baits are allowed to swim
freely and you can also use downriggers to cover different
depths.
Remember, King Mackerel have many teeth and
wire leader is a must. Use the smallest diameter you can. |
