King mackerel, also known as kingfish or smokers, are a prized catch for good reason. They grow very quickly and can sometimes grow to be as large as six feet long. They aren’t the easiest to land, as they tend to put up a fight, and their sharp teeth often chew right through the line. So bringing in a really big one is definitely a feat worth celebrating!
But, with that said, fishing for king mackerel isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think — especially with the right approach and equipment. Here are some tips to get you started, so you can successfully land your own prize-worthy king mackerel.
Where to Find King Mackerel
King mackerel can sometimes be tricky to locate, as they like to keep moving. In general, you can find them offshore in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. King mackerel migrate according to the seasons, swimming northward during warmer months and southward for the winter.
But the real key to finding them is to follow their food. Anywhere bait fish gather — for example, around underwater structures like wrecks, reefs, drop-offs, etc. — is a good place to look for king mackerel, too.
How to Catch King Mackerel
When fishing for king mackerel, there are two challenging characteristics of theirs to look out for:
- King mackerel have excellent eyesight. This means they can spot a fishing line more easily than many other types of fish, especially if the visibility underwater is very clear.
- They have lots of very sharp teeth. You’ll want to keep an eye on your fishing line and your bait when fishing for king mackerel, as they have been known to bite through lines or tear off pieces of the bait without getting hooked. You’ll also want to take care once you’ve hooked one and hauled it onboard, so you don’t get bitten.
While some people have success trolling at high speeds, most tend to agree that trolling very slowly with live bait is best for catching king mackerel. Make sure you use plenty of line, as king mackerel tend to run with it once they’re hooked.
The Best Bait for King Mackerel
As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the bait you use, the bigger the king mackerel you’re likely to catch — smaller bait just doesn’t seem to appeal to them. And the livelier the bait, the easier it will be to catch their attention.
A combination of live bait and chumming is often going to be your best bet, with blue runners being a common favorite for live bait to catch king mackerel. If you use chum, be sure to let it out just a little at a time, to keep the kingfish following you for more.
In addition to live bait, bright, flashy spoons or plugs are also common choices.
King Mackerel: The Bigger, the Better!
One downside to king mackerel is that their meat tends to be oily and isn’t great for freezing. Still, it can be quite tasty when fresh.
In any case, the greater appeal in catching king mackerel has to do with their size and popularity as a game fish. There are even entire tournaments dedicated to catching the biggest king mackerel of them all.
Whether you’re competing or just having fun with friends and family, fishing for king mackerel offers plenty of thrills, suspense, and satisfaction. Just how big of a catch can you bring home? You’ll never know until you try!
